The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, (252) 247-4004, conducts several fishing classes. Special Activities Coordinator Jeff McBane plans classes and workshops for beginners, folks who have some fishing experience and 4th- and 5th-grade kids vacationing on the Crystal Coast.

During spring, summer and fall, beginners can sign up for the 8-hour Surf Fishing Course. Participants first receive classroom training: knot tying, lures and bait for catching fish in the surf, hooks and sinkers, rods and reels and where to catch fish. Armed with this knowledge, participants then go fishing at the Salter Path Public Beach Access early in the morning. Walking up and down the beach, Jeff demonstrates how to cast a line and encourages each beginner. This is an enjoyable and fun experience even for those who are not nuts about fishing. Bait, tackle and accessories are provided.

For a real treat (also mostly for beginners), go with Jeff on his annual fall 2½-day Surf Fishing Workshop. For this session, you must bring your own tackle, but you get to ferry across Core Sound and fish all day on Cape Lookout. Experienced teachers and fishermen Joe Malat and Mac Currin demonstrate techniques, explain how to "read the beach" for the best fishing and even show you how to clean and fillet your catch! (This last bit of information is very comforting to the family members of fishing folk. Woe to the angler who can't clean his own fish!)

People who already know how to fish can register for Surf Fishing at Cape Lookout, an all-day fishing excursion. Jeff offers these expeditions several times throughout the spring, summer and fall. The Aquarium provides the bait and tackle and makes the transportation arrangements.

Nine and 10-year-olds who hanker to learn about fishing will enjoy the half-day beginners' sessions designed just for them. Throughout the season, Jeff starts these classes with a little orientation, which includes a tour of the aquarium and a quick lesson on the kinds of fish that can be caught in the surf. Then everybody piles into a van and goes over to Sportsman's Pier in Atlantic Beach and fishes until noon. All equipment and a snack are provided. Kids will love this!

If you want a short but informative read on surf fishing, buy Joe Malat's booklet, Surf Fishing: Catching Fish from the Beach -- When, Where, How. It's full of illustrations and available at the North Carolina Aquarium Gift Shop, (252) 247-4003.

Last, but not least, to learn how to cook all kinds of fish, ask at the Aquarium about the Succulent Seafood Cooking Class. Jeff McBane teaches this one too.