MDC offers free virtual class on handcrafting crankbaits Aug. 18

MDC will offer an online virtual class on making
 a balsa-wood crankbait Aug. 18.
Participants will be mailed a kit with lure making materials,
 and they must provide some tools and supplies
 such as pliers, glue, and paint.
 Registration is requested by Aug. 2.

Participants will build a balsa wood crankbait to catch fish such as bass

Kansas City, Mo. – Anglers can go fishing with lures of their own design if they don’t mind some wood carving, glue tasks, and fine-brush paint chores. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free virtual online class for making a balsa wood crankbait from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The crankbait will be suitable for catching fish such as largemouth bass or panfish.

This class is open to participants age 12 and older. Class size is limited to 20 participants. They are asked to register online by Aug. 2.

MDC will mail a lure kit to participants that includes materials such as balsa wood, eyelets, hooks, and a plastic crankbait bill. The kit will also include a list of tools or materials the participant must provide such as glue, pliers, and sandpaper. They may start carving on the lure prior to the class.

Participants will be sent an email with a WebEx link just prior to the class startup. To register for this crankbait building class, visit MDC events signup at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z8z.

Discover Nature Fishing sessions offered in KC area

Kansas City, 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.

   Discover Nature Fishing will be offered in the Kansas City area as a series of four classes. The two-hour class sessions will cover all aspects of fishing. They include:

·        Session one: equipment, casting and proper fish handling.

·        Session two: how to rig a pole with tackle such as hooks, sinkers and bobbers, and how to bait a hook and what bait works for which fish species.

·        Session three: aquatic biology, ecology and conservation.

·        Session four: how and when to use various types of artificial lures to catch fish.

    Sessions one and two will be presented 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, June 21, at the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs. These sessions are limited to the first 25 people to register. Participants may register by calling 816-622-0900.

   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. Those interested in volunteering may also call MDC’s Kansas City Regional Office at 816-622-0900.

   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.

   One advantage, Missouri is a great place to fish. For more information on fishing and conservation see http://www.mdc.mo.gov.