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| (Photo by Russ Mitchell) Christian Krejci, 12, in yellow, and Zachary Bailey, 11, of Spencer enjoy a Friday afternoon at Stolley's Pond. Fishing is free for anglers of all ages through Sunday as part of an Iowa Department of Natural Resources effort to promote the activity. [Order this photo] |
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State officials hope a free fishing weekend has Iowans falling for the activity hook, line and sinker.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has waived the requirement that anglers possess a valid fishing license while fishing. The promotion ends Sunday night and is for Iowa residents only. All other fishing laws are in effect.
"The bottom line with free fishing is to try to get people outside and outdoors to experience fishing," said Joe Larscheid, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources fisheries bureau. "
Zachary Bailey, 11, and Christian Krejci, 12, of Spencer had a head start on the event Friday afternoon at Stolley's Pond. Tackle and bait was spread out on a nearby bench and they suspected the presence of some 5-pound catfish as they leaned over the railing of a dock.
Just a few inches of line and a small jig is going to pay dividends, according to Larscheid. The fisheries bureau chief said the current weekend was selected with beginning anglers in mind. It's ideal for bluegills and crappies seeking shallow water, fairly close to shore.
"This time of year, fish don't require big blobs of bait," he said. "If you put a giant piece of night crawler on there, you're not going to do as well as if you fish small -- think small, fish small."
The IDNR lists about 20 workshops around the state, which serve as a complement for free fishing weekend.
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A Clay County event will be held at Scharnberg Park near Everly in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the Clay County Conservation Board. The workshop and fishing derby begins at 11:30 a.m. and concludes at 1:30 p.m.
"If people don't know how to fish and they're kind of intimidated about the idea of taking their family fishing, they could go to these clinics and we can hand them a pole and teach them how to catch fish," Larscheid said.
Iowa beginners who enjoy the experience can then purchase a fishing license $17.50. Anyone 15 and under can fish at no charge throughout the year.
"It's one of the biggest bargains out there," Larscheid said.