APEX, N.C. (March 30, 2016) – Learn to fish, play games and win prizes this Saturday when the Family Fishing Fiesta gets underway, starting at 10 a.m., at Jordan Lake State Park.

The free fiesta, which is hosted by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. State Parks, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the White Oak Recreation Area, White Oak Beach Rd., Apex, Chatham County.

Visitors can fish, learn to filet fish and sample grilled fish, as well as participate in more than a dozen hands-on stations such as:

• Backyard Bass station where families can develop their casting skills.
• Fish Identification Challenge for all ages.
• Lures station where students from NCSU Student Fisheries Society show what lures to use for different fish species.

Students can learn firsthand from conservation and law enforcement professionals about careers in natural resources. Many of these professionals speak English and Spanish.

Loaner fishing rods and bait will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anglers ages 12 and over can enter to win a lifetime fishing license or a subscription to the Wildlife Commission’s award-winning magazine, Wildlife in North Carolina. Prizes will be awarded to young anglers, and all youth ages 12 and under who participate in the scavenger hunt will receive a free tackle box.

The event is co-sponsored by the American Fisheries Society and Friends of State Parks. Partners include El Centro Hispano Inc. and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The Wildlife Commission and Jordan Lake State Park invite you and your family to a free, fun-filled and educational day for the public,” said CC King, an educator with the Commission. “This promises to be a wonderful, memorable event for everyone in the family to enjoy, and many kids will go home begging for another day at their lake.

“Be our guest for the day. No license is required for this event.  Remember, every day in North Carolina, kids under 16 fish for free.”

King encourages fiesta-goers to bring cash for the food truck or bring their own picnic lunches to enjoy in the large pavilion.

“Dress to suit the variable April weather,” King said.  “Rain or shine, we will fish and have fun.”     

For more information on the Family Fishing Fiesta, visit www.ncwildlife.org/fiesta or Jordan Lake State Park.

The White Oak Recreation Area is located off U.S. 64 on the east side of the lake, diagonally across from the Jordan Lake Visitor Center.