Discover Nature — Fishing offers families with children between the ages of 7 and 15 a hands-on introduction into angling.
It's more than breaking out the tackle box. That's why the department is looking for experienced anglers who are ready to lead the next generation of Missouri anglers.
- Lesson one: Equipment, Casting, and Proper Fish Handling
- Lesson two: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
- Lesson three: Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
- Lesson four: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations
- Classes are free
- No permits or additional paperwork required
- Bait and equipment provided
Enrollees must take lesson one to be eligible for later lessons. However, lessons two, three, and four may be taken in any order once lesson one has been completed.
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What to Expect
- Each class is approximately two hours and will include indoor and outdoor segments.
- Separate registration required for each participant
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- All registrants are expected to participate
Both the child and the accompanying adult(s) must be registered for classes in order to attend.
Due to limited space and seating, only those registered for a class may attend.
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What to Bring Along
All supplies and fishing equipment will be provided. However, you might want to bring the following:
- Water bottle
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Insect repellent
- Notebook and pencil
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Cancellation or Withdrawal
Bad Weather:
In the event of class cancellation or rescheduling, registrants will be notified by either phone or email.
Withdraw from a Class:
To withdraw, navigate to My Events, log in, then select “cancel registration.” Remember that this will have to be done for every participant registered for the class.
Fishing Classes
Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.
This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted later). Participants will learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. This program will take place at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.
Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.
This program will cover Lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after Lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed Lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.
Come join us to learn fishing basics!
Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Fishing equipment and bait/lures will be provided.
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
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Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30