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April 26, 2007
Gander Mountain and ODNR Sponsor Free Fishing Weekend on May 5-6
Activities slated for nine Ohio State Parks and all Gander Mountain stores in Ohio
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and outdoor retailer Gander Mountain have announced joint plans to promote fishing during Ohio’s “Catch the Outdoors Fun” free fishing weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6. (See some Alum Creek festivity photos here.)
During the weekend, anglers can fish any of Ohio’s public waters without a fishing license. The program is aimed at introducing new anglers to the sport of fishing and to get more young people to appreciate and participate in outdoor activities of all kinds.
“It’s important that more of our youth appreciate and enjoy the outdoors in Ohio,” said ONDR Director Sean D. Logan. “This partnership between ODNR and Gander Mountain will make it easier for everyone to get out and take advantage of the Catch the Outdoors Fun free fishing weekend. It is my hope that many first-time anglers will visit our state parks and realize what a great resource we have here in Ohio.”
Catch the Outdoors Fun activities at all Ohio Gander Mountain stores on May 5-6:
Beginning at 8 a.m. each day, stores will distribute free cans of bait to the first 100 customers. The first 50 customers will also receive coupons for one night of free camping in an Ohio State Park campground when a second night of camping is purchased at the regular price.
From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day, stores will offer “how to fish” seminars to beginning anglers of all ages.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, ODNR Division of Watercraft personnel will be at all stores and at the Lake Erie Regional Welcome Center in Port Clinton to provide free boat safety inspections.
Catch the Outdoors Fun activities at Mosquito Lake, Deer Creek, Caesar Creek, Alum Creek, Salt Fork, Maumee Bay, East Harbor, Geneva and West Branch state parks on May 5-6:
8 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day, Gander Mountain associates and ODNR staff will help celebrate the weekend with free coffee and doughnuts. They will also distribute free packages of bait to the first 50 anglers.
8 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day, parks will offer free fishing seminars, along with demonstrations and hands-on activities for novice anglers.
Beginning at 9 a.m. each day at each park, two-hour, biggest fish contest for all anglers. Winners will receive $20 Gander Mountain gift cards.
In addition to store and state park activities, the Lake Erie Islands Regional Welcome Center in Port Clinton will host a fishing trade show during the weekend. The event will showcase Ohio’s fishing tackle manufacturers, along with new products and gear designed for Ohio anglers.
For complete details on the Catch the Outdoors Fun program, visit the ODNR Web site www.Ohiodnr.com and Gander Mountain’s Web site, www.Gandermountain.com.
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