MDC invites youth, families to free fishing classes in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids and their families to a free, four-class series of fishing workshops in Columbia.  The Discover Nature – Fishing (DNF) workshops will cover the basics of fishing from tackle to knot-tying, and participants will gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. 

Each of the four lessons will focus on a different topic:

• Lesson 1 – Equipment, casting, and proper fish handling
• Lesson 2 – How to tie a knot and bait a hook
• Lesson 3 – Five common Missouri fish: anatomy, habitat, and lifecycle
• Lesson 4 – Fishing with lures and fishing regulations

These DNF classes will take place from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Oct. 2 – 11, at Bass Pro Lake, 3101 Bass Pro Drive. 

All DNF classes are free for registered participants and MDC will provide all needed equipment and supplies. 

“Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish and these classes will offer kids and families unique opportunities to get a hands-on education about fishing in Missouri.  They will also help enable young anglers to enjoy a lifetime of fishing fun as they grow older,” said MDC Angler Recruitment Technician Kylie Sellers. 

DNF programs focus primarily on reaching kids 7 – 15 years of age and emphasize family involvement.  All kids must be accompanied by an adult and all participants must preregister by visiting mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/159105.