Events cater to kids

Youths can learn to fish, win prizes

Kids can fish for free at a variety of fishing events statewide from June 1-10, and three kids will win lifetime saltwater/freshwater fishing licenses.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Progress Energy, the U.S. Forest Service, Bass Pro Shops and local businesses and organizations are supporting the events in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week (www. nationalfishingandboatingweek.org).

At the events, anglers 15 and younger can register to win prizes, such as rods and tackle boxes. The grand prizes, donated by Progress Energy and a retired commission employee, are three lifetime saltwater/freshwater fishing licenses, valued at $450 each. The drawing is at the end of June.

"Kids are spending less time outdoors, and by introducing kids to fishing early, we hope to reverse this trend," said Robert Curry, chief of the commission's Division of Inland Fisheries.

For more events, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

EVENTS IN THE REGION

The fishing events below are listed by county. Most are free; some charge a small fee. Lunch is included at many events. Register on-site unless noted.

SATURDAY

CARTERET: 8-noon, Ord Pond; ages 5-15; Bob Huemme (910) 455-1407, rhuemme@ec.rr.com.

CUMBERLAND: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, Lake Rim; (910) 868-5003.

FRANKLIN: 8-noon, Lake Royale; all ages; Chris Schmit (919) 522-9893.

JOHNSTON: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Howell Woods Environmental Center; ages 15-younger; Mike Cribbs (919) 422-1925.

ONSLOW: 9-noon, Jacksonville Training Academy Range; ages 15-younger; Mike Campbell (252) 514-6663.

ORANGE: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Strayhorn Pond off Interstate 40 near Hillsborough; all ages; Wendell Rogers (919) 918-7364.

WAKE: 9-noon, Lake Wheeler; ages 5-12; Chris Murray (919) 662-5704.

LATER DATES

CARTERET: 8-noon June 9, Cedar Swamp Pond; ages 5-15; Bob Kaylor (252) 638-5628, rkaylor@fs.fed.us.

DURHAM: 7-noon June 9, Twin Lakes Park; register in advance or on site; ages 5-12; Al Harrison (919) 560-4560.

HERTFORD: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 9, Hare's Mill Pond; register in advance; ages 15-younger; Lanny Cowan (252) 332-2711.

NASH: 8-noon June 9, Rocky Mount City Lake; register in advance; ages 6-18; Lois Watkins (252) 446-2134.

NASH: 9-noon June 12, Chappell Pond; register in advance ($15); ages 7-15; Charlie Tyson (252) 459-9810, charlie_tyson@ncsu.edu.

WAKE: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 16, Lake Raleigh; register in advance; ages 15-younger; Faye Andrews (919) 707-0224, faye.andrews@ncwildlife.org.

WASHINGTON: 9-11 a.m. June 9, Pettigrew State Park; register in advance; ages 15-younger; Laura Manning (252) 797-4475.