Free Fishing Day a big success

JEROME - More than 500 children and hundreds of adults took advantage of the two Free Fishing Day events at the Hagerman and Hayspur Idaho Department of Fish and Game Hatcheries last Saturday, June 10. Not only did many of the participants catch fish, but they also won fishing poles and tackle, and dined on free hotdogs. "It was a great success," said Kelton Hatch, Fish and Game Regional Conservation Educator. "We gave away dozens of donated fishing poles and over 100 other types of fishing tackle." "Our goal with the events was to introduce children and their parents to fishing and show them how much this area has to offer. With the assistance of generous sponsors and volunteers we accomplished this mission." Businesses and groups helping Idaho Fish and Game with the events, included:

• Sportsman's Warehouse gave over $300 in gifts and prizes.
• The Idaho Bass Hunters donated manpower and several fishing rods.
• Fall's Brand Meats donated 700 hotdogs.
• Pepsi donated 500 cans of soda pop.
• Costco donated $25 of supplies.
• Simerlies of Wendell donated about $80 in fishing rods and tackle.
• Trader Jack's donated $70 for fishing rods and tackle.
• The University of Idaho donated 200 trout averaging six pounds each, or about $2,500.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services helped co-sponsor the Hagerman event, donating several prizes and personnel.
• Boy Scout Troops 107 and 108 provided volunteers.
• The Magic Valley Bass Masters provided volunteers for the casting station.

"Without all this help and donations it would have been hard to have pulled this off," said Joe Chapman, Hagerman State Fish Hatchery Manager. "As a state agency we can only do so much. The help and donations the volunteers provided for these events is what really made them successful." Any one interested in learning more about fishing or places to go can call the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 324-4359.