Learn to fish with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Aquatic Resources Education Program (AREP).
“There is a lot of great fishing in Oklahoma, but if you have never been introduced to the sport, it can be beneficial to have some help,” said Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “One of our family fishing clinics, held throughout the summer, is a great place to start.”
Starting May 20, the aquatic education program will host the free family fishing clinics from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening through Aug. 12. Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling (405) 521-3855.
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 or seminars 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.
Family fishing clinics are also available in the Tulsa area at the Oklahoma Aquarium’s Zebco Pond. For more information call the Wildlife Department’s Jenks office at (918) 299-2334.
For more information about the Aquatic Resources Education Program, log on to the Department’s Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.