Rods, at least the kind you might want to use more than twice, are not exactly cheap. Some lures go for $12 to $15 a pop. One snag can cost you roughly half the price of a year's worth of legal fishing.
Bait is relatively cheap, but once you get several varieties to make sure you have the exact kind that the people catching fish are using, the tab is easily over $20.
Nothing will impact angling more this year than the cost of gas. Even driving to the closest community fishing pond will be a pricey trip these days. That's not even mentioning what it costs to run a boat around the lake.
Still, when you weigh the cost of angling compared to the numerous benefits, it is still a worthy endeavor.
So invest in fishing and watch the rewards trickle back through the years in the form of special memories with families and friends.
Here, then, is a look at some events being held across the state during Free Fishing Day. Remember that you won't need a license to fish on June 7, but that all other fishing regulations - as enumerated in the 2008 Utah Fishing Guidebook - will be enforced.
brettp@sltrib.com
Free Fishing Day events
* As part of its Rockin' Utah program, Utah State Parks officials are holding free Go Fish events at Yuba, Otter Creek and Scofield state parks. Families are invited to learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, cast a line and reel in a fish. All fishing gear is provided by the park. Each child participant will receive a free fishing rod. Registration is required for the event. Call 801-322-3770 or 800-322-3770 for more information and to register.
* The annual Bear River Celebration is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Willow Park in Logan, 419 W. 700 South. There will be activity booths for ages 4-18.
* A kids' fishing event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway. Space is limited. Call Wendy Wilson at 435-654-1791 for more information and to register.
* The Kid's Pond at Wood's Ranch near Cedar City in Cedar Canyon is holding a fishing event for youth from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Youth 12 and under can fish with loaner equipment. Call 435-865-6100 for more information.
