FISHING LICENSES AND BIG FISH-OF-THE-YEAR
If you still want to get in on some of the great fishing at Urban Fishing Program waters and haven’t purchased your 2007 Urban Fishing license yet, you can take advantage of a 50% off sale now.  When you purchase a 2007 Class U Urban Fishing License from November 1 through December 31, 2007, you pay only $9.25, instead of $18.50.  Make sure to specify to the store clerk that you want the 2007 half price license.  All 2008 fishing licenses are now available for sale if you want to purchase them ahead of time or as a gift for someone.  Licenses may be purchased from Game and Fish offices or any of over 340 license dealers statewide including many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers and convenience stores.  The Class U Urban Fishing License or the Class L Super Fishing Combo license is good for the calendar year, from January 1 through December 31.

As the 2007 year comes to a close, so does your chance to get one of your big fish into the record books.  The 2007 Urban Fishing Program Big Fish-of-the-Year contest has one month to go.  Some big fish have been reported already such as an 8.0 pound catfish, a 9.6 pound bass and a 3.9 pound trout.  There is also a category for catch and release fish that requires only a picture and the total length of the fish.  Some of the more remarkable catch and release entries for 2007 include a 26-inch catfish and a 35-inch white amur.  Some fish species have no entries so far including: bluegill, tilapia, carp or crappie.  To enter the contest, use forms found in the Urban or Arizona fishing regulations.  Check out big fish entry status and information at www.azgfd.gov.