News Release: May 26, 2006

DFG Teams Up With United Anglers to Host Santa Monica Pier Fishing - June 10
Kick-off for the Summer California Fishing Passport Program for Kids

Contacts: Carrie Wilson, Office of Communications, (831) 649-7191
Mary Patyten, Marine Region, (831) 649-2804

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) invite families to a special Santa Monica Pier fishing event on June 10. The event kicks off DFG's California Fishing Passport program with a series of Summer Challenge events just for kids, and gives anglers of all ages a sneak preview into the full Fishing Passport program that begins Jan. 1, 2007. The event will be held on the Santa Monica Pier from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

"Pier fishing is a fantastic way to introduce a child to fishing in California as no fishing licenses are required to fish from any of California's numerous public piers," said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick. "The new California Fishing Passport program will encourage anglers of all ages and skill levels to experience all the fishing opportunities that California has to offer, starting with fishing from Santa Monica's historic pier."

The Santa Monica Pier fishing event is geared toward kids but parents are welcome to come for a preview of the full program that begins next year. Anglers are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle, but DFG will also have some available to use for free. Experts will be on hand to offer kids useful pier fishing techniques for catching a variety of nearshore species, including surfperch, croakers, halibut and bonito.

At the event, participants will receive an introductory California Fishing Passport, and be eligible for a chance to win fishing prizes donated by program sponsors, including UASC, Berkley, Alpen Optics and West Marine. In order to be eligible for special drawings held during the pier fishing event, kids should sign up early through DFG's Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/fishingpassport.

"We are very pleased to partner with the Department of Fish and Game to get more people out enjoying fishing in the great outdoors," said Tom Raftican, president of UASC. "This program is grounded in the belief that fishing offers an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family and create lifelong memories."