FREE FRESHWATER FISHING WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTED BY KIDS FISHING DERBIES

March 25, 2004
CONTACT: Ray Watson (863) 499-2421
Gary Morse (863) 648-3206

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sponsoring a free freshwater fishing weekend throughout the state on April 3-4.  Both residents and nonresidents alike are exempt from Florida's freshwater fishing license requirements during the two-day weekend period.  To highlight the event, the FWC has an additional bonus for parents who want to introduce their kids to fishing.  In Polk County, a free kids fishing derby will be held for youngsters under 16 years of age.  The FWC wants to hook aspiring young anglers on the thrill of fishing.

At Tenoroc Fish Management Area (FMA) in Lakeland on Saturday, April 3, a kids-only fishing derby will be held.  The free event will run from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is open to youngsters, ages 15 and under.  Festivities will be conducted on 17-acre Derby Lake that’s been stocked with catfish.  Good fishing is expected for bass and panfish too.  The lake has three fishing piers and a 200-foot boardwalk for fishing that is accessible to mobility-impaired anglers.  There is a casting contest and drawings for door prizes donated by local merchants.  A complimentary lunch consisting of hot dogs, chips and sodas will be provided by Kash n’ Karry.  Goody bags will be awarded to all participants.  Bait will be provided free of charge, however, anglers must supply their own tackle.  There is no fee but pre-registration is required.  Call Tenoroc FMA at (863) 499-2422 between 8 a.m and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to pre-register.

“There’s a possibility that a child might even earn a coveted Big Catch Certificate at this event,” said Ray Watson, FWC biologist and event organizer.

The FWC’s Big Catch and Angler Recognition Program honors anglers who catch outstanding specimens of 30 of Florida’s most popular freshwater fish species.  The process is simple; catch a fish that meets or exceeds qualifying standards, get a signature from a witness and fill out the official entry form.  Forms are available in the Sportfishing Regulation Summary or at any FWC regional office.  Big catch certificates will be awarded at the FWC’s kids’ derbies.

Even if you can't get to one of the special events, now is the time to set up a great fishing trip for your kids.  Give them a start in a great lifetime sport that encourages conservation, independence and responsibility.  Fishing is an occasion for spending quality time with family and friends and it’s an easy, inexpensive lifetime hobby that requires little training.

The FWC has a brochure entitled  "Florida Freshwater Fishing Destinations and Tips" to help get you started.  You can also call the FWC’s regional office in Lakeland for suggestions on where to fish and how to purchase low cost equipment.  For tips on how to take children fishing, visit the American Sportfishing Association's Web site at www.asafishing.org.

"Fishing is an American family tradition that helps develop an ethical appreciation of the cycles of the natural world.  Take a friend or a child fishing.  You'll both benefit from the experience of fishing,” said Watson.

Parents or guardians must accompany children at FWC fishing events.  Adults should plan to bring their own drinks and food to children’s events.

For more information on freshwater fishing, visit MyFWC.com/fishing or call the FWC’s Lakeland office at (863) 648-3202.

GRM/OIS