Los Fresnos News

First Catch Center Events at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Join us for the inauguration of a Take Me Fishing™ First Catch Center. Photo: Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page

Join us for the inauguration of a Take Me Fishing™ First Catch Center. Photo: Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page

Special to Los Fresnos News

Join us for the inauguration of a Take Me Fishing™ First Catch Center. A Family Fish Camp is being held at one of the largest wetlands restoration projects in America – Bahia Grande. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has selected the U.S. Fish & Wildlife’s Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge as an ideal location to host First Catch Center events to kick off the 2018 season. RBFF has teamed up with Fishing’s Future, who will be running a Family Fish Camp at this location on January 13th, 2018.

Bring your family and spend a day learning about fishing in saltwater. Equipment and bait will be provided but you may bring your own if you desire. Space is limited and registration is required. Parents and kids will work together to learn fishing knots, TPWD Fishing Rules and Regulations., fish ID, local habitat, angler ethics, proper fish handling techniques, water and boat safety, different types of fishing equipment, environmental stewardship, tackle box basics and some of the local tips, tricks and techniques used to catch fish.

Hotdogs, chips and water will be provided but you are encouraged to bring a water bottle, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, chairs and wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will probably get wet and dirty.

This Family Fish Camp will start at 9:00 AM and the first part of the day will involve rotating through 5 skill stations where individual skills are learned. This generally takes around 2.5 hrs. Then lunch will be served and preparations to fish will begin. Around noon, everyone will be allowed to try their new skills and hopefully the fish will cooperate. Depending on fishing conditions, we may fish or 30 minutes or 1.5 hrs., then wrap things up with the presentation of certificate and passing out a few goodies for those youth who are registered.

Interested families can call the refuge at 956-748-3607 for more information and register online at www.fishingsfuture.org. An additional Family Fish Camp will be held at the same location on January 27.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.