From press release:
COOKEVILLE – An opportunity to catch and identify six species of fish at Cane Creek Park awaits anglers of all ages during a fishing scavenger hunt on Tennessee’s Free Fishing Day, June 12.
“It’s like a traditional scavenger hunt except it’s in the water,” said Mark Rine of Tennessee Tech University’s Student Fisheries Association, which is partnering with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Cookeville Leisure Services to put on the fun and educational event.
Participants may check in at a booth near the park’s boat dock between 8 a.m. and noon to receive a fish identification card with images of the six species they will attempt to catch – bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, redear sunfish and green sunfish. TWRA and TTU Student Fisheries Association representatives will be on hand to answer questions. No fishing license is required.
The event differs from the children’s fishing derby that has typical taken place at Cane Creek Park on Tennessee’s Free Fishing Day.
“This year we wanted to try something that was a little more spread out around the lake,” Rine said.
The whole family is encouraged to participate – not just the kids.
Míme Barnes, TWRA wildlife information specialist, said, “The event is really to encourage families to get outside together and utilize this beautiful space. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency fisheries program has worked hard to provide good fishing in the area.”
Mark Thurman, TWRA regional fisheries program manager, noted that the agency regularly stocks the lake and has added a variety of fish attractors – sunken trees, stake beds and Mossback fish habitats.
He encourages parents and children to take advantage of this free fishing – and learning – experience.
“Free Fishing Day is a great day,” he said. “If you’ve got rods in the closet, or even if you’ve never fished before, this is an opportunity to get out without needing a fishing license.”
The scavenger hunt adds a competitive element.
“It’s really just a competition among the family to see who can catch all of these fish,” Thurman said. “It gives them something to look for and helps them ID fish.”
Cara Sheets, Cookeville Leisure Services recreation superintendent, anticipates a good event.
“We have this beautiful park and have worked hard to establish it as a great place to fish,” she said. “I just love when it’s getting utilized like it should. We want people to come and enjoy it.”
Participants should bring their own fishing rods and bait.
Cane Creek Park is located at 201 CC Camp Road. For more information, call 931-526-7393.