John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center Stocking up!

More than one-thousand trout arrived at the Center in Fayetteville

December 22, 2007

CUMBERLAND COUNTY NC NEWS -- More than one-thousand brook, brown and rainbow trout averaging 12 inches in length arrived at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville on December 18, 2007. The fish, all within legal catch limits, have been placed in two ponds in preparation for four fly-fishing clinics to be conducted starting in early January. The clinics are being sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation.

Members of the Cumberland County chapter of Trout Unlimited and Wounded Warriors assisted N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission personnel with transferring the trout from the hatchery truck to the ponds. During the clinics, Commission personnel will provide loaner fly rods and tackle to all registered participants.

John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center Director, Kris Smith said, "Our clinics are set up so every angler who participants will leave with a basic knowledge of the challenging and rewarding sport of fly fishing. These clinics provide a great opportunity for anglers to try out a new method of fishing that can be used in streams, lakes, ponds, and the ocean to catch freshwater and saltwater species."

The first three clinics are scheduled for January 12, 26, and February 2, 2008, and are open to first-time participants only and will focus on fly-fishing basics such as casting, tying knots, fishing laws and regulations as well as general equipment knowledge.

On February 16, 2008, a clinic will be held for anglers with advanced fly-fishing skills covering complex techniques such as advanced casting, fly tying and equipment assembly.

Later on March 1, and March 8, 2008, two clinics will be held for Boy Scouts who wish to earn their fly-fishing merit badges.

Clinics are limited to the first 40 people, and pre-registration is required, and fee of $5.00 for each participant is due at the time of registration. In 2007, the clinics filled quickly, therefore the Center expects the same positive response this year, so interested anglers should register now.

To register contact Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation at Lake Rim, (910) 424-6134. The John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center is located at 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304 in Cumberland County.