It can take years of trial and error to master fishing techniques that catch consistent limits of trout, redfish and flounder. It can take even more effort to learn nearshore and offshore fishing.

Or you can enroll in the 2012 Sportsman Saltwater Fishing School and dramatically shorten the learning curve.

The school, scheduled for March 17 in Wilmington, N.C., will feature more than 15 experts who have made their living putting clients on fish in North and South Carolina waters.

On the agenda will be instruction by professional guides and instructors on specific fishing techniques, hands-on training and the effective use of electronics. Knot-tying specialist John Knight also will be on hand.

Captains slated to speak include Ken Dempsey, Chris Kimrey, Rick Patterson, Ray Massengill, Ricky Kellum, Butch Foster, Lee Parsons, Jerry Dilsaver, Jimmy Price, and Rod Thomas.

These proven anglers will cover tactics for offshore, nearshore and inshore species. They also will discuss related topics such as use of cast nets, twisting wire, reading charts, and basic navigation and safety.