To acquaint young people with fishing, and to provide an initial fishing opportunity, the Missouri Department of Conservation promoted "Kids Fishing Day" and a series of statewide fishing clinics as an expansion of its urban fishing program. Special emphasis is given to selecting clinic participants with little or no fishing experience, and particularly to disadvantaged or handicapped youngsters. Clinics are limited to 25 children to ensure individualized attention. Community organizations are solicited as co-sponsors to foster local involvement and to provide instructional assistance. The Department stocks fish, provides all fishing equipment, and a variety of fish and fishing literature. Fishing tackle companies provided a variety of items as gifts for all participants. In 1982, more than 2,000 children attended Kids Fishing Day programs, and another 900 attendsd the 36 clinics.
