3/29/2007

Free family fishing event at Tuscawilla Park
CONTACT: Joy Hill or
Sam McKinney (352) 732-1225

For some real outdoor fun, head over to Tuscawilla Park in Ocala on Saturday, April 7 from 8-11 a.m., for the seventh annual Free Family Fishing Day.

Free Family Fishing Day at Tuscawilla Park is presented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the city of Ocala and Miller’s Marine. The purpose is to celebrate Florida’s Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend, April 7-8. During Free Fishing Weekend, no fishing license is required to fish in the state’s freshwaters.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out to Tuscawilla Park and try a little fishing. There will be a special netted area just for kids, where the FWC will stock channel catfish raised at the Florida Bass Conservation Center.

“Although we call the sport ‘fishing’ and not ‘catching,’ there’s a pretty good chance of pulling in a big one during the event,” said Sam McKinney, FWC’s regional freshwater fisheries biological administrator.
Some equipment and bait will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Food will also be available for purchase.

In addition to fishing, there will be prizes and casting contests. When the fishing ends, young children can go on an Easter egg hunt at Tuscawilla called “Eggstravaganza” presented by the city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, and Signature Brand Foods.

For more information on Free Family Fishing Day at Tuscawilla Park call the FWC at 732-1225. For Eggstravaganza call Ocala Recreation & Parks Department at 629-8406.