Young Anglers Win Lifetime Fishing Licenses

[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 29, 2006) - Three young anglers will be able to fish for free in North Carolina for the rest of their lives, thanks to the cooperative efforts of the Tarboro Association of Saltwater Sportsman and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

The anglers' names were drawn from more than 2,800 other participants to win lifetime comprehensive fishing licenses, the grand prizes offered in a statewide drawing for participants in 38 "Fish for Fun" events held during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11.

The licenses, donated by the Tarboro Association of Saltwater Sportsman, are valued at $250 each. They give the young anglers lifetime fishing privileges in all North Carolina public freshwaters, including designated Public Mountain Trout Waters. The grand prize winners and the event locations where they registered are:

Taylor Holland, age 11, of Franklin, Kids' Fishing Day at Cliffside Lake
Cameron McAuley, age 14, of Albemarle, Parent/Child Fish for Fun Day at City Lake Park
Erika Joe, age 6, of Jacksonville, Kids' All-American Fishing Derby at Equine Park
In addition to the three grand prize winners, 100 other young anglers netted prizes at the fishing events.

Bass Pro Shops donated 50 fishing-related prizes, including tackle boxes, rods and reels and spools of fishing line. The Wildlife Resources Commission also contributed prizes, including mini tackle boxes, fishing towels and decks of playing cards featuring 13 popular game fish found in North Carolina. A complete list of winners and prizes is below.

The events, coordinated by the U.S. Forest Service and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, gave kids and their parents opportunities to learn about protecting and conserving aquatic resources while enjoying the thrill of reeling in a variety of game fish.

"The Commission would like to thank everyone who made the Fish for Fun events possible this year," said Bob Curry, chief of the Commission's Division of Inland Fisheries. "Generous donations by the Tarboro Association of Saltwater Sportsman and Bass Pro Shops, along with the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service and local sponsors, have made these events fun, inexpensive outings for the entire family."

For more information on fishing in North Carolina's inland, public waters, visit the Commission's Web site, www.ncwildlife.org, or call (919) 707-0220.