Baztec Fishing & Outdoors

Baztec Fishing & Outdoors mission and goal is to create safe green spaces for BIPOC youth to enjoy fishing events and other engaging educational outdoor activities. 

Our BIPOC outdoor programs consist of a series of fishing events, seminars, and workshops that help to educate participants on rod and reel anatomy, proper knot tying, appropriate casting techniques, identifying fish species, and various fishing techniques to help catch and harvest specific fish species.

Each event is designed to cover a range of topics intended to enhance participants’ understanding of fishing and aquatic resource management. Key educational topics include: 

• Minnesota Fishing Rules and Regulations: An overview of the state’s fishing regulations, including harvest and possession limits as well as specific rules governing different types of fishing.
• Fish Ecology and Techniques: How the ecology of different fish species affect fishing strategies.  This includes discussions on techniques and tools tailored to catch and land specific fish species. 
• Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: Best practices for identifying and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. This includes practical steps anglers can take to protect the state’s aquatic ecosystems.
• Fishing Access and Resources: Information on fishing locations and resources for finding accessible fishing locations in Minnesota. 
• Angler Etiquette: Being courteous to other anglers, respectful treatment and handling of the fish, and care for the environment.
• Resource Management: Educating anglers on the benefits of fishing to support the management of Minnesota's aquatic resources and ways to uphold these efforts. 

Additionally, each event is followed by a questionnaire that gathers feedback used to refine the content and delivery of future events.

In the future, Baztec Fishing and Outdoors plans to expand its offerings by introducing new and exciting outdoor activities, including combined camping and fishing excursions as well as hunting, archery, hiking, birding, kayaking, canoeing, and biking.

Services Offered

• Community Outreach 
• Youth Fishing Programs 
• Family Fishing Programs
• Adult BIPOC Fishing Programs 
• Seminars
• Workshops 
• Birding 
• Hiking 
• Hunting

Staff Composition
1 Executive Director - male, BIPOC, bilingual
4 Professional Staff - 3 males, 1 female. All are BIPOC and bilingual

Cost to Participate
All of our organizations’ fishing and outdoor education programs and activities are free to participants and community members.

Contact Ray Ruiz — Executive Director ray@baztecfo.org (612) 296-2641 Website