Catfish workshop slated to begin July 13

~ The three-day event will include both classroom and on-the-river instruction.

Southeast Missouri catfish anglers have no shortage of places to wet their lines with plenty of ponds, lakes and streams.

For those seeking catfish, one prime fishing spot is the Mississippi River.

For those who don't know much about fishing the Mississippi, the Missouri Department of Conservation's adult workshop, "Setting Trot Lines on the Mississippi River," might provide some insight.

The MDC's workshop in Cape Girardeau is designed to answer questions about boating and fishing the river. Biologists, conservation agents and accomplished fishermen will make presentations on topics such as safety and navigation, fish fillet preparation, fishing techniques, boats and equipment, river access points, and catfish biology.

The abbreviated three-day course will be taught July 13, 14 and 15 and will include evening classroom and on-the-river instruction.

Participation is limited to 33 people. The course is free of charge. However, the application fee is $25 and will be refunded at the conclusion of the course.

Students must have a valid fishing permit, approved PFD III, pliers and gloves. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information, call Mike Reed, fisheries management biologist, at (573) 290-5858, ext. 246. Please leave day and evening phone numbers.