05-18-2011, 11:10 AM
SPOKANE-Want to learn to fish but don't know how to get started?
Spokane-area adults who want to try their hand at lake fishing have an opportunity to pick up pointers from experienced anglers during a free session Saturday, June 11.<br />
The "Fishing 101" class coincides with Free Fishing Weekend June 11 and 12-the only time of the year when fishing licenses are not required in Washington. On those two days, fishing licenses are not required to fish any Washington water open to fishing, although all other rules apply.<br />
During the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. class, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Inland Northwest Wildlife Council (INWC) volunteers will teach adults the basics of fishing at Bunkers Resort on Williams Lake in southwest Spokane County.<br />
Registration for limited spaces in the free clinic is being taken on a first come, first served basis through June 3. Interested adults 16 years or older can register by e-mailing teamspokane@dfw.wa.gov ; by calling (509) 892-1001 or by visiting or writing to WDFW's regional office at 2315 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216. Registration requires name, address, phone number and e-mail address if available; all information is used only for confirmation and directions.<br />
With both classroom and on-the-water time, INWC volunteers will teach basic fishing equipment, methods, where and when to go fishing and how to clean and cook a catch.<br />
"Fishing is a great way to slow down, get outdoors, create memories and eat fresh, local food," said Madonna Luers, a WDFW public information officer in Spokane.<br />
"With the help of volunteers, we can offer newcomers this opportunity to try the sport for free."<br />
Information about fishing basics can be found on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/fish-local/ . A county-by-county guide to fishing in Washington is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/prospects/ .<br />
About 832,000 Washington residents, or about 13 percent of the state's population, are currently licensed recreational anglers. Except on Free Fishing Weekend, fishing licenses are required of those 15 years of age and older.<br />
Fishing seasons and rules are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ . Information on fishing license vendor locations across the state and on-line license sales is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/ .
Spokane-area adults who want to try their hand at lake fishing have an opportunity to pick up pointers from experienced anglers during a free session Saturday, June 11.<br />
The "Fishing 101" class coincides with Free Fishing Weekend June 11 and 12-the only time of the year when fishing licenses are not required in Washington. On those two days, fishing licenses are not required to fish any Washington water open to fishing, although all other rules apply.<br />
During the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. class, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Inland Northwest Wildlife Council (INWC) volunteers will teach adults the basics of fishing at Bunkers Resort on Williams Lake in southwest Spokane County.<br />
Registration for limited spaces in the free clinic is being taken on a first come, first served basis through June 3. Interested adults 16 years or older can register by e-mailing teamspokane@dfw.wa.gov ; by calling (509) 892-1001 or by visiting or writing to WDFW's regional office at 2315 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216. Registration requires name, address, phone number and e-mail address if available; all information is used only for confirmation and directions.<br />
With both classroom and on-the-water time, INWC volunteers will teach basic fishing equipment, methods, where and when to go fishing and how to clean and cook a catch.<br />
"Fishing is a great way to slow down, get outdoors, create memories and eat fresh, local food," said Madonna Luers, a WDFW public information officer in Spokane.<br />
"With the help of volunteers, we can offer newcomers this opportunity to try the sport for free."<br />
Information about fishing basics can be found on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/fish-local/ . A county-by-county guide to fishing in Washington is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/prospects/ .<br />
About 832,000 Washington residents, or about 13 percent of the state's population, are currently licensed recreational anglers. Except on Free Fishing Weekend, fishing licenses are required of those 15 years of age and older.<br />
Fishing seasons and rules are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ . Information on fishing license vendor locations across the state and on-line license sales is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/ .