RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fisheries Program is continuing its efforts to get families involved in fishing with a tagged-catfish campaign.
Thousands of channel catfish from the AGFC’s warm-water hatchery facilities are currently being stocked at locations around the state.
Hundreds of fish are being tagged with special Family and Community tags. Any child who catches a tagged fish will receive a prize. Winners will also be entered into a grand-prize drawing for a Pelican Bass Raider 8 two person boat and trolling motor provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
Family and Community Fisheries Program Coordinator Clifton Jackson said the effort is patterned after a successful one during spring break.
“The chance at a boat certainly takes it up a notch. We really appreciate the foundation supporting this effort with a new boat,” he said.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation is an organization committed to introducing Arkansas’ youth to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in The Natural State, according to AGFF President Steve Smith.
“Nothing motivates us more than seeing young people experiencing the great outdoors of our state through fishing and hunting,” Smith said. “We know we can never invest enough of our energy, time or financial resources toward ensuring that young people learn the joy of fishing and hunting.”
Anyone catching a tagged fish from Family and Community locations should call the phone number on the back of the tag. The winners will be instructed on how to send in the tags in order to receive prizes.
Tag returns must be postmarked by July 9, 2012. Incomplete or illegible information will not be accepted. Only one entry is allowed per person. For more information on stocking locations, visit the agency website at www.agfc.com.
River Valley Ozark, Pages 147 on 05/27/2012