Hey kids, if your parents didn't get a fishing license yet this year, you can still take them fishing for free during the first two Saturdays of June, advise Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.
Arizona's Free Fishing Days celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week are on two consecutive Saturdays, June 6 and 13.
"With most of our lakes full for a second year in a row thanks to excellent winter rains and snow pack, this is a phenomenal time to get your parents out fishing," said Rory Aikens, the fishing report editor for Game and Fish. "It's up to you kids to make sure your parents don't suffer from an outdoor recreation deficiency."
Check the Game and Fish Department's Web site at www.azgfd.gov for the latest fishing report so you can best plan your fishing outing. The Web site also lists the latest fishing clinics in case your parents need some basic tutelage on the fine art of angling.
"Remember kids, at any time of year you can sign your parents up for any of our fishing clinics even if they don't have a fishing license. Those who are registered for a fishing clinic don't need a license during the hours and location of the clinic," Aikens advised.
For more tips on how to take your parents fishing, see the accompanying article (condensed) that appeared in the May-June 2008 edition of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine.
Dudes: Want to take your parents fishing?
By Rory (old fogey) and Joshua (young kid) Aikens
Dudes (and dudettes), want some cool tips on how to take your parents fishing?
With a little help from a 1st grade class at Stetson Hills Elementary in Phoenix, here are some tips from kids themselves.
Michael said first he would do his chores, then ask his dad to go fishing, and then, "We would get in the truck. Finally, we are fishing."
Casey also opted for the chore strategy, but followed up by getting the fishing poles ready and putting them in the car for mom and dad.
Sierra knows how to play on her parents' heart strings or work on their sympathy. "First I would say I love to go fishing. Next I would beg to go fishing."
Vincent likes using a little psychology spiced with the sympathy ploy and a lot of perseverance. "First I would tell them it can be a vacation. Next I would get on the floor and beg. Finally, I would keep asking over and over again."
Cole opted for a unique approach. First I will by them whine. Then I will make them drive me there. Finally, I will go fishing."
Christian's strategy was employing food and whine - first making breakfast and then whining to go fishing.
Here are a dozen other cool things us kids can do to get mom and dad for a groovy day of fishing.
1. Convince your daddy to buy mommy a new fishing pole, and then tell her you'll teach her how to catch fish (even offer to bait her hooks).
2. Ask your daddy about the biggest fish he ever caught. After listening to the long story, say, "Gee pops, I wish you would show me how to catch one like that!"
3. When at the grocery store with mommy or daddy, load the grocery cart with lots of great stuff for a picnic at the lake - don't forget the bait. Shrimp, hot dogs, anchovies and cheese are always good choices. If you don't catch fish, they can be used as super toppings for pizza or Nachos.
4. Put a five dollar bill on a hook and drag it across the family room floor - that is one way to get your parents away from the TV and out to the lake for some fishing. Maybe make it a ten-spot if you are reeling in a big allowance.
5. Give your mommy a big hug and tell her how "pretty" and "young" she always looks in her favorite sun hat while fishing.
6. Record some of the most exciting fishing shows on TV and start playing them early on a sunny Saturday morning when your parents are just waking up, especially if they smell fresh coffee brewing.
7. Call your grandpa on the phone and ask him when was the last time he took your dad (or mom) fishing or camping, and ask, "Gramps, isn't it time again?"
8. Find a fun fishing photo and send it to your parent's cell phones or laptops with a note, "Wish we were there. I love you!"
9. Download all the fishing songs you can find on the Web and put them on your parents IPODs to play when they go jogging, working out in the gym or just chillin' around the pool.
10. Convince your favorite aunt or uncle (or grandparent) to challenge your parents to a family fishing tournament, with the loser paying for all the hot dogs to eat at the lake.
11. Get out your box of crayons and draw a picture of your family fishing with a note at the top that says, "I love fishing with mommy and daddy," then use some magnets and place it on the refrigerator door.
12. Before your mom and dad wake up, get the fishing gear ready next to the front door and maybe even pack a picnic (even a loaf of bread and some PB&J will work).
Once you get them hooked on the fishing idea, be prepared to help them choose a bodacious place to hang. Here are some suggestions.
* If you only have a morning or afternoon available, take your parents to one of the popular urban lakes. These fun fishing holes are especially great if you have younger brothers and sisters. The younger ones (or dad) can get bored with fishing. Most urban lakes are located in city parks with playgrounds and other fun stuff.
* Want trout for dinner? One groovy place is the Lower Salt River near Phoenix. If you don't catch fish, you can always help your parents make driftwood ships to float downriver like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
* If you have a weekend to spend, take your parents camping to the Mogollon Rim lakes in the cool pines, such as Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Bear Canyon and Knoll. Be sure to take plenty of bodacious chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows for S'Mores. Parents love to make gooey, sweet things to eat around the roaring campfire.
* Parents think that playing along gurgling creeks and rushing streams is far out. Take them on an outdoor adventure to Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, Haigler Creek, Oak Creek, Beaver Creek, Black River (East or West Fork for native Apache trout), the Little Colorado River in the Greer Valley (Apache trout) or the East Verde River. Take along extra shoes in case your parents get their feet wet. You don't want them catching cold and wimping out.
* If dad's looking for a big fish on the end of the line, take him to one of the desert lakes in search of those bottom dwellers - catfish and carp. Be sure dad has a stout rod and with new fishing line. A 5- or 10-pound catfish will give dad (and you) a tussle he won't soon forget.
* Rent a small aluminum boat at Woods Canyon, Big Lake or Reservation Lake. Even dad can catch a trout if you slow-troll for using small spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and Rapalas.
* Another boss choice in the city is Tempe Town Lake. It's always a great place to go if you get your dad tickets for a ball game at ASU or get your mom tickets for a concert at Gammage Auditorium. That way, the whole family can get there early and dad can fish instead of getting grouchy while being stuck in traffic and your mommy won't have to get mad at him again.
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.
