The countdown has begun for the big Chico "Hooked on Fishing, not on Drugs" free kid's event, to be held on May 21 at Horseshoe Lake in Upper Bidwell Park [across from the golf course]. Running from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the event will feature free bait, free loaner rods and tackle, and free fish cleaning.

Over 8,000 pounds of channel catfish will be planted [limit 1 fish per kid], to make sure that every child has the chance to catch a fish. All area children age 14 and under are invited, and there will even be a separate area for the littlest anglers age one to five. Call 891-4757 for more information.

Volunteers Needed
Experienced anglers are needed as "fishing coaches", and to help rig and repair the hundreds of "loaner" rods and reels to be used by area children at the upcoming "Hooked on Fishing" kid's event in Chico.

The rigging and repair will be done this coming Thursday night [May 19] from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Rod and Gun Clubhouse at Horseshoe Lake. Deft knot-tying fingers and a pair of line clippers are all that is needed, and all are welcome to come by and help.

The event itself will take place on May 21, and experienced anglers are also requested to help area youngsters how to put a nightcrawler on a hook, how to cast, and how to reel them in. A pair of pliers [to remove hooks] and a smile for the kids is all that is required. Volunteer orientation is at 6:30 AM. Call 891-4757 for more information.