Weekend Fishing Report

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This will be the year's first truly all-around productive fishing weekend. The croakers are biting in the Patuxent River. Rockfish and black drum are in the Chesapeake. In the lower bay, you'll find spadefish, flounder and redfish. Our area's tidal rivers deliver largemouth bass, while the mountain rivers promise smallmouth bass. In the Atlantic, yellowfin tunas are in the deep offshore canyons and bluefish are closer to shore.

While there's still time to make plans, check out the following fishing events tailored for young people:

Northern Virginia angling ace Michael Hall wants kids to learn all about the top recreational sport in the land: fishing. He'll be involved in the Family Fishing Day & Casting Kids Contest on June 10 at Franklin Park in Loudoun County. There'll be a fishing tournament for children 10 a.m. till noon, followed by a picnic and cookout, then a "Casting Kids" competition at 1 p.m. geared for ages 7 to 14.

Says Hall: "There'll be trophies and some great prizes. We'll be teaching all interested children and adults about the joys of fishing."

So bring your own tackle, or borrow a "loaner" outfit.

To reach Franklin Park, drive on Route 7 and take the Round Hill exit; go towards Purcellville on East Loudoun Street, then look for the Franklin Park sign on the right. The park address is 17501 Franklin Park Drive in Purcellville. Need more information? Call Hall (571/236-1918) or park manager Mike Horner (540/338-7603).

The Potomac Bassmasters of Virginia will play host to a youth fishing tournament June 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County. The tournament goal is to introduce children 16 and under to the joys of fishing and being outdoors. Rods and reels are provided for those who do not have fishing gear, and club members will be on hand to share their angling knowledge. The event is free; even the bait is provided at no charge. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the tournament, and each child will go home with at least some kind of gift. Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, call Arnold Aspelin (301/567-3030).

E-mail Gene Mueller at gmueller@washingtontimes.com.

(Ratings key: ....=excellent fishing; ...=Good; ..=Fair; .=Poor.)