Columnist Barb Henderson: You might get hooked on Free Fishing Day

Barb Henderson

Friday, June 11, 2004 | 9:28 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

FLOYD LAMB STATE PARK (Las Vegas): A fishing clinic and derby will begin at 9 a.m. The clinic is open to adults and children. They will be instructed in the basics of fishing. The derby is for children ages 2-16. Wal-Mart is providing prizes during the noncompetitive derby and they will be distributed during the event. Call NDOW at 486-5127.

ECHO CANYON STATE PARK (Lincoln County, east of Pioche): The park's eighth annual Free Fishing Day Derby begins at 8 a.m. Children who participate will receive a free rod and reel or a tackle box, while supplies last. A Dutch oven luncheon will follow the event with a charge of $3 per plate. Call the Nevada Division of State Parks at (775) 728-4467.

SPARKS MARINA (Sparks): There will be a children's derby from 8 a.m. until noon, plus prizes, games and a casting contest. Call the Sparks Recreation Department at (775) 353-2385.

RANCHO SAN RAFAEL PARK (Reno): The annual Raley's Take a Kid Fishing Derby begins at 7 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. Registration forms are available at Raley's stores in the Reno area and at the event. Call NDOW's Reno office at (775) 688-1500.

CARLIN POND (Carlin): A fishing derby for youngsters under 18 begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until noon. Call NDOW's Elko office at (775) 777-2300.

CAVE LAKE (White Pine County): A children's fishing derby begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until noon. Call NDOW's Ely office at (775) 777-289-1655.

There's no secret that I truly enjoy the sport of fishing. Have rod will travel.

Fishing has been a favorite pastime of mine since I was a small child.

Looking back to my youth, I can remember sitting on the shoreline for what seemed like hours, watching a little red bobber that my dad had hooked to my line. This little red gadget would float about on top of the water, as my eagerness to catch a fish stood steadfast. I can remember, sitting there patiently, just waiting for that little ol' red bobber to disappear underneath the surface of the water.

"Watch it! When it goes under, grab your pole," Poppa would say.

My dad had a special way of keeping me excited and interested in catching a fish. In fact, both of my parents enjoyed fishing and camping. They spent most of their later days out at Lake Mead aboard their boat, each with a fishing line in the water, hoping for a fish to take their bait.

I am very grateful for those early years. Though I no longer watch a bobber, I do find myself concentrating on what exact moment a fish may decide to take interest and hook on.

I've enjoyed a variety of techniques: casting lures, bait fishing, down rigging, trolling and an all-time favorite, fly-fishing.

It was my husband who first taught me the fundamentals of fly-fishing. Then a good friend, J.R. Hanson, spent time with me out on the waters sharing his best techniques for catching a fish on a fly while on a float tube. In turn, I introduced my husband to the float tube.

From my parents and husband to all of my fishing buddies with whom I have had an opportunity to fish, I'm thankful for always having someone to share my exciting fishing moments.

Saturday, we all have an opportunity to share our sport with someone new. It is Nevada Free Fishing Day.

Once introduced to fishing, there is a good chance the beginner will be hooked on the sport forever.

Whether you fish with bait, artificial lures or enjoy casting a fly, just remember fishing isn't always about catching a fish; it's more the camaraderie and the memories we make along the way.

On Free Fishing Day resident and nonresident anglers may fish on any public fishing water in the state without a fishing license or stamps. All other regulations, including limits, will be enforced. Anglers have a variety of Nevada waters to enjoy the fishing sport. Fishing techniques and seasons can vary on different waters; check the Nevada Fishing Seasons and Regulations brochure for specifics.