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Feb. 17, 2003
Fly Fishing Festival Set March 15 at TFFC
ATHENS, Texas -- Texas fly fishers will once again have an opportunity to celebrate their sport during Fly Fish Texas at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15. The festival is an introduction to fly fishing as well as an opportunity for anglers to hone their skills through insights from the experts.
Fly Fish Texas will offer a variety of activities just right for beginners and advanced anglers, too. Learn the basics of fly casting and then fish for rainbow trout in the Center's ponds and streams. Fly fishing clubs from across Texas will be on hand to help anyone who wants to learn how to fly fish and equipment will be provided.
Interactive seminars and demonstrations led by Texas fly fishing professionals will highlight the show. Keynote speaker, Bill Gammel, will share his favorite places to fly fish in Texas. Gammel is a well-known master fly caster and instructor, book author, and operates Gammel's School of Fly Fishing in Highlands, Texas. Other fly fishing experts on the schedule include: Constance Whiston, Mark Marmon, Marcus Rodriquez and Johnny Quiroz.
New to the event this year will be an opportunity for youngsters to learn how to fly fish through the Junior Fly Fisher Award Program conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Students will participate in activities at three learning stations set up around the Fisheries Center with the goal of completing 10 objectives. Certified fly fishing instructors will conduct the program. Upon completion of the 3-hour course students will receive a certificate and a pin recognizing them as official junior fly fishers.
All Fly Fish Texas activities are available at regular admission rates to TFFC: Adults, $5.50, seniors 65 and older, $4.50 and children 4-12 years old, $3.50.
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is an innovative aquatic nature center and hatchery complex operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and located near Athens. The Center is open to the public Tues.-Sat. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. For more information, call (903) 676-2277 or visit the Web (
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/).
Ranger R (Robert)
[This message has been edited by Ranger R (edited 03-03-2003).]
