MDC seeks experienced anglers to share fishing knowledge with others

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News from the region
Southeast
Published Date
08/25/2015
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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) fisheries biologists in Cape Girardeau are looking for a few good anglers to share their knowledge and love of nature. MDC Fisheries biologists Salvador Mondragon and Kamaria Pearson run the MDC's Discover Nature -- Fishing (DNF) program that aims to reel in future anglers.

"We're looking for individuals who have that natural love of fishing and who like to share it with others," Pearson said. "We need people who will help new anglers learn how to bait a hook, safely unhook a fish and really experience what's great about fishing."

DNF consists of a series of free courses where those who've never fished before can learn the basics and try out their skills right next to experts who guide them along the way. The program helps Missourians develop skills so they can then fish on their own and with family.

Mondragon and Pearson hope to recruit volunteers who will help lead local DNF courses. MDC offers volunteer training with small class sizes to encourage a focus on teaching and coaching. Volunteers can focus on a single lesson or master all four courses.

Pearson said she enjoys sharing her love of fishing, so she knows others will enjoy the mentoring opportunity, too.

Anyone interested in being a DNF mentor can call MDC's Southeast Regional Office at (573)290-5730 and ask for Mondragon or Pearson. More information on DNF can be found at mdc.mo.gov.