Some people are born knowing how to bait a hook. Others must learn. But any aspiring fisherman who’s looking for the basics for fishing local waters can find them at the Pamlico Tar River Foundation’s “Beginner’s Guide to Fishing the Pamlico” clinic Feb. 15.

For three years running, the nonprofit organization has hosted the clinic, and for three years, it’s been a sellout, with a waiting list on the side.

According to Kelly Jochim, PTRF’s development and outreach coordinator, the basics class draws a variety of fishermen, from those who’ve never baited a hook, to the more experienced anglers who attend to ask specific questions of instructors Peter Boettger and Mack Simpson. Boettger is the author of “Fishing the Western Pamlico,” a primer on fishing the waters of the western Pamlico Sound. Simpson is a longtime fisherman of local waters.

“They’re going to go over the basics, concentrating on the most popular species in the Pamlico,” Jochim said. “There will be information on terminology, different types of tackle, bait, fishing strategies. We may give lessons on how to cast, but that’s weather and time permitting.”

The clinic is part of PTRF’s education and outreach mission, as well as an opportunity to give area residents the tools to make local waters more accessible, according to Jochim. That’s why, for the past two years, the clinic has focused on basic fishing skills. Year one, the clinic was species oriented; year two, it was more specialized, aimed toward those interested in fishing by kayak.

Jochim said there’s a reason for the clinic’s popularity.

“Fishing in this area is pretty tricky,” Jochim explained. “I think a lot of people who are moving to this area find it challenging to fish in brackish waters. They’re doing the same old thing with their fishing and not catching anything.”

Boettger and Simpson will address those challenges and leave time for specific questions from attendees during scheduled breaks, she said.

“Beginner’s Guide to Fishing the Pamlico” will be held Feb. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Marine Fisheries at Washington Square Mall. For PTRF members, the clinic is free. For non-members, the cost is $30, and includes a 1-year membership to PTRF.

Jochim urged those interested to sign up soon, as space is limited to 90 people.

To sign up, call 252-946-7211 or email Kelly@ptrf.org.