WEB SITE TARGETS WATER ENTHUSIASTS

JEFFERSON CITY -- Want to go fishing but don't know how? Want tips on places for water skiing or motoring around in your new pleasure craft? You need look no further than the Water Works Wonders Web site sponsored by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). A visit to www.WaterWorksWonders.org puts you in touch with a nationwide network of boating and fishing information sources.

The Web site is part of the RBFF's ongoing effort to increase awareness of the benefits of pleasure boating and fishing. It contains extensive information about how to fish. Included are equipment needs and fishing techniques for fresh-water, salt-water and fly fishing. It even helps beginners identify fish species they catch and directs them to local fishing clubs and other organizations where they can find mentors.

Another section of the Web site lists the names of public and private boating and fishing sites and the counties where they are located. After finding a conservation area lake or stream access you want to visit, you can turn to Missouri's Conservation Atlas, available from regional Conservation Department offices statewide, for further details about access to the site.

Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries Division Administrator Norm Stucky says the Water Works Wonders Web site makes fishing too easy to pass up. "Fishing is about as enjoyable and affordable an outdoor activity as you can find," he says. "The Conservation Department has hundreds of places to fish, from community lakes to small stream accesses where you can cool your heels while catching fish. Even people who didn't learn to fish when they were growing up can get started easily with this Water Works Wonders Web site." Stucky noted that the weekend of June 9 and 10 is an especially good time to try fishing, since this is Free Fishing Days in Missouri. On that weekend, the Conservation Department suspends fishing permit requirements to encourage people to sample the Show-Me State's fishing resources.

Requirements for special permits still may apply at some county, city or private fishing areas. Although Missouri residents and nonresidents alike can fish without state permits on Free Fishing Days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

The Conservation Department and other organizations will sponsor fishing clinics and other events throughout June to help Missourians learn about fish and how to fish.

This year, Free Fishing Days are being held in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week. Check with your local Conservation Department office for details about programs in your area. Or visit the fishing section of the Conservation Department's Web page, www.missouriconservation.org.