IDFG announces 'Take Me Fishing' days

Stocked with fishing tackle, Idaho Fish and Game's "Take Me Fishing" trailers are traveling to local ponds across the state.

Wrapped with vibrant fish illustrations, the trailers stand out.

"They're hard to miss," said IDFG Regional Fishery Manager Jim Fredericks. "And the idea is to get people interested in fishing - give them an opportunity to be exposed to it."

Twenty-eight events are scheduled in the Panhandle during May and June, an IDFG press release announced. Youngsters will enjoy fishing for trout, panfish and any other species that happens along.

Fishing equipment and bait can be checked out for free during the events. Reservations are not needed and equipment is checked out on a first-come, first-served basis.

IDFG purchased the easy-to-use fishing gear with license revenues and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant, Fredericks said.

2011 marks the second year of the statewide Take Me Fishing program.

"(Last year) it exceeded our expectations," Fredericks said. "Even on poor weather days, people had found out about them, and they were very well attended."

Participants will be granted a permit to fish without a license during event hours, the release said; however, all other rules such as size limits and species limits do apply.

Idaho children 13 and under can fish for free.

"The words getting out more and more," Fredericks said. "I think it will probably just continue to grow."

May events are listed below. For a complete list of trailer dates for June, visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Web page - fishandgame.idaho.gov.

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Thursday, May 12: Cocolalla Lake, 4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 14: Fernan Lake, 1 to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 17: Post Falls Park, 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 19: Hayden Lake, Sportsman's Park, 4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 21: Fernan Lake, 1 to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 24: Day Rock Pond, 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 26: Day Rock Pond, 4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 28: Steamboat Pond, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.