Wildlife Commission Offers Fishing Skills Events at Pechmann Center

  • 30 April 2015
  • Number of views: 7098

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (April 30, 2015) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering three free fishing skills events in May at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville. 

A Surf Fishing Seminar, scheduled for May 5 from 6:30-9 p.m., is for participants who want to learn the basics of fishing from the surf. Topics will include selecting baits and equipment, reading the water, rigging and casting. Participants also will practice casting a 5-ounce weight, using a 10, 12 or 13-foot surf rod with both spinning and baitcasting surf reels.

A Walleye Fishing Seminar, scheduled for May 26 from 6:30-9:30 p.m., will provide information on one of North Carolina’s most overlooked fishing opportunities — walleye fishing on Lake Gaston. Mike Thacker, a former professional walleye angler, will present tips and techniques on trolling, drifting and jigging for Gaston’s walleye.

“Mike’s vast experience with walleye and the fact that he lives on and fishes Gaston on a regular basis, are sure to interest any angler,” said Thomas Carpenter, a natural curator with the Pechmann Center.

While both seminars are free, space is limited and pre-registration online is required. For additional information about the seminars, contact Carpenter at Thomas.carpenter@ncwildlife.org or 910-868-5003, ext. 15.

A Family Fishing Workshop will be conducted on May 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. The workshop is designed for all family members who want to learn the basic skills needed to go fishing.

The workshop begins with classroom instruction on fish identification, fishing laws and regulations and equipment. Participants will visit four hands-on stations to learn how to tie knots, cast a line, assemble and rig a rod and conquer some common fishing fears, such as handling fish and live bait. After completing the stations, they will go fishing in one of the center’s ponds to test their newly learned skills.

“If you have never gone fishing before or if you have limited fishing experience, this workshop will get you comfortable with a rod and reel,” said Gerald Klauss, natural curator for the Pechmann Center. “After finishing the workshop, you’ll be able to bait a hook, tie a knot, cast a line and catch a fish.”

Pre-registration for the Family Fishing Workshop is required. Register online. For more information or questions about the workshop, contact Klauss at 910-868-5003, ext. 12, or Gerald.klauss@ncwildlife.org.

The John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center is located at 7489 Raeford Road, across from Lake Rim. Wildlife Commission staff at the Pechmann Center conducts fishing workshops, events and clinics throughout the year. Most programs are free and open to the public. For more information about the center, or to see a schedule of upcoming events, click on the “Learning” link.

 

;
Media Contact:
Jodie B. Owen
919-707-0187
jodie.owen@ncwildlife.org
Print