FESTIVALS & EVENTS : You Won’t Need to Fish for Your License This Time

Fishing without a license will be legal Saturday, designated as Free Fishing Day throughout the state.

The occasion will be marked at Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve with fishing demonstrations, prize drawings and touch tanks with bay creatures.

Naturalists will be on hand to answer questions about fishing regulations, techniques and about the biology of fish.

Fishing equipment will be available for loan, and there will be boat trips on the bay (space limited).

A semiannual event, Free Fishing Day drew about 100 people to Upper Newport Bay last time around.

“It’s just a way to get people familiar with fishing,” said Candace Lake, a wildlife interpreter with the reserve. “It should be lots of fun, especially for the kids.”

The cost for a fly-fishing class, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon, is $5 for California Wildlife Campaign members and $11 for non-members. All other activities are free and will run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (there is a charge for refreshments).

Events will be held at Shellmaker Island, off Backbay Drive at the reserve.

The next Free Fishing Day is Sept. 26. Information: (714) 640-6746.