2010 means it's time for a new sportfishing license

The new year on the horizon is a time to reflect and to remember -- that it's time to purchase a new annual sportfishing license.

The California Department of Fish & Game requires that any angler 16 years of age or older possess a sportfishing license.

Licenses may be purchased online, at most sporting goods retailers and at DFG sales offices.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions and answers posted on the DFG website regarding sportfishing license requirements:

Question: How long is an annual sportfishing license valid?

Answer: Licenses are valid for a calendar year (Jan. 1 through Dec. 31).

Q: Do I have to wear my fishing license?

California free fishing day this Saturday

The first of two annual free fishing days in California will be this Saturday, July 4.

The Department of Fish and Game will waive sportfishing license requirements for the day and citizens will be allowed to fish all public waters in the state, both freshwater and saltwater.

"There are fish in many California waterways and urban lakes that can make a very fun day for beginning anglers and experienced hands alike," said Dave Moore, DFG interpretive services supervisor said. "Free Fishing Days offers a great opportunity for families to enjoy a hands-on experience with nature."

All other angling regulations, such as catch limits, gear restrictions and stream closures, remain in effect. Report cards for certain species will also still be required.

The second free day this year will be Labor Day, Sept. 7.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Auguste Ackerman reaches for the mackerel he caught on a fishing trip off Catalina Island. Credit: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning May 18

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of May 18 with rainbow trout or catfish by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek, Castaic Lagoon, Puddingstone Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir

ORANGE: Trabuco Creek

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake and Perris Lake

SAN BERNARDINO: Arrowbear Lake, Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Santa Ana River, Santa Ana River South Fork and Silverwood Lake

SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake and Santa Ynez River

VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake, Rancho Simi Park Lake and Reyes Creek

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Lower, Cottonwood Creek, Diaz Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Sheperds Creek, Symmes Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek

MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Little Walker Lake, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections 1 & 2), Rock Creek Lake, Rush Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3)

Catfish:

LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Ford Park Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir

Photo: An angler holds his catch at Paradise Cove along Lake Isabella. Credit: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times

Unemployment may provide impetus to enter lucrative Lake Isabella Fishing Derby

Unemployment in Kern County has soared to 13.8%, which is unfortunate. But locals with newfound free time, if they're willing to risk a $20 investment, might want to consider entering the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby April 4-6 at the sprawling reservoir in the Kern River Valley.

Actually, anyone feeling their luck is due to change for the better ought to consider entering the lucrative tournament.

Organizers somehow managed to secure 10 sponsors willing to tag a fish worth $10,000, so there will be 10 of those fish swimming around. All you have to do is catch one, and $10,000 is yours. No IOUs!

Also, to commemorate the 20th anniversary, if an angler uses a rented boat from French Gulch Marina or North Fork Marina and catches a $10,000 fish sponsored by them, it becomes worth $20,000. There's more: If an angler uses YUM TroutKrilla bait and catches a $10,000 fish sponsored by the company, it becomes worth $20,000.

Here's another incentive: The longest trout caught during the event, even if it wears no tag, will be worth $1,000. (Thousands of pounds of trout, including trophy-sized Alpers rainbows, will be stocked before the derby.)

Plus, there will be 989 tagged trout worth from $20 to $1,000.

Many or all of the big-money trout might evade capture during the onslaught, but in 19 years more than $200,000 has been paid to participants. However, if you decide to enter expect  competition. Organizers are expecting more than 5,000 entrants.

May the most deserving angler win!

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A Lake Isabella Fishing Derby volunteer dumps a load of trout into the reservoir. Ten tagged trout are worth $10,000 apiece. Credit: Rex Emerson