Free spring fishing seminars begin tonight at Mark's Marine

Mark's Marine will kick off its eighth year of hosting free spring fishing seminars at 6:30 tonight with a talk on pike fishing by Jeff Smith of Fins and Feathers tackle shop in Coeur d'Alene.

Smith, a fixture on Lake Coeur d'Alene since 1984, will give the 90-minute seminar at Mark's Marine's Hayden location, 14355 N. Government Way.

The weekly series will take place each Thursday with a variety of speakers and subjects:

* March 13: Walleye fishing by Greg Koch and Tim Bohr

* March 20: Steelhead fishing by Seth Burrill, local guide and television personality who appears on Angler's Xperience.

* March 27: Coeur d'Alene salmon by Benita Galland of the Lake Coeur d'Alene Angler's Association.

* April 3: Bass fishing by Jim Grassi, a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and Tony McCalmant.

* April 10: Lowrance Electronics by Mike Petony

Smith, known for his guide service, has been a frequent speaker at the spring fishing seminars. Unlike many guides, Smith is a multi-species fisherman, well-versed in fishing for salmon, pike or bass.

Seminar organizers say that in recent years, there have been many requests for a pike seminar.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game considers the northern pike to be an invasive species in local waters so there are no limits on fishing for these in the Panhandle Region.

"This should help our pike enthusiasts get ready for the fantastic spring pike fishing and of course the local Fins and Feathers Pike Tournament," states Mark's Marine's announcement of the seminar.

"They (pike) should begin moving as the water levels come up and Jeff will share his secrets for how to present bait to them and land those big catches. Several of the last five state records have been caught fishing during this period."

Attendance at the popular seminars ranging each year from 50 to 150, the maximum capacity, so organizers suggest attendees arrive early.

Info: (208) 772-9038 or www.marksmarineinc.com/fishing/