Some of the fish were placed in an aquarium so that the youngsters could get a closer view of what they looked like. Five species of fish were caught during the Free Fishing event.

Refuge volunteers helping youngsters get their poles ready for Free Fishing Day at the Champion Lake Public Use Area at Trinity River Refuge. Friends of Trinity River Refuge helped sponsor the event.

Biologist Laurie Lomas (L) and Volunteer Sue Davison gingerly removing a blue crab scooped up by some of the kids.

Youngster with his first fish he ever caught as his proud father looks on.

The Second Annual Free Fishing Day Event, sponsored the Friends of Trinity River Refuge, was held on Trinity River Refuge at the  Champion Lake Public Use Area on June 2^nd. 

This event corresponded to the same day that the state of Texas allowed anyone to fish for free without a state fishing license.  During the 2 hour event some 85 people attended which also included 20 scouts with 12 parents.  They participated in a trash cleanup before they spent time fishing.  Seven Refuge volunteers helped with the event showing kids how to cast lines and bait hooks.  An aquarium was set up so that some of the fish and crabs caught could be closely looked at before they were released.