Columnist Paula Del Giudice: Everybody can fish for free Saturday

FREE FISHING Day in Nevada will be celebrated Saturday. On this specially designated day, people can fish without a fishing license. It's a nice way to introduce the wonderful sport of angling to those who wouldn't ordinarily take advantage of the opportunity. And for those former anglers who haven't picked up a rod in awhile, it's a great way to get back into the sport.

It's hoped that once individuals find out how much fun fishing is, they'll want to take it up as a hobby. It's also a good time for youngsters to learn more about angling. Though children under 12 don't need a license anyway, parents accompanying them who are handling the rod and helping do. On this special day, the whole family can enjoy a day of angling without the financial obligation.

Nationwide, it was expected than half a million Americans will be participating in more than 2,500 fishing tournaments, clinics and educational programs during the 19th annual celebration of National Fishing Week.

In Nevada, though anglers can fish all day Saturday without a license, all other restrictions remain in effect. Anglers must heed limits and possession regulations, catch-and-release restrictions (should they apply) and all other pertinent information. You can pick a copy of the Nevada Division of Wildlife's fishing seasons and regulations brochure at any sporting goods store that sells fishing licenses or at NDOW's office at 4747 W. Vegas Drive. For more information, call 486-5127.

Locally, the Clark County Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Children's Fishing Derby in honor of Free Fishing Day at Sunset Park Lake, 2601 E. Sunset Road. Children and teens are invited to participate. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Prizes will be awarded in several categories. Anglers must have their own gear and bait. Call 455-8289 for details.

In addition, NDOW is sponsoring a derby at Floyd Lamb State Park in conjunction with the Division of State Parks. The derby will begin at 2:30 p.m. and run until 6:30. Last year, the state park waived its park entry fee for those who came armed with fishing tackle, and it's expected that the same will happen this year. There is no charge to enter the derby and some nifty prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 486-5413.

For those who don't mind driving a bit, celebrations for Free Fishing Day also will be held at Cave Lake State Park just south of Ely and Echo Canyon and Eagle Valley reservoirs east of Pioche.

The NDOW also will be stocking local ponds (including Lorenzi, Sunset and Floyd Lamb) with channel catfish on Thursday in advance of Free Fishing Day.

Because catfish feed off the bottom, anglers will want to use some weight to keep their bait near the bottom. Nightcrawlers, earth worms and prepared baits like Power Bait and stink baits ought to do the trick on the catfish.

archive