MDC to co-host free fishing clinic Aug. 20 at Little River Conservation Area

KENNETT, MO -- A free fishing clinic for kids of all ages is scheduled for Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jerry P. Combs Lake on the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Little River Conservation Area.

Conservation Agent Eric Heuring says the event will help teach children to fish while also offering other outdoor activities. According to Heuring, a fishing clinic is a great way to help children and adults discover nature in a fun new way.

“Some adults maybe didn’t fish with their own parents as children and although they’d like to teach their children to fish now, they might not feel comfortable doing so,” Heuring said. “This event enables parents with all levels of fishing skills to bring their children, grab some bait and work with experienced anglers to find what works for them.”

This is the eighth year for the event, sponsored by the Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium (MBRC), Missouri Bootheel Healthy Start, the Fathers First Program and the MDC. MBRC will serve free food and drinks, and have fishing tackle available for use. These items are donated to the event by various community businesses and organizations.

Heuring said the free event is typically very successful, with more than 500 people attending in 2010. He said the partnership with MBRC is one way MDC is working to enrich Missouri’s economy and quality of life.

“Especially in today’s economy, this is a great chance to take the family out for a day of free fun outdoors,” Heuring said. “They’ll also learn something along the way.”

The Jerry P. Combs Lake is located three miles east of Kennett at the junction of highways 412 and NN.

For more information about this event, contact Henry Gordon with the MBRC at 1-888-317-4949.

For more information about fishing and other outdoor activities in your area go online to www.MissouriConservation.org.