WINONA, Mo. – Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Discover Nature — Fishing offers families with children between the ages of 7 and 15 a hands-on introduction into angling, and you’re invited.

• Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 & 2 | 4 – 6 p.m. on March 18 at George O. White Nursery | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206407 | You must attend this course before registering for Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 and 4.
• Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 3 & 4 | 4 – 6 p.m. on March 20 at George O. White Nursery | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206408 | You must attend Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 course before registering for this course.

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 the 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, and various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.

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.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and older, but MDC encourages the entire family to participate. Adults who do not wish to fish must always accompany their child(ren). Participants do not need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Questions?

For additional information or questions about the programs listed, contact MDC Community Education Assistant LuAnn Conway at LuAnn.Conway@mdc.mo.gov.

George O. White Nursery is located at 14027 Shafer Road in Licking.