Staff members at the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery in Oklahoma City, US, are getting ready to help metro-area youth get Hooked on Fishing.
Starting Saturday, boys and girls ages 5-15 can attend the city’s free fishing education program. Hooked on Fishing teaches knot tying, casting, fish identification, fishing safety and angler ethics, according to an Oklahoma City news release.
Classes are taught by staff and volunteer instructors with the city’s H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Classes are by reservation only, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 297-1426 to register. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before the class starts and bring something to drink and sun protection.
Fishing poles, tackle and bait are provided during class time. State fishing licenses and city fishing permits are not required during class time.
Outside of class time, a state license and city permit are required for all anglers between the ages of 16 and 62 who are not exempt for disability reasons. Permits cost $3.50 for a 24-hour permit or $18.50 for an annual permit.
The classes are part of the Close to Home Fishing Program, a cooperative fisheries management program that provides fishing opportunities in Oklahoma City. The free fishing clinics are a partnership between Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation, the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League, Metro Technology Centers and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
2017 Produced by NewsOK.com