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This free program teaches
the basics of fishing to youths and families.
ST. LOUIS, Mo.—“If
people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a
shortage of fishing poles,” said cartoonist Doug Larson.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help
families and kids concentrate on the “important things in life” by helping them
to get out fishing. It has plenty of
fishing poles, too.
One of the biggest obstacles to trying a new activity,
however, is lack of knowledge. MDC’s
Discover Nature—Fishing program aims to help families and youths overcome that
obstacle by empowering them with all the knowledge they need to discover a
lifelong activity.
MDC is holding Discover Nature—Fishing classes this year at both
Forest Park in St. Louis and the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in
St. Charles.
Instead of being a one-time, get in/get out experience, Discover
Nature—Fishing consists of four progressive lessons that move newcomers through
all the basics of the sport, and gives them the knowledge and confidence to go
fishing on their own.
The main focus of Discover Nature—Fishing is kids 7-15 years
of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement and encourages parents,
guardians, and youths, 16 and over, to participate as well. All youths must be accompanied by an
adult. Adults new to fishing have the
opportunity to learn the basics right alongside their children. However, Discover Nature—Fishing is not
intended as an adult-only program.
The classes are free and all fishing equipment is
provided. Each class runs two
hours. After a lesson is taught
lake-side by trained Discover Nature—Fishing volunteers, participants then
spend an hour or more fishing, putting what they’ve learned into practice.
The four classes include:
- Equipment, Casting, and Proper Fish Handling
- How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
- Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy,
Habitat, and Life Cycle
- Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations
To find a list of program dates and times, visit the
Discover Nature-Fishing website at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZkB. Those interested in registering for a
Discover Nature-Fishing class, or becoming a volunteer instructor for the
program, should call 636-441-4554.
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