Saskatchewan offering lessons in fishing, camping

Ever had trouble starting a campfire, filleting a fish, or pitching a tent?

Well, you canrelax, the government is here to help.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport is rolling out its Learn to Camp program for a second year, as well a brand-new program, Learn to Fish.

The camping program connects rookie campers with a guide and a campsite atthree provincial parks: Echo Valley, Good Spirit Lake and Pike Lake.

Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said he hopes the program will give immigrants and newcomers the resources they need to feel comfortable exploring Saskatchewan parks.

"We've noticed a number of our newcomers will enjoy the parks during the day, in terms of picnicking and games and gettogethers," Docherty said.

But it would be nice to take it to the next level because it's different if you've never actually experienced [camping and fishing]."

The two-day, one-night program teaches camping basics like setting up a tent and cooking outdoors.

The campsite, lesson and equipment is all provided for $25.

Learn to Fish, meanwhile, will be free.

It's being offered at The Battlefords, Blackstrap, Buffalo Pound, Crooked Lake, Douglas, Duck Mountain, Echo Valley, Greenwater Lake and Meadow Lake provincial parks.

Each session is two hours in length and includes instruction in fish identification, tackle and accessories, fishing rules, regulations and safety, casting, proper fish handling and filleting.