PRESS RELEASE

FREE YOUTH FISHING CLASSES CONTINUE IN JULY, AUGUST

July 5, 2007 (OKLAHOMA CITY) – The City’s FREE “Hooked on Fishing” youth fishing classes held at metro area lakes will continue through July and August. The classes will be held on three Saturdays in each month from 8 to 10 a.m. Classes are free to all children ages 5-15. Adult supervision is required for participants under 12.

Remaining class dates and locations are:

July 14 , August 11 Metro Tech Springlake, 1900 Springlake Drive
July 21 , August 18 Dolese Youth Park Pond, NW 50th & Meridian
July 28 , August 25 Crystal Lake, SW 15 & MacArthur


Participants will learn basic fishing skills, including knot tying, casting, fish identification and local fishing regulations. Volunteer instructors from the City’s Fisheries Management program and the State Department of Wildlife Conservation will be on hand to assist young anglers with their techniques.

Fishing equipment, as well as bait and tackle, is provided for children to use at each class. The purchase of equipment and class materials is funded through Federal drug seizure monies via a grant to the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League.

“This is a great example of how we can use something negative in our society and turn it into something good,” said Lt. David Williams, of Oklahoma City’s Police Athletic League. “It is our goal through these classes to provide local youth with positive opportunities that will enhance their lives and impact them in a meaningful way.”

Anglers 16 and older must have a City fishing permit and State fishing license, which are available at select vendors throughout the metro area. A complete list of vendors is available at City of Oklahoma City | Parks & Recreation.

The annual free fishing classes are part of the “Close to Home” Fishing Program, a cooperative partnership between the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The City’s Police Athletic League co-sponsors the classes.

Classes are by reservation only, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, call the OKC Police Athletic League at 316-FISH (3474).

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