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GO Fish, Interpret and Share our Heritage!

Missouri Department of Conservation’s Angler Education Program

In a continuing effort to bring the citizens of Missouri closer to the fish, forest and wildlife that surrounds them, it is with great excitement the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces the GO FISH! angler education program. The program will introduce or reintroduce St. Louis area children to the wonderful world of fishing and encourage a greater appreciation of conservation. GO FISH! targets children ages 8-15 and provides instruction with fishing opportunities. The GO FISH! program is designed to take kids from first-timers to veteran anglers who understand the interactions of people with the aquatic environment.

GO FISH! is a comprehensive fishing program based on the “Seven Hooks.” Each “Hook” is a separate program covering different angling skills and techniques. A “Hook” lasts two hours—30 minutes of fishing instruction followed by 90 minutes of fishing.

GO FISH! Seven Hooks

1. Basic Fishing I

Fishing equipment basics, baiting techniques, casting

2. Basic Fishing II

Fish handling—(proper way to hold a largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill), knot tying—(Palomar knot and clinch knot)

3. Basic Fishing III

Fish identification—(largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, hybrid sunfish), Fish Biology—(fish anatomy, behavior, life cycle)

4. Lure Fishing

How to identify and use—spinner baits, crank baits, jigs, soft plastics and top water lures

5. Species Specific Fishing

Techniques and baits to specifically target—largemouth bass or channel catfish

6. Cleaning and Cooking

Proper and safe cooking and cleaning techniques, caring for your catch and securing a fish to a stringer. Note: Anglers will not participate in cooking or cleaning the fish. They will learn by demonstration from trained GO FISH! volunteers.

7. Aquatic Ecology, Conservation, & Ethics

Components of healthy aquatic communities-(fish, insects, plants, habitat, etc.), aquatic food webs, how regulations protect aquatic ecosystems and how anglers can impact aquatic conservation

Young anglers are encouraged to participate in all “Seven Hooks.” Upon completion of each “Hook,” anglers will receive a free piece of fishing equipment and information to help with their future fishing adventures. There is no charge to participate in the “Seven Hooks,” but you must register for each “Hook” you wish to attend and a parent or guardian must stay with the angler at all times.

GO FISH! programs are available April through September. Trout programs are available in early fall and late winter. An updated listing of GO FISH! program times, dates and locations are posted at the bottom of this webpage. To make a reservation for a GO FISH! program, please call 636/441-4554.

GO FISH! programs are available at four St. Louis area Conservation Fishing Centers: Bellefontaine Conservation Area, Forest Park, Suson Park and August A. Busch Conservation Area.

GO FISH! relies heavily upon dedicated volunteers who are enthusiastic about teaching young anglers all about fishing. Volunteers are trained by MDC and provided with everything needed to teach anglers the “Seven Hooks.” If you would like to become a GO FISH! volunteer, fill out the application and mail to:

Denise Otto, MDC Fisheries Biologist
Missouri Department of Conservation
2360 Highway D
St. Charles, MO 63304
(636) 300-1953 x243
Denise.Otto@mdc.mo.gov

All GO FISH! volunteers must attend GO FISH! Volunteer Training. Volunteer training will be held on April 25, 2009 at the Jim Tom Blair Building (St. Louis Regional Office) located in the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, call (636) 441-4554 to register. To find out more about GO FISH! Volunteer Training contact Denise Otto.

Once young anglers are hooked on fishing, it is critical that they continue to fish. Mentoring new anglers greatly increases the chance of transforming a new angler into a life-long angler. Mentors such as family members, conservation groups, boys/girls clubs, schools, YMCA and neighborhood associations will ensure fishing adventures for new anglers. GO FISH! offers a wide variety of options for individuals who wish to help with this program including:

• Mentoring
• Volunteering
• Donations of time, talent, materials or equipment

Donations such as: fishing equipment/materials, volunteer rewards, promotional donations, fishing event organization, or transportation will help ensure program success.

Monetary donations can be made to GO FISH! by making checks payable to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation and mailing to:

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
P.O. Box 366
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Please include a note that outlines your wishes for the donation to be used only for St. Louis-Region-Kids Fishing Program, account #A14-303T.

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