by Eric Frankson
Over 200 children attended the desert’s first “Hooked on Fishing” youth fishing event held at Lake Cahuilla, the only public fishing space in the Coachella Valley, Calif.
The free event taught children who had never held a fishing pole before how to tie knots, avoid invasive species, learn how to cast and use their newfound skills. It also taught parents basic skills needed to take their kids fishing.
Although the Coachella Valley regularly sees temperatures topping 120 degrees during the summer, the lake has bass in the 10-pound range and catfish in the 40-pound range. The Riverside County Parks department, one of the main sponsors of the program, plants trout and catfish throughout the year.
Recognition goes to the various groups that came together for the event. The California State Fish and Wildlife, the Coachella Valley Water District, the Riverside County Parks Department, the Riverside County Parks Foundation as well as assistance from the Desert Anglers Society and Fish Story Lori.
