Learning how to fish is fun, easy and free for youngsters and families throughout Illinois this summer thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban Fishing Program.  Free fishing clinics are planned at this year’s Illinois State Fair’s “Conservation World” with 5 clinics being held daily from August 13th through the 22nd in Springfield where sun fish will be available for catching in a fabricated pond.

According to IDNR Director Marc Miller, the free Urban Fishing Program clinics are targeted toward children ages 16 and younger, but anyone interested in learning basic fishing techniques is welcomed to attend. Parents and grandparents are urged to come along and attend with their children.

IDNR Central Illinois Urban Fishing Program Coordinator Herb Dreier stated that the fishing clinic instructors will present information on fish and other aquatic life, rules and regulations for fishing, as well as basic instruction on baiting a hook, tying a knot, casting, important tactics on how to catch fish and how to handle and return fish to the water.

As part of each clinic, participants are provided with rods, reels, bait and tackle for 90 minutes of catch-and-release fishing.

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