Fishing skills workshops at Pechmann Center throughout August

Learning to catch red drum is one of the seminars being offered at the Pechmann Center this month.

Workshops are free, pre-registration is required

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering five fishing skills workshops and events in August at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville.

All workshops and events are free. Pre-registration is required and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Many workshops fill up quickly; however, registrants can sign up online for wait lists, which are also on a first-come, first-served basis.

http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Education-Centers/Pechmann/Event-Registration

Aug. 12 – Basic Rod Building Course from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In this course, students will learn the basic techniques to assemble their own custom fishing rod. Each student will build — and take home — a 6-foot medium-action spinning rod from an IM6 blank. Topics covered in this course include:

Finding the rod spine

Prepping guides and handles for installation

Spacing guides

Wrapping guides

Applying epoxy

Due to the length and complexity of this course, it is not recommended for youth under 16. This course is limited to the first 15 registrants.

Aug. 17 – Introduction to Kayak Fishing (Kayak Safety & Rigging) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This course is the first in a series of three designed to give anglers and paddlers the skills necessary to fish successfully and safely from a kayak in sheltered waters. Students will learn the basics of kayak fishing, including boat and tackle/gear selection, required equipment and safety tips. This course is open to students 16 years and older and is limited to the first 40 people.

Aug. 24 – Monthly Fly-Tying Forum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This monthly fly-tying forum takes place the fourth Thursday of each month and provides participants with an opportunity to enhance their fly-tying skills. It is an extension of the Commission’s Beginning Fly-tying Course, and participants are given a handout for each pattern that includes the materials list and tying instructions so they can practice at home. The handout may be added to the fly-tying handbook that participants receive in the Beginning Fly-tying Course. While participants are encouraged to use their own equipment, equipment and materials are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. This forum is open to participants of all skill levels ages 10 and up; however, participants ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Aug. 29 – Fishing for Giant Red Drum Seminar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Presented by Commission Fisheries Biologist Ben Ricks, this seminar will cover techniques used to catch red drum with natural bait and artificial lures. He also will cover how to locate red drum and provide attendees with a better understanding of the fish’s habits and tackle requirements.  This seminar is open to anglers of all ages.

Aug. 31 – Introduction to Fly Casting from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This course is designed for beginning fly-anglers or those with little experience who want to refine their skills. It will cover roll casting and basic casting using Joan Wulff’s method of fly-casting, which provides anglers with the foundation for more advance casting.

The workshop is limited to 20 participants to ensure adequate one-on-one coaching from experienced volunteer instructors. It is suitable for ages 12 years old and up; however, participants 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided; however, participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes, a hat with a visor and eyewear (polarized sunglasses are recommended.) Note that this course does not include fishing time of the water.

For additional information about any of the fishing skills workshops and events at the Pechmann Center, contact Thomas Carpenter, center director, at Thomas.carpenter@ncwildlife.org or 910-868-5003, ext. 11.

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, visit www.ncwildlife.org and click on the “Learning” link.

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