|
 LITTLE
ROCK - Free Fishing Days of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission this
year will be from noon Friday, June 10, through midnight Sunday, June
12, said Mike Gibson, chief of fisheries. No sport fisherman, resident
or non-resident, will be required to have a fishing license or a trout
permit to fish anywhere in Arkansas during this time.
The Free Fishing Days are an annual tradition in Arkansas, part of the
National Fishing Week celebration. The objective of Free Fishing Days is
simple, Gibson said. “We want to encourage Arkansas people and visitors,
who may not be fishermen, to come to our state and give it a try. We
especially encourage parents to go fishing with their kids. The young
people under 16 don’t need a fishing license anyway, and if their moms
and dads will go along, it could make a family outing they’ll all
enjoy,” he said.
Gibson suggested that fishing novices make a stop at a sporting goods
outlet, a boat dock or one of the AGFC regional offices for some
pointers on the basics of fishing in Arkansas.
Open houses and fishing derbies for youngsters are planned at five state
fish hatcheries in Arkansas. For more information, phone the AGFC
Fisheries Division office at 501-223-6371.
The fishing derbies will take place on Saturday, June 11 between 9 a.m.
and 2 p.m. at the five state fish hatcheries around the state. Kids 12
and under will be allowed to fish with the supervision of an adult.
Children may catch and keep up to three catfish (or three trout at the
Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery). There will also be casting
contests with prizes for the winners.
Derbies will be held at the following hatcheries:
*Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery, Hot Springs, 1-877-525-8606
*Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery, Centerton, 1-877-795-2470
*Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery, Lonoke, 1-877-676-6963
*William H. Donham State Fish Hatchery, Corning, 1-877-857-3876
*Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery, Mammoth Spring,
1-877-625-7521 |
