Submitted photo Participants in the “Fishing One, Two, Three” program put to practice the lessons they learned in the program, sponsored by the New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen and the New Ulm Park and Recreation Department.

NEW ULM — The first class of “Fishing One, Two, Three,” sponsored by the New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen (NUASF) and the City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department, was held at the New Ulm Civic Center with 30 participants in attendance.

Both parents and young people from 6 years of age to early teens took part in a hands-on learning session covering all aspects regarding the basics of angling. After completion of the first class, each participant was given a free rod and reel along with a copy of Minnesota fishing regulations to read. Tying tackle, applying bait and casting practice were all part of the focus of the first class.

Using the knowledge gained from the first class, students along with parents and mentors from the NUASF used what they learned for a fishing outing to a local private pond. All students caught numerous fishes including sunfish, bass and bullheads. Students were shown how to properly remove hooks and handle the fish and catch and release was practiced, to ensure future outing successes.

Afterwards a picnic lunch was provided by the Sport Fishermen along with an invite to the NUASF “Kids Fishing Contest” held each year in August at Riverside Park in New Ulm.