Angling instructor classes offered

Fishing’s Future, a nationwide group dedicated to getting more families into fishing, is hoping to boost its operations in Kansas.

Saturday in Pratt, and again on April 18 at Harvey County West Park, they’ll be holding classes to certify volunteer instructors.

“Bascially it’s joining a network,” said Bryan Sowards, who works with the group for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “If someone needs help with a fishing class, they can ask another certified instructor to help. They’ll all be in a data base that we have.”

Sowards said that certified instructors are eligible to get free supplies, such as fishing kits, fishing poles ad giveaway items. As well as donations and sponsors, Sowards said much of the national program is funded by federal excise taxes charged on fishing equipment.

Saturday’s class is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wildlife and Parks headquarters, 512 SE. 25th Ave., near Pratt.

The April 18 class is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvey County West Park, 2512 West Park Road in Burrton.

Resgistration is required, and classes are expectred to fill. More information can be found through kansasangler@gmail.com or bryan.sowards@ksoutdoors.com.

This story was originally published March 14, 2015 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Angling instructor classes offered."