News Release: June 2, 2006

DFG and United Anglers Offer Kids' Summer Challenges
Program offers "Sneak Peak" at California Fishing Passport Challenge

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) have created a passport for traveling the state in the name of fishing. DFG and its sponsors will host three Kids' Summer Challenges - a "sneak peak" at what the new California Fishing Passport program, to be unveiled in January 2007, will entail.

"The Passport Challenge will encourage Californians to fish in a variety of the state's most spectacular settings," said Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman. "Outdoor activities, like fishing, give people a greater understanding and appreciation of California's rich natural resources, and will help them become better stewards of our environment."

Kids' Summer Challenges, dates and locations:

• June 10 - Pier Fishing at the Santa Monica Pier
• July 29 - Trout Fishing in Mammoth - Children's Fishing Festival
• Aug. 21 - Ocean Party Boat Fishing in San Diego

Children 15 years and under will be eligible to participate in the Kids' Summer Challenges. The California Fishing Passport Challenge will launch Jan. 1, 2007 and is intended to challenge anglers of all ages and skill levels to experience an array of the state's recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. The official "Passport Challenge" will be for all ages and will encourage anglers to explore the state's full-range of fishing opportunities.

The Passport Challenge is the first of its kind in the nation and is supported by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). The mission of the RBFF is to grow participation and stewardship of aquatic resources. The passport will list more than 200 game fish and shellfish species.