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Free Fishing Day
Legacy Park hosted a Free Fishing Day event Saturday, where several local kids fished for free on the banks of Legacy Park's pond.
During Free Fishing Day, residents who weren't interested in attending the event at Legacy Park or any other sponsored event could still fish anywhere in Idaho without a license.
Last Wednesday, Idaho Fish and Game placed approximately 300 rainbow trout into Legacy's pond prior to Saturday's event.
The children were allowed to keep six rainbow trout, but were asked to release the bass and blue gill back into the pond.
During Saturday's event, the children were supplied with fishing rods and bait by Idaho Fish and Game. Wal-Mart also provided 10 dozen night crawlers for Saturday's event.
While the children fished, Idaho Fish and Game experts were on hand to teach the first-time anglers casting techniques and show them how to clean their catch.
As the children learned the ropes from their parents, grandparents and the Idaho Fish and Game experts, many also mistakenly got their fishing rods caught in beach chairs on the banks and the brush across the way.
"We have got a good turnout. The kids are already catching fish. I think it's going to be a good day," said Neil Hillesland, reservist and volunteer supervisor of Idaho Fish and Game as Free Fishing Day got underway. "Hopefully, when the sun comes out, the kids will be able to catch more fish."
While the kids were fishing, after every half hour, Idaho Fish and Game held a drawing for the young fishermen and women, with prizes donated by the Faith Lutheran Thrivent organization of Faith Lutheran Church.
The prizes included fishing tackle, life jackets and several children's fishing poles featuring characters such as Barbie, Spider-Man and Transformers.
Following the fishing, the children were treated to pizza and soft drinks from Faith Lutheran and Domino's Pizza.
"Considering the weather, I think we had a good day. I think everyone caught a lot of fish and had a really great time," said Hillesland after the event.
More photos available in the Mountain Home News Photo Gallery