DFG ANGLE IS TO INTRODUCE ANGLING WITHOUT CHARGING FEE.

Byline: Brett Pauly

If there is one topic that I get more calls about throughout the year, it is the Department of Fish and Game's Free Fishing Day.

Parents phone to find out when they can take their kids to wet a line without having to purchase a license. Educators call to schedule field trips to lakes where complimentary angling clinics will be conducted.

Well, folks, Saturday is the day.

Not only does Free Fishing Day - now in its ninth year and part of National Fishing Week activities - eliminate the angler's responsibility of having to possess a sportfishing license (a $25.70 yearly fee), but the biannual event is also an opportunity for newcomers to get initiated, for seasoned anglers who haven't touched a reel in years to get reacquainted with the hobby, for families to join together for a special day.

In the larger picture, the free angling instruction offered at metropolitan waters throughout the state imparts respect for the environment, according to Carlos Herrera, a DFG fish and wildlife interpreter and Los Angeles County coordinator of Free Fishing Day.

``Participants of these clinics learn to become responsible anglers and, as such, become stewards of the natural resources in the community,'' Herrera said. ``The new anglers will recognize the need to take care of the urban park lakes.

``They will see them as productive fisheries. They will think twice about polluting. They will support conservation efforts, abide by the fishing regulations and assist novice anglers in learning the sport.''

Of course, the state benefits, too. Future fishing licenses purchased by anglers who come to embrace the sport as a result of the free introduction might go a long way in helping the financially strapped DFG. (Already the state's 2.3 million licensed anglers generate nearly $45 million in revenues for fishery programs.)

It's a classic win-win situation, Herrera said.

A pair of Los Angeles-area events will offer first-time anglers - especially children and their parents - a chance to receive free fishing instruction and loans of rods, reels and tackle. Heck, even the bait is free.

``It is a day for adults to spend time with their children, to make it a family activity,'' Herrera said.

It is an outdoors initiation of sorts.

``As with most sports, it is nice to learn young and learn correctly,'' said Sonny Farinas, a student intern with the DFG. ``That is the aim of our clinic - to teach folks the right way to fish.''

At Lincoln Park Lake, 3501 Valley Blvd. in Los Angeles, from 8 a.m. to noon, beginners can be instructed by experienced volunteers, learn about proper tackle and try their newfound skills on stocked catfish in a fishing tournament afterward. A similar program is planned from 7 a.m. to noon at Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway in Irwindale.

``Those free fishing clinics enable the participant to try their skills at fishing without the necessity of having to go out and purchase fishing tackle,'' Herrera said. ``And if they choose to continue the sport, it helps them acquire knowledge with regard to the necessary equipment, as well as develop a fishing technique.''

Traditionally, Encino's Lake Balboa has been included in the Free Fishing Day activities. However, higher nitrate levels in the water cannot support planted fish.

For you long-range planners, the next Free Fishing Day is Sept. 28, coinciding with National Hunting and Fishing Day.

MEMO: Outdoors Editor Brett Pauly's column appears Thursdays in the Daily News.

Note that while no license, stamps or tags are required to fish inland or ocean waters Saturday, all other angling regulations will be enforced. For more information on the Lincoln Park Lake event, call [phone]; on the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area clinic, [phone]; on Free Fishing Day in general, [phone].

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Photo

Photo: (color) Hageo Cisneros, 6, gets casting instructionfrom DFG volunteer Cameron Armstrong during recent clinic.

David Sprague / Daily News