Gone Fishin'

Fishing can be fun for the whole family. My husband is a fishing fanatic and so, it turns out, my son is too. We often go together to local parks with stocked lakes. The boys throw in a line or two while I do laps with the baby in the stroller. The kids can even get some exercise on the playground while Dad enjoys some time alone by the waters' edge.

Lately, my husband has been taking our son to fishing derby's and other youth activities sponsered by local prominent fishermen like Phil Friedman and Dan Hernandez. A few weeks ago they went to the Dan Hernandez event at El Dorado Park in Long Beach, Ca and reeled in seven catfish! Yes, they brought them home. And yes, we ate them.

Children under 16 don't need a fishing license to fish, but adults do. You can get day passes or annual passes at local sporting goods stores. There are a variety of license types available and there are free fishing days offered by the California Deparment of Fish and Game. Check the Fish and Game website for license information and fees and for additonal information about fishing.

Another good source of information about fishing in Southern California is ADOutdoors.com. This fishing blog talks about local events and activities in the area. You can also find out what kind of fishing gear or tackle you will need for different fishing spots.

Remember to practice safety when fishing. The hooks can be dangerous - and painful! Also, smaller kids need smaller poles. Junior size poles are available at Target and sporting goods stores. Our son had a small pole that had a little rubber fish attached where the hook should be and since he was so young, we didn't feel comfortable arming him with fish hooks. So we left the fish on and he loved practicing his cast and reeling in the little fish. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Need a change? Take off the fish and tie on one of those fancy shiny rubber fishing lures (hook-free of course).

Want to give it a try? Here are a few parks in the L.A. and Orange County area:

Free Parking:

Huntington Beach Central Park
For the best lake access parking look for a spot in the lot at Edwards Street and Inlet Drive, or head down Inlet Drive and park right next to the lake. Walking paths, restrooms, and playground equipment also available.

Carr Park
Carr Park is on the corner of Heil and Springdale in Huntington Beach. Only street parking is available. Play equipment is available here but there are no restrooms. And there are lots of geese at this location.

TeWinkle Park
970 Arlington Avenue, Costa Mesa. There is a large lot for parking or you can park on the street. Restrooms, play equipment, and walking paths available. It's ok to feed the ducks here, but remember that bread, crackers, and cereal are not healthy food items. Take frozen vegetables or bird seed instead.

Cerritos Regional County Park
19800 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos. Free parking lot. Play equipment, paths, and restrooms available.


Pay to Park:

El Dorado Park
7550 E. Spring Street, Long Beach. $5 Monday-Friday; $7 Saturday-Sunday. Restrooms, playgrounds, and walking paths available. Nature Center across Spring Street (Closed Mondays).

Ralph B. Clark Park
8800 Rosecrans, Buena Park. $3 Monday-Friday; $5 Saturday-Sunday. Restrooms, playgrounds, and walking paths available. Interpretive center with fossils (Closed Mondays).

Mile Square Park
16801 Euclid, Fountain Valley. Multiple entrances. $3 Monday-Friday; $5 Saturday-Sunday. Restrooms, playgrounds, and walking paths available. Nature trail also on site.

Have fun fishing, and drop me a line if you find a favorite fishing hole!

One of the two lakes at Mile Square Park