[ODFW-News] Free Fishing Weekend occurs June 7-8

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Nancy Smogor (503) 872-5264 x5358	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
	
For Immediate Release	Thursday, April 17, 2003

Kids' fishing clinics to be held June 7-8 
ODFW and Fox 12 Oregon team up for Free Fishing Weekend for beginning anglers

PORTLAND - Dozens of events are planned for this year's Free Fishing Weekend to give new anglers a chance to learn the joys of outdoor recreation and - with a little luck - the thrill of landing a fish. Many of the events are accessible to disabled anglers.

Free Fishing Weekend occurs June 7 - 8.  Licenses and tags are not required to fish in Oregon on these two days, but anglers must follow all regulations for species and daily catch limits.  

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife started the program in 1988 to give new anglers the opportunity to try the sport without buying a license. Experienced anglers are encouraged to bring a novice angler along to a favorite spot and teach him or her to fish. 

ODFW will sponsor events at 52 sites on Free Fishing Weekend. Most events are geared toward youths. More information may be found on the ODFW website at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/ffweek_2003.htm .

This year, ODFW teamed up with Fox 12 Oregon to promote fishing among young people and Free Fishing Weekend. Fox 12 Oregon will produce and air information on both Fox 12 Oregon and UPN 49 in late May. A brochure to help both novice youths and adults learn the basics of fishing will soon be available through Fox 12 Oregon, JSL Custom Homes, Beaverton Honda, Curtis Trailers and ODFW.  For more information on brochure locations, call Fox 12 at (503) 906-1249.   

Interested novice and experienced anglers also may contact ODFW's Angler Education Program Coordinator, Nancy Smogor at (503) 872-5264 Ext. 5358 or Nancy.Smogor at state.or.us.
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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528