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Plattsburg, Mo. -- Fishing is a great way for people to enjoy nature, especially children. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a new program to help kids and families gain angling skills and confidence. MDC's Discover Nature - Fishing Program is free and teaches participants about fishing tackle, methods and where to go.
MDC will offer upcoming Discover Nature - Fishing classes in July at the Ronald and Maude Hartell Conservation Area northeast of Plattsburg. Each class will be held on Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lessons One and Two will be offered on July 16; Lesson Three on July 23, and Lesson Four on July 30. Participants must take Lessons One and Two first in order to participate in the final two lessons.
These classes are open to youth ages 7 to 15 who desire to learn the basics about fishing. Each participant should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by July 11 by calling MDC's Northwest Regional Office in St. Joseph, 816-271-3100.
Discover Nature – Fishing builds upon basics with lessons about angling gear, fishing skills, fish biology and angling regulations. Classroom teaching is based on hands-on methods. Fishing will be available onsite on a catch-and-release basis. MDC will provide equipment and instructors. The area has fishing ponds, but in case of inclement weather the area has an indoor classroom.
The lesson outline includes:
Discover Nature - Fishing will be an ongoing program statewide, so watch for notices of future sessions. MDC also welcomes volunteer instructors to teach fishing skills to others. Anyone interested in volunteering to teach angling to youth can also call 816-271-3100.
Fishable waters are often found close to home, even in urban areas. Time and expense need not be barriers to going fishing. Tackle choices and methods can be simple and effective for catching fish. MDC's Discover Nature - Fishing Program is open to anyone who wishes to learn about the sport. Fishing is fun and gets people outdoors in fresh air and nature.
Missouri is a great place to fish. For more information on fishing and conservation see mdc.mo.gov.
