Saturday, March 7, 2009

Angling for fun at Escondida Lake

Fishing clinic, derby promotes pastime's positive benefits

T.S. Last El Defensor Chieftain General Manager, tslast@dchieftain.com

Escondida Lake is expected to be packed to the gills with anglers on Saturday, March 21, for the annual Socorro Community Fishing Clinic and Derby.

"It's a way to get kids out and learn how to fish and try to win a prize," said Chet Demoss, director of the event. "Parents can bring their kids out and get them involved, but it's mostly done for fun. That's the biggest thing."

Demoss said fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed throughout one's lifetime and one that the whole family can participate in together. He often takes his grandchildren out to fish for fun or compete in tournaments.

The day's events start at 8 a.m. with a fishing clinic to teach the basics to beginners and offer tips to those who have fished before.

The derby runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The clinic and derby are free, but anglers age 12 and over must obtain a New Mexico Game & Fish fishing license before they can drop their line in the water. Youth attending the clinic receive a gift packet to help get them started.

The youngsters will compete in three age divisions to win bigger prizes during the derby. Awards will be given for biggest trout and heaviest haul with a five-fish limit.

The Socorro Bass Club is also sponsoring a separate competition, which requires a $20 entry fee for club members. Non-members can enter for $25.

Demoss, who's the bass club's Angler of the Year for three years running, said patience is the key to winning the competition.

"Sooner or later that fish will come," he said. "You've got to keep your line in the water."

Although generally thought of as a leisurely sport, fishing can generate a real rush, Demoss said.

"You fish against the clock and you fish against other people to try to get the biggest fish you can," he said. "The kids get into it. Last year we weighed a boatload of fish."

Demoss said last year's event attracted about 130 young anglers. He's hoping more kids will get hooked at this year's event.

In addition to the fishing, the US Forest Service and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge will have exhibits on site. The Socorro branch of Disabled American Veterans will provide free coffee and drinks and serve hot dogs for lunch.

The event's other sponsors include the city and county of Socorro, the Socorro Electric Cooperative and Escondida Grill, among others.

In preparation of the event, Escondida Lake will be closed Friday, March 20, so the lake can be stocked.

Although a few avid anglers will be inconvenienced, County Manager Delilah Walsh said the closing hasn't made too many waves.

"The community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive," she said. "We figured we'd get some complaints, but everyone's been really supportive."

Anglers can pre-register for the event March 18-20 at the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, located on the Plaza. Registration on the day of the event is from 7 to 8 a.m. at the lake.

For more information on the clinic and derby, call the Chamber office at 575-835-0424.

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