About two weeks ago, Big Thicket National Preserve worked with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) to host a free Fishing Day at a boat ramp where the 327 highway crosses Village Creek. This small, local river serves as a tributary to the larger Neches River and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, swimming, and family get-togethers. Thanks to a waiver provided by TPWD, no fishing licenses were required during the event. Several families showed up, and Fishing Day was even featured in an article in the local newspaper, Beaumont Enterprise.
The workshop was set up across four stations, which followed the Angler Education Program created by TPDW. Participants who visited all four stations or completed the "Let's Go Fishing" workbook could earn a Junior Angler badge. You'll never guess which real ranger earned a Junior Angler badge. At the stations, the participants learned how to fish safety, tie a Palomar knot, set a bobber and sinker, and identify fish before receiving a fishing pole and life jacket to try it themselves.
Despite the heat, humidity, and sun, many families enjoyed the vision day. The event had a great turnout and gained recognition for the preserve. This annual event had to be cancelled last year because of COVID-19, but the rangers are confident that more fishing days will be held in the future.