If you have a group of 10 kids or more — or can round up a group that size from among your family and friends — you may be able to schedule a free fishing clinic this summer through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Great Plains Nature Center.
The clinics will be held at a stocked pond at the Great Plains Nature Center. Instruction will include learning how to fish with a cane pole using a worm as bait, water safety, and basic fish identification. All equipment and bait will be provided for the clinic, and each child will receive a free tackle box to take home.
Your group doesn’t have to be associated with any organization. In fact, KDWP Fisheries Biologist Jessica Mounts, who teaches the free fishing clinics, is enthusiastic about groups of parents coming along with their kids. “I encourage parents to fish alongside the kids,” says Mounts. She also says that parents are not required to have a fishing license in order to participate in one of the KDWP fishing clinics.
Clinics will be scheduled during the day on weekdays from about mid-May through August. If you’re interested, you’ll want to call soon because Mounts says the schedule usually fills up quickly. Pre-registration is required. Dates are subject to availability.
For more information, call 683-8069 or follow @FishWichita on Twitter.
Related info: Kansas Fishing License Requirements and Fees
Jessica Mounts, aka @KSfishgirl on Twitter