Tactics for first time anglers

Free fishing weekend coming up

You are out there I know you are; adults who don't know the first thing about fishing, with youngsters nearby who are anxious to wet a line. What's more, most of you don't have the slightest idea about how to take the first step toward the sport of fishing.

The first step has already been provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend on June 11 and 12.

On those days, no fishing license is required to fish in Washington, resident or non-resident. Anglers must adhere to the daily bag limits and possession limits, as well as all size restrictions.

Don't let this opportunity get away. Here's a chance for the entire family, no matter the age of the members, to try their hand at catching a fish without much expense.

For this column we will use an example of a family of four, with two adults and two youth ages 8 and 10. Plus, let's set the stage by saying no one in the family has ever held a fishing rod before.

The first item of business is to sign up both children for the Fishing Kids Day, scheduled to take place on the morning of June 11. The cost is $5 per youth, but in return each will receive a Zebco rod and reel, along with a T-shirt. Participants are limited to ages 5 to 14.

Each angler will be allowed to fish in a special area with planted fish. The limit for the event is two fish, but catching fish is not guaranteed. Last year I didn't hear of an angler who went home fishless.

Fishing Kids Day forms have been distributed to local schools, plus they are available from the Moses Lake Parks and Recreation Department at 766-9240. The event is limited to the first 600 to submit the paperwork. As of May 20, 389 have registered, leaving only 211 slots.

Parents are encouraged to be with their children, but are not allowed to fish. However, it will be a way to learn the basics of fishing as a few dozen seasoned adult anglers help the youngsters.

There are five different times slots with the first ending at 9:30 a.m. and the last ending at 1:30 p.m. When the event is over for your children and hopefully they are enthusiastic and excited about catching fish, head for Deep Lake in Sun Lakes State Park. Walk around the right edge of the lake, the south edge, for about 100 yards. There will be obvious areas near the water were others have been fishing. Find one that is not occupied and begin to fish.

The two children have their rod and reels, but the adults don't. Fishing rod, reel and line combinations sell for as little as $13 in local sporting goods stores. A package of six snelled hooks goes for $1.05, a bag of split shot for $1.07, swivels for 82 cents and a jar of PowerBait is about $3. A tackle box is not necessary for this small amount of tackle. Instead use a plastic or paper bag to hold the equipment. For around $20 one adult could also be fishing.

Instead of both adults maintaining a rod, it would be better for all if one adult holds a rod and the other helps the youngsters with the certain tangles that will find a way to the fishing equipment.

Stay at the lake as long as the outing is fun, then call it a day. The limit is five trout per person and when using bait, all fish caught, those released as well as those placed in the cooler, are counted as part of your five. If the children have already caught two, they can only catch three more.

But, because this will be Free Fishing Weekend, the family will be able to repeat the fun on Sunday, June 12.

This time plan to arrive at the lake before 9 a.m. Take along snacks, perhaps lunch, either pre-made sandwiches or hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on a camp stove. Take plenty of clothing, as it may be cool in the morning and warm later. Rain gear, at least an inexpensive poncho, for each person is a must if rain showers are forecast, but don't let rain keep you from going to the lake.

On Sunday evening the family will be able to evaluate the weekend and decide if more fishing trips should be planned. The equipment investment of around $30, $5 for each child for the FKD registration and the $20 for the adult rod and reel, is certainly reasonable, plus the family should have experienced several hours of quality time together.

If fishing does not have a place in your family's future, sell the equipment at a garage sale or give it away. My guess is the family will be looking to expand the amount of equipment available for the next trip to the lake.