MDC helps families learn fishing skills with free class April 9 at Blue Springs

MDC will offer Lesson 1 in the Discover Nature —
Fishing series on May 9 at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center
in Blue Springs.

Learn about angling equipment and techniques at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

Kansas City, Mo. – Fishing is a great way for people to connect with nature in the springtime. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free fishing lesson from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 9, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. This class is Lesson 1 from MDC’s Discover Nature — Fishing series, which offers classroom instruction followed by fishing with an instructor’s help. MDC provides all the equipment needed and no fishing permit is required.

Participants will learn how to properly cast lures or bait with a spin casting rod and reel. Instructor John Rittel, MDC community education assistant, will talk about the various equipment types used in fishing and how to use them. Rittel will cover how to properly handle and release a fish. Participants will then go fishing at a pond at Burr Oak Woods.

This class is for participants ages 7 and older. All youths under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed. Registration for each participant is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4JW.

MDC’s Discover Nature — Fishing program is offered in a free four-lesson series that teaches and coaches new anglers. Participants gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. MDC will offer lessons throughout the state from now into autumn. To learn more about the program and to find lessons offered near you, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zty.

MDC offers family fishing class in Columbia

Discover Nature – Fishing builds upon basics with lessons about angling gear, fishing skills, fish biology, and angling regulations. Lessons are based on hands-on methods and MDC provides equipment and instructors.

Discover nature by learning the basics of fishing for free Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31.

COLUMBIA, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids to gain the skills and confidence to go fishing by participating in a Discover Nature—Fishing class Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bass Pro Shops, 3101 Bass Pro Drive in Columbia. MDC is also holding a class Oct. 30 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 31from 10 a.m. to noon at the same location.

The classes are free and all fishing gear is provided. Registration is required by Oct. 23. Participants must attend the Oct. 23 class to be prepared for the hands-on fishing activitiesOct. 24. Participants must also attend the Oct. 30 class to be prepared for hands-on fishingOct. 31.

This program will cover all the basics of fishing including the following four lessons:

• 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- Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
• Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations

Lessons 1 and 2 will be taught on Oct. 23, and participants will get to fish Oct. 24. Lessons 3 and 4 will be taught Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 will be a hands-on fishing day.

The primary focus of Discover Nature—Fishing program is kids 7-15 years of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement. MDC encourages parents and guardians of youths 16 and over to participate in the program.  All youths must be accompanied by an adult.

“The Discover Nature—Fishing program is based on studies that show a single exposure to an activity is rarely enough to make a lasting impression.  It requires multiple contacts with that activity to get someone to stick with it,” said MDC Angler Education Assistant Don Rahm. “Instead of being a one-time, get in/get out experience, this program provides participants opportunities to get out and catch fish, learn different aspects of fishing, and ultimately acquire a lifestyle.”

Register for the event online at http://bit.ly/1MOzUrm or by contactingDon.Rahm@mdc.mo.gov. For more information about the Discover Nature—Fishing event call (573) 815-7900.

Don't let inexperience keep you and your kids from enjoying Missouri's great outdoors. Browse the events calendar on the MDC website: http://mdc.mo.gov/node/27175, or call your local Department of Conservation office to find out when Discover Nature — Fishing classes are available.

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Family fishing class in Jefferson City

Discover nature by learning the basics of fishing for free Aug. 28-29. (NOTE: High-Res image available at http://mdc.mo.gov/node/31069.)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids to gain the skills and confidence to go fishing by participating in a Discover Nature—Fishing class Aug. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Missouri Department of Conservation Office, 2701 W Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City.

The classes are free and all fishing gear is provided. Registration is required by Aug 27. Participants must attend the Aug. 28 class to be prepared for the hands-on fishing activitiesAug. 29.

This program will cover all the basics of fishing including the following four lessons:

• 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- Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
• Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations

The primary focus of Discover Nature—Fishing program is kids 7-15 years of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement. MDC encourages parents and guardians of youths 16 and over to participate in the program. All youths must be accompanied by an adult.

"The Discover Nature—Fishing program is based on studies that show a single exposure to an activity is rarely enough to make a lasting impression. It requires multiple contacts with that activity to get someone to stick with it," said MDC Angler Education Assistant Don Rahm. "Instead of being a one-time, get in/get out experience, this program provides participants opportunities to get out and catch fish, learn different aspects of fishing, and ultimately acquire a lifestyle."

Register for the event online at tinyurl.com/p5fk42q or by contactingDon.Rahm@mdc.mo.gov. For more information about the Discover Nature—Fishing event call (573) 815-7900.

Don't let inexperience keep you and your kids from enjoying Missouri's great outdoors. Browse the events calendar on the MDC website: mdc.mo.gov/node/27175%20, or call your local Department of Conservation office to find out when Discover Nature — Fishing classes are available.