5/14/2007

Farm Island Recreation Area Hosts Kids’ Fishing Day

PIERRE, S.D. – Kids of all ages can join in a day of fishing, family bonding, fun and food at Farm Island Recreation Area on Saturday, May 19.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a fisheries presentation by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department at 9 a.m. Fishing begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 11:45 a.m. Immediately following the event, hot dogs, chips and cold drinks will be served by the High Plains Wildlife Association.

Prizes will be awarded for first through third places as well as for the biggest individual fish in six age groups, ranging in ages from 1 through 16 years. There will be a drawing for door prizes and each participant will receive a bag of fishing tackle.

Parents or guardians must register their children, and ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult during the event. Please bring your own fishing poles and lures. Live bait will be provided free of charge.

The event is held annually by the High Plains Wildlife Association of Pierre/Ft. Pierre. Last year’s event hosted 127 participants. A total of 117 fish were caught in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

There is no cost to participate in the event and no park entrance fee is required because it is Open House Weekend in the state parks. During Open House Weekend entrance to state parks if free and no fishing license is required. Farm Island Recreation Area is located four miles east of Pierre off S.D. Highway 34.

For additional information on the kids’ fishing day, contact High Plains Wildlife Association board member, Jerid Maskovich, at (605) 222-0210. For additional information on South Dakota State Parks, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

-GFP-