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MDC Discover Nature - Fishing classes offered in St. Joseph
St. Joseph, 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 Aug. 19, Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 in July at the MDC Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Drive, in St. Joseph. Each class will be held on Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lessons One and Two will be offered on Aug. 19; Lesson Three on Aug. 26, and Lesson Four on Sept. 2. Participants must take Lessons One and Two first in order to participate in the final two lessons.
These classes are free and 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 calling 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 lesson outline includes:
- 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
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.