Media Contacts:
Business Hours (512) 389-8046
E-mail news@tpwd.state.tx.us
Public Information: (800) 792-1112
May 27, 2003
Youth Events Highlight Free Fishing Day June 7
AUSTIN, Texas -- A "Free Sportfishing Day" will highlight National Fishing and Boating Week, allowing anglers to fish any public waters in Texas without a fishing license on Saturday, June 7.
The third annual National Fishing and Boating Week is June 1-8 with thousands of local events in communities across the country. Events will provide hands-on opportunities for families and friends to share fun, quality time together while learning about two of our nation's favorite pastimes -- boating and fishing.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials said the special day in this state, authorized by the Texas Legislature, is intended to promote fishing and encourage people to enjoy the state's fishing resources. Both resident and nonresident recreational anglers will be allowed to fish without a license and will not be required to have special stamps such as the saltwater sportfishing or freshwater trout stamps.
Numerous youth fishing activities are scheduled around the state during National Fishing Week, including special fishing events in state parks and fish stockings in community lakes. Park entry and facility use fees will still apply for those who wish to fish in state parks. Camping reservations are recommended.
National Fishing and Boating Week is a key component of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's national awareness campaign, Water Works Wonders(tm). The outreach effort received a 2002 Fatherhood Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI), the premier fatherhood renewal organization in the country. The Fatherhood Awards are presented annually to men, women, and organizations that make a substantial contribution to strengthening involved, committed, and responsible fatherhood.
 | Cooper Lake State Park/South Sulphur Unit -- Kids
Fishing Day -- Bring your fishing equipment and join in the fun during
the annual Free Fishing Day, open to kids ages 12 and younger. There
will be drawings for prizes. The event is from 9 a.m.-noon. For more
information call (903) 395-3100 or (903) 945-5256.
| Lake Arrowhead State Park -- 11th Annual Kids
Fishing Tournament -- Kids ages 3-16 are eligible to enter. A limited
number of fishing poles will be available to those who do not have
one, so plan on bringing your own. Bait will also be available. Prizes
will be awarded in different age groups. Sign up at the Group Dining
Hall. The event is from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call (940)
528-2211.
| Lake Arrowhead State Park -- Annual Rough Fish
Contest -- Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in this
event. Fees collected will benefit our Lone Star Legacy Endowment.
This is for people ages 17 and older. Sign up is at the Group Dining
Hall. The fee is $2 per person and the event is from 8:30 a.m.-4:30
p.m. For more information, call (940) 528-2211.
| Lake Texana State Park -- Fishing with a Ranger --
Come out for some fun and sun! Meet at Lake Texana for Free Fishing
Day. Poles and worms will be provided for those who don't have their
own gear. The event is from 9-11 a.m. For more information, call (361)
782-5718.
| Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site --
Fishing Clinic -- Bring your fishing rods (limited number of rods
available on site) and equipment and find out what bait to use for
what fish, and learn the tricks of the trade. 10 a.m.-noon. For more
information, call (830) 644-2252.
| Martin Dies, Jr. State Park -- 12th Annual Kids
Fish Flop Tournament -- Open to those ages 16 years and younger.
Prizes will be awarded in three age categories: ages 6 and younger,
ages 7-11, and ages 12-16. The tournament desk is located at the
Walnut ridge boat ramp. The event is from 8 a.m.-noon. For more
information, call (409) 384-5231.
| Purtis Creek State Park -- 10th Annual Kid's Fish
and Play Day -- Young anglers can participate in a fishing tournament,
casting contest, climbing wall, archery, and other family oriented
activities. Participants can also become certified Junior Anglers. The
event is from 8 a.m.-noon. For more information, call (903) 425-2332.
| Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center -- Junior Angler
Adventure -- Celebrate Free Fishing Day with us as children are
invited for a fun day fishing and learning about aquatic life in
Texas. Children younger than age 12 will be admitted free. The event
is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call (903) 676-BASS.
| Port O'Connor -- Texas Gulf Coast Roundup -- Have
fun and help us collect fish for our hatcheries for use in aquarium
displays, outreach and education, research and spawning. Meet at
Froggies Bait Dock, Byers and Intracoastal Waterway. Caps or T-shirts
will be given to all participants, prizes will be awarded in different
categories and one grand prize will be awarded to the season overall
winner. The event is from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call
Robert Adami at (361) 939-8745.
| Sea Center Texas -- Youth Fishing -- Start your
summer with catch and release fishing on Free Fishing Day. Pack your
sunscreen, hat, and fishing gear for a morning of catch and release
fishing at our marine fish hatchery and visitor education center.
Anglers must bring their own gear and bait. Volunteers and staff will
be on hand to assist first-time anglers. This event is open to guests
ages 16 and younger accompanied by an adult. It's from 8-10 a.m. For
more information, call (979) 292-0100.
| Birch Creek at Lake Somerville State Park --
Located less than 75 miles from Austin and 90 miles from Houston, Lake
Somerville offers many angler opportunities on more than 85 miles of
shoreline or 12,000 acres of water. A TPWD Angler Education class will
be offered for all ages. Participate in a fishing tournament and win a
prize for selected fish species. There won't be a tournament fee.
Donations collected will benefit the Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund.
For more information, call (979) 535-7763. | |
Click Here To Return To The Previous Page
