MDC offers free Discover Nature — Fishing classes during August in Kansas City area

Kansas City, Mo. – So many fish and different ways to catch them, that’s one reason fishing is fun. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a variety of free Discover Nature — Fishing classes during August in the Kansas City metro area. These programs will teach you how to go fishing or how to catch a new species for fun or food.

For example, MDC will offer a class called Utilizing Missouri's Abundant Rough Fish from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Burr Oak Woods Educational Pond in Blue Springs. Calling them rough is perhaps because their bone structure requires specific techniques for cleaning to make the best fillets or portions. Participants will learn about catching, cleaning, and eating buffalo, longnose gar, and silver carp. Fish to dress will be on hand.

“Then we’ll use those fish to prepare some delicious recipes for everyone to sample,” said John Rittel, MDC community education assistant. “Anglers already catch these fish, they are plentiful and readily available. They are also excellent table fare. Unfortunately, most people just don't know how to clean and prepare them so often they aren't utilized like they could be.”

This program is for ages 9 and older. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZjP.

Keeping fishing easy can make it more fun. For example, it’s back to the basics with Cane Pole Fishing for Families from 9 to 11:30 on Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Prairie Hollow Educational Lake. This simple method of fishing can be quite effective. This session will include a cane pole fishing lesson followed by fishing. MDC will provide the poles, hooks, and bait. Youths 14 and under will get to take a cane pole rigged and ready for fishing home with them. This program is for ages 3 and older. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zjd.

MDC’s four-part Discover Nature — Fishing lessons mix instruction with actual fishing. Experts help newcomers learn to handle tackle and catch fish. Participants will not need a fishing permit during classes. MDC will provide tackle and bait, or participants can bring their own for catch-and-release fishing. These classes are for participants age 7 and older. Youths between the ages of 7 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Discover Nature — Fishing lesson 1 will be offered from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Aug. 21, at MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Educational Pond in Blue Springs. Participants will learn about spin casting fishing combos, how to cast, basic tackle, and how to catch and release a fish. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZjW.
• Discover Nature — Fishing lesson 2 will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Burr Oak Woods Educational Pond. Participants will learn how to tie an improved clinch knot, rig a fishing rod, bait a hook, handle a fish, and stock a tackle box. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zjm.
• Discover Nature — Fishing lessons 3 and 4 will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, at the Burr Oak Woods Educational Pond. Participants will learn about common Missouri fish and how they live, about using artificial lures, and about fishing regulations. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zjs.

COVID-19 precautions will be followed at these classes. MDC offers a variety of outdoor education programs in the Kansas City region. To find one near you, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZHr.

For more information about fishing in Missouri, visit Fishing | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov).