Ready to get “hooked” on the sport of fishing?
Round up the kids, grab your fishing poles, and head to the Frisco Commons Pond on February 9th, from 8:00 am – 11:00 am for the 11th annual Trick-a-Trout Kid Fish! This free event is a great opportunity for Frisco families to try something new, enjoy the outdoors, and introduce kids to the sport of fishing!
The Commons pond, located just north of the grand pavilion at Frisco Commons Park, will be stocked with 3,000 rainbow trout!
The event is open exclusively to kids ages 16 and under for the first three hours of the day, from 8am to 11am and historically draws a big crowd (over 1,000 people are expected), so come early to grab a prime fishing spot. Remember, the early bird catches the trout!
What to Bring
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or just a fun experience, Trick-a-Trout is a unique way to get the family out and about this winter. Pack your fishing gear, a picnic, and your sense of adventure.
Kids need to bring their own fishing gear and bait, and are encouraged to keep what they catch as the trout cannot survive in the pond once the temperatures rise in the spring. The trout average 8-10 inches in length and the daily bag limit is five fish per child.
If you’re new to the sport of fishing and wondering how exactly to trick-a-trout, Frisco Parks and Recreation offers some great tips for first-timers.
- A lightweight line (4-6 lb test) with small hooks and small sinkers is recommended.
- Suggested bait includes traditional choices like live worms, power bait or small artificial lures, as well as unexpected ideas like cheese and marshmallows. (Velveeta cheese has evidently been a fish favorite in past years!)
As an added perk, the first twenty-five kids to catch a trout will receive a rod and reel combo! Big fish, a fully stocked pond, and a little friendly competition are sure to add up to a memorable morning of family fun.
History of the Program
Trick-a-Trout Kid Fish supports the Texas Parks and Wildlife program, Neighborhood Fishin’ Reel Fun Close to Home, which is designed to get kids and families outside. Through this program, 18 selected ponds are stocked annually across the state for winter trout fishing. Frisco Commons has been one of the selected locations for the past 10 years, giving Frisco residents a taste of the great outdoors every February.
This is an important program because it encourages families to recreate in a way they may not have considered before; fishing,” said Shannon Keleher, Director of Frisco Parks and Recreation. “At a national level we are facing the first group of five year-olds that are not expected to outlive their parents due to the obesity epidemic. It’s important to teach the community about, and allow opportunities for, all types of recreation.”
Trick-A-Trout gives kids a chance to experience fishing for the first time or improve their skills in a fun – and well-stocked – outdoor setting. Keleher says,
[Families] can look forward to a fun time outside, enjoying nature, while learning a skill that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.
If you get hooked on fishing at this event, Frisco Parks and Recreation is offering a great follow up class in April. Learn to Fish will take place on April 27 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, and will provide instruction on how to rig a fishing pole, cast a line, bait a hook, and more. The cost of the class is $10 per child and designed for ages 6-17. Frisco Parks and Rec uses the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department curriculum and a TPWD certified staff.
At the conclusion of this year’s Trick-a-Trout event, please note that the Commons pond will be open to all ages and adults 17 years and older will be required to have a valid Texas fishing license.
