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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for an exciting catfishing experience on the Mississippi River. MDC invites families to discover nature at a free catfish clinic at Ted Shanks and DuPont Reservation conservation areas in northeast Missouri on Aug. 19.
The clinic will begin at 8 a.m. with basic instruction on setline fishing techniques, including a hands-on tutorial on how to safely set trotlines and bank poles, properly label equipment, and handle and release fish. Following a river outing, participants will attend seminars on catfish biology led by an MDC biologist, and river fishing regulations led by a conservation agent, including a how-to presentation on using equipment.
“This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors together,” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Rob Garver. “Parents will learn right alongside their kids the ins and outs of river fishing for big cats. Biologists will be there to help the participants understand the life of the catfish, and MDC conservation agents will be there to help them understand the rules and regulations of catfishing. There are many methods for catching catfish, making this program a learning experience for both new and veteran anglers.”
Discover Nature programs are designed to help adults and children explore nature and master outdoor skills together. The Discover Nature: Catfish Clinic is free and open to ages 10 and older. All participants younger than 65 years old must possess a valid fishing permit, and participants ages 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. To attend this clinic, participants must preregister by Aug. 2 by completing the online form here: short.mdc.mo.gov/ZiB, or by contacting Garver at Rob.Garver@mdc.mo.gov or 660-785-2420.
Ted Shanks Conservation Area is located 17 miles south of Hannibal on Highway 79, then east on Route TT. It borders 8.75 miles of Mississippi River frontage, 4.75 miles of the Salt River and 2.25 miles of river bluffs. DuPont Reservation Conservation Area neighbors Ted Shanks to the north and adds another 1.5 miles of river frontage.
For more information about fishing opportunities on this or other conservation areas, visit huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.
