The state Department of Conservation program on how to teach fishing is coming to Festus. The three-hour workshop is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Festus/Crystal City Conservation Club, 2567 Hwy. 61, near the intersection with I-55.
Discover Nature Fishing consists of four progressive lessons that start with basic equipment instruction and lead to field trips that challenge students to land specific species. During the workshop, teachers will learn how to present lessons for casting and catching.
“Fishing is a great way to engage students in outdoor pursuits and in learning about conservation,” said Conrad Mallady, an education specialist with the conservation department.
Spring is one of the best times of the year for fishing and the upcoming summer vacation from school is an ideal time to introduce new anglers to the sport.
“With the regular school year drawing to a close and summer school ready to begin, now is the perfect time to prepare for school fishing field experiences,” Mallady said.
The program includes lessons on how rods and reels work, what goes in a tackle box, baiting a hook, proper fish handling, fish identification and species-specific habitat. The program also highlights how to develop confidence, reduce stress and improve overall health through fishing.
The Discover Nature Fishing Instructor Guide includes information on using the program equipment and how to schedule a fishing trip. Detailed teaching strategies and instructional best practices are woven throughout the lessons to help educators engage students mentally and physically and guide them toward mastering key fishing skills, a department press release said.
Fishing as a part of an education curriculum can work with a physical education lifetime sports class, or as a science or environmental studies segment. With more than 200 species of fish in Missouri and dozens classified as game fish, identifying differences is a significant lesson. Learning about the importance of protecting the streams, lakes and ponds where they live has positive repercussions for all.
“The unit can be integrated into school curriculum to provide instruction that helps students gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own,” Mallady said.
Minimal start-up costs are the best part about Discover Nature Fishing for local schools. The teacher education workshop is free, the necessary equipment is provided through a no-cost loan program and transportation grants are available to help cover the cost of taking students to a fishing spot. The only required investment is that teachers must have a valid fishing permit ($13 per year) if they are less than 65 years old.
The three-year renewable equipment loan program provides up to 25 Zebco 33 rod and reel combinations for the class. Teachers must submit an annual report on program implementation and equipment use to maintain the agreement.
The instructional materials are appropriate for students in grades three through 12. Online registration is required, and teachers must create an account with the conservation department portal to participate. To create a new account, go to short.mdc.mo.gov/ZyP. To register for the May 2 class, teachers should log in at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zyd.
For more information, email Conrad.Mallady@mdc.mo.gov or call 314-577-9555, ext. 76044.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.