ATHENS, Texas- National Fishing and Boating Week will start this weekend with a big splash at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens with their annual National Fishing Day celebration.
Children 12 and under will receive free admission and free fishing will be available for the whole family from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be served all day by employees of the Athens Wal-Mart Supercenter.
Kids may also compete to win prizes in the catfishing tournament at the TFFC’s casting pond.
In addition to fishing, visitors can walk the wetlands trail; see a diver hand feed fish; learn about the history of fishing in the freshwater fishing museum; shop for a Father’s Day gift in the Flat Creek Bait ‘n Goods Gift Shop and watch the alligator feeding at 3:30 p.m.
National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1- June 9, 2013, is designed to encourage families to spend time together on and around water. No fishing license is required anywhere in the state on the first Saturday in June, which is designated Free Sportfishing Day.
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is an aquatic nature center and hatchery complex operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is located 75 miles southeast of Dallas and four miles east of Athens on F.M. 2495. Dive shows take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Hours are 9 to 4 Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 Sunday. Usual admission is adults, $5.50; seniors, $4.50; children 4-12, $3.50.
For more information go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc or call (903) 676-2277.
