Free family fishing clinics slated throughout summer

            Families looking to enjoy the approaching summer outdoors should learn about the sport of fishing at one of many free clinics hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
            Through the Wildlife Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program (AREP), kids and adults can choose from courses held near urban areas throughout the state this summer to learn about fishing, an activity that has remained popular throughout history.
            Oklahoma has thousands of miles of shoreline along its many lakes, rivers, streams and ponds, and many of them are close to urban areas and open to the public for angling. The AREP program is designed to help people get a start in the sport so they can take advantage of the many fishing opportunities available to them.
            According to Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for the Wildlife Department, the free clinics will benefit families trying to learn about the sport as well as those looking for easy and affordable opportunities to spend time with family.
            “The family fishing clinics are a great opportunity for families to have an activity they can all do together,” Springer said.
            The Aquatic Resource Education Program will hold classes starting in May and running through August, many of which will be held at the Wildlife Department's Arcadia Conservation Education Area in Edmond or the Zebco Pond in Tulsa. Others will be held at local ponds in Oklahoma City and in Jenks. A full course listing is available on the Wildlife Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com. Pre-registration for each course is required and can be done by calling the phone number listed with each course.
            The Aquatic Resources Education Program is the Department's means to promote the sport of fishing and aquatic resource awareness as well as a way to give youth, regardless of family situation, an opportunity to learn about Oklahoma's aquatic environments and how to fish.
            Developed in 1988, the program's objectives are to increase the understanding, appreciation, and awareness of Oklahoma's aquatic resources; facilitate the learning of angling skills, outdoor ethics, and sportfishing opportunities in the state; enhance urban fishing opportunities; develop adult fishing clinics and provide information on specialized fishing techniques.
            These one-day events present information on such topics as fish identification, knot-tying, fish cleaning and cooking, fishing tackle selection and use, water safety, outdoor ethics and more.
            Most clinics, including Lake Arcadia family fishing clinics, include fishing at a nearby pond or lake.
            According to Springer, the fishing clinics will benefit youth as well as play an important role of the future of Oklahoma's outdoor heritage.
            “Children are the future of fishing,” Springer said. “We need to get them involved any chance we get. These clinics give us the chance to introduce those young and old to the sport.”
            For more information about the Aquatic Resources Education Program, log on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com./aquated2.htm

 

 
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