For Release: Friday, May 28, 2004

DEC Announces June Fishing Clinics in Central New York

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Kenneth Lynch today announced that two Family Fishing Clinics will be held in June. The first will occur on Saturday, June 5, 2004, at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge. A second will take place on Sunday, June 13, 2004, at the Falcon Sportsmen Kid's Fishing Derby at Falcon Sportsmen Club in Auburn.

DEC and Onondaga County Parks Department are conducting a Family Fishing Clinic at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery. The clinic will consist of two separate instructional sessions presented by DEC staff and volunteers. The first session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the second from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each session will consist of five 15-minute breakout stations with instruction in common fishing tackle and techniques; fish identification and biology; conservation and ethics; aquatic ecology; and fish preparation and cooking. During the second half of the session, the group will split time between casting practice and fishing.

During this clinic, fishing rods, tackle, bait and educational materials will be provided. No fishing license is required during the event. Sign-up is by preregistration only and is limited to 100 individuals per session. Children under age 16 must be supervised. The cost is $1.00 for children and $2.00 for adults (18 and older) with all proceeds going to the "Friends of Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery." For information or to preregister contact the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, Route 321, Elbridge, by calling (315) 689-9367. Please indicate which session you will be attending.

The second DEC fishing clinic will be held during the Falcon Sportsmen Kid's Fishing Derby on June 13, 2004, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and will take place at the Falcon Sportsmen Club, Turnpike Road, Auburn. For more information, contact Tim Noga at (315) 252-1321.

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