Free fishing is off the hook

LEWISTON -- A self-sufficient 12-year-old angler carefully baited his hook Saturday at Kiwanis Park Pond in hopes of a repeat of his dinner the previous night.

Jameson Reed, of Lewiston, brought his own pole and tackle box to the free fishing event hosted by Idaho Fish and Game. He’s been fishing for three years, and knows his way around wrangling wiggly worms.

“I caught two trout last night,” Jameson said as he cast his line. “I made them for dinner on my own, and it was super good.”

Before he went fishing, the Sacajawea Middle School student found a YouTube video explaining how to cook rainbow trout. He recommends the technique: heat fry pan on medium-high, add butter and seasoning salt, and two freshly caught and cleaned fish.

“I really want to make that again today,” said the son of Paul and Katie Reed. “My Dad fishes, and he got me into this, and my grandpa was a really good fisherman. It’s actually a really good way to be outside. You’re by the water, and it’s peaceful.”

That’s the kind of experience Rayanna Skalicky, an education technician with Fish and Game, was helping provide for other youngsters. She brought an ample supply of poles and bait to share and helped clean fish for families who were new to the sport.

“I love to fish,” Skalicky said. “It’s an incredible pastime, especially here in Idaho. This is one of my favorite things to do, helping families or kids who don’t always have an opportunity to fish. It can be expensive if you have to go out and buy gear.”

Another benefit of fishing is that it’s a great bonding experience, she said.

The excited squeals of Louie Palmer, an 8-year-old Clarkston boy, proved her point. He had just caught his first fish with his grandpa, Rick Palmer.

Louie’s first trout was a beauty. He left with two in a plastic bag after Skalicky helped clean them.

“I felt so excited and happy,” said Louie, who was still grinning ear to ear on his way to the car. “I screamed.”

His proud grandpa promised to buy the boy a chocolate milkshake “or whatever you want” on their way home.

A family that moved to Lewiston from Chicago four years ago was having fun dipping their lines in the pond and playing in the shade. John and Monica O’Callaghan brought Conor, 4, and Nora, 7, to the event.

“This is our first time fishing in Idaho,” Monica said. “I borrowed poles from the city library because I didn’t realize there would be ones here. It’s very nice.”

Saturday was a beautiful start to summer vacation for Lewiston-Clarkston Valley kids, and the weather was perfect for fishing. Similar Fish and Game events took place at Mann Lake, Spring Valley Reservoir near Troy, and Wilkins Pond in the Grangeville area.

Across the river in Washington, free fishing is being offered today. No license is required to wet a line under the sun at places such as Evans Pond, west of Clarkston.

“School’s out, and they’ve never done this before, so we’re just trying it for fun,” said Tiffany Anders, of Asotin. Her girls, Evie, 6, and Ivy, 5, weren’t sure if they wanted to keep or eat any fish, but they were game to practice casting at the Lewiston pond.

Volunteers at the Kiwanis Park fishing shed also had poles and information to share. Idaho Fish and Game stores equipment at the site for folks to borrow, said Lynn Johnson, of the Kiwanis Club.

Coincidentally, she is also the director of the Lewiston City Library, where the O’Callaghans had checked out fishing poles. In addition, the library now has two state park passes that people can borrow, she said.

Park Pass Packs include a lightweight backpack with field glasses, relevant pocket guides for getting to know Idaho wildlife, an Idaho road map and a small first aid kit. Two packs are available.

The Park Pass Pack can be checked out for up to one week, and covers entrance fees to any Idaho State Park. Free Idaho hiking books are available while supplies last.

The free fishing activities are held each summer, typically on the first weekend in June. More information on upcoming kid-centered activities are available on the Fish and Game website.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.