Missouri Department of Conservation offers youth and adults an opportunity to discover fishing

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The Missouri Department of Conservation will give youth and adults an opportunity to discover fishing during free classes offered June 28-29 in Van Buren.

This is part of the Discover Nature series.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided at no cost.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and older, but the entire family is encouraged to participate, according to a press release from MDC. Adults who do not wish to fish must always accompany their children. Participants do not need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

The classes are:

• Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 1 & 2 | When: 8:30 – 11 a.m. on June 28 | Where: Miller Lake, Miller Lake Road, Van Buren | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/191466

• Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 3 & 4 | When: 8:30 – 11 a.m. on June 29 | Where: Miller Lake, Miller Lake Road, Van Buren | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/191467 | Note: You must take Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Lessons will include

Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel — Learn how to cast safely and successfully, how to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line, and learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.

Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook — This class combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish – Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle — This course combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout.

Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. You must take Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations — This combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather, and water conditions. Participants will also learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

You must take Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Each participant must register for this program individually. Registration is recommended and can be completed online.

For additional information or questions about the programs listed, contact MDC Community Education Assistant LuAnn Conway at LuAnn.Conway@mdc.mo.gov, or by calling (573) 325-1381, ext. 6031.

For fishing tips and more information on Discover Nature – Fishing programs, visit mdc.mo.gov.