Become A Certified Fishing Instructor In Salina

SALINA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Fishing's Future will host an Angler Education Instructor Certification Course on Saturday, August 20. Class starts at 9 a.m. and concludes at 12 p.m. at the Lakewood Discovery Center, 250 Lakewood Dr., in Salina. It is free to any angler aspiring to teach fishing techniques to youth and families.

All participants are required to go online to programs.ksoutdoors.com/ans and complete the KDWPT Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Certification Course, and bring their ANS certification card with them to class. Students will also be asked to sign a release allowing KDWPT to run a background check to ensure the safety of the children.

Participants will receive valuable information regarding working with children, sample curriculums, and tips for preparing a class or clinic. Other subjects covered in the three-hour class include current fishing regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, and conservation practices.

Teens between the ages of 12 to 17 may attend and receive a Junior Ambassador card, the youth equivalent certification, upon completion. This requires a permission form to be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

For more information and to register for this class, please visit www.fishingsfuture.org

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Fishing’s Future Announces Catch-Photo-Release Contest for Youth Anglers

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS – Fishing’s Future, a national organization aimed at getting more families outdoors, is proud to announce the national launch of the 2015 Catch-Photo-Release contest for youth anglers.

Contest requirements are simple. All a young angler has to do is catch a fish, photograph it, release it, and write an essay, in 200 words or less, about their angling experience. The photo and mini-essay must be submitted to the Fishing’s Future Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/fishingsfuture) beforeAugust 31, 2015 to be eligible to win great prizes. The contest is not species-specific and all youth 16 and younger may participate. Winners will be notified via e-mail and announced on Facebook.

The grand prize winner will receive a week-long vacation for a family of four at Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort on South Padre Island, Texas, including a Black Dragon Pirate Ship cruise, guided shark fishing excursion, and more. Airfare, hotel and activity expenses will be covered, not including food and drink.

The second place winner will receive a 2015 Tracker Topper 1436 Jon boat and trailer courtesy of the Tracker Marine Group.

The third place winner will receive a Humminbird Helix SI GPS and Old Town Vapor 12 kayak with paddle and personal flotation device.

And each week four random winners will be drawn to receive rod/reel and tackle prize packages.

For more information visit fishingsfuture.org.

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Tuttle Creek Lake Association To Hold Kids Fishing Clinic for 21st Year

For the past 20 years, the Tuttle Creek Lake Association (TCLA) has sponsored an event that teaches fishing skills to about 100 kids each year. This year’s Annual Youth Fishing Clinic, to be held May 29-30, marks the 21st year for this outstanding event, which is open to youth ages 8-12. All young anglers must be accompanied by an adult for the Friday evening class and the Saturday fishing experience. The TCLA and the City of Manhattan split the $3,000 purchase price for 700 to 1,000 harvestable-sized channel catfish that will be stocked in Jerry Dishman Lake in Anneberg Park, 3801 Anderson, Manhattan. A sizable number of these fish are lunkers and will provide real thrills for lucky young anglers. A three-fish limit is in effect for channel catfish during the clinic.

The event begins on Friday evening, May 29, with a two-hour education session. After the evening session, a drawing will be held for the kids and then each will receive a goodie bag of other fishing items. The TCLA realizes that this event couldn't happen without the parents’ support, so several nice prizes will be drawn for them, too.

Saturday morning starts with donuts donated by Varsity Donuts in Aggieville. Poles are handed out and the fishing starts. Each young angler will receive a rod-and-reel outfit, bait, and even a stringer free of charge. After about an hour and a half, the catches will be weighed to determine trophy winners. Trophies are given for biggest fish, smallest fish, and heaviest stringer in boy and girl divisions. After all this, the kids are treated to a pizza and soda lunch.

TCLA is funded mostly by donations from businesses, individuals and memorials. Raffle ticket sales account for a small portion of the income.

Preregistration is required to attend the clinic. For more information and to preregister, go to www.tuttlecreek.org.

Kids Fishing Clinic at Lovewell State Park June 7

Whether your child has yet to be introduced to fishing, or is already proficient at baiting a hook and casting, consider treating them to a free Kid’s Fishing Clinic at Lovewell State Park on June 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinic is open to youth ages 7-16 and will cover fish identification, knot tying, casting, lure selection, and fishing hot spots. Participants will also watch a demonstration on fish cleaning. Preregistration is required by June 1and space is limited to 50 anglers. Parents can preregister their youth in person at the Lovewell State Park office, or by calling (785) 753-4971.

A hot dog lunch and drinks will be provided, made possible by donations from many area businesses. Following lunch, youth will have the opportunity to put their newly-acquired skills to the test and fish with a mentor until 3 p.m. All fishing equipment and supplies will be provided.

There is no cost to attend, however drivers without a park entrance permit will need to purchase a daily vehicle permit to enter the park.

For additional information, and to register your child, contact the Lovewell State Park office at (785) 753-4971.

May 9 OK Kids Day at Meade State Park

 If you’re in need of a family-friendly outdoor activity for your children, consider bringing them to Meade State Park’s annual OK Kids Day on Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Open to children of all ages, the free event will include fun activities such as fishing, wingshooting, archery, crafts, a treasure hunt, sandcastle contest, paddle boating, and more.

There is no cost to attend and no daily park pass will be required the day of the event; however registration is required. Preregistration will be available Friday, May 8 from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. onsite at the Visitor’s Center, and again from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. 

Thanks to local and corporate sponsors, participating youth will have the opportunity to win several great prizes including a fishing rod/reel combo or tackle box and sleeping bag. Prizes are limited but youth age 7 and under are automatically eligible for a prize.

A complimentary lunch of hamburgers, elk burgers, and hotdogs will be served.

For more information on this event, or to volunteer, call the Meade State Park office at (620) 873-2572.

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