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ODNR offering fishing classes

SALEM — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is presenting two workshop opportunities in northeast Ohio this spring for individuals who are interested in becoming certified Passport to Fishing instructors.

Ken Fry, an outdoor skill specialist with the ODNR Division of Wildlife, said the program is aimed at volunteers for organizations like conservation, fishing and hunting clubs to get fishing into the community.

“Volunteers come to a one-day session,” Fry said, explaining the workshops are free but pre-registration is required as seating is limited.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and will be required to participate in a background check.

Fry said the workshops teach volunteers the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program with a fishing event.

He said they want people who are passionate about fishing “and ask they pass it on to people.”

He added, “Rods are given to the kids along with hand-outs and training to encourage them. It’s an introduction to fishing.”

By becoming certified instructors, attendees will help connect youth with the outdoors.

These instructors then go back to their communities, with a written curriculum and training aids, to teach youngsters and beginning anglers the basics of fishing.

He added, “We give them the resources, knowledge and backing to put on a quality program.”

Resources available to instructors include grants, equipment, brochures and training.

Both workshops are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wildlife District Three Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron.

They will be held on Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24.

Fry said, “Participants are only required to attend one class” and he can be reached at the ODNR Division of Wildlife at 330-245-3030.

Passport to Fishing was developed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and adopted by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the ODNR said.

Fry said the Department of Wildlife has partnered in programs at the Salem Reservoir and with the Salem Parks Department.

For more information about Ohio’s Passport to Fishing Program visit wildohio.gov.

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