March 30, 2021
Saturdays are great days to learn to fish in Garland. A recent Pond Hopper Nation Fishing event co-sponsored by Visit Garland TX was a homecoming for organizer Albert Talafuse, CEO of Pond Hopper Nation, who grew up in Dallas. Entire families were on the docks alongside the Garland Bass Pro Shops as many children learned to cast a line for the first time.
Families have hunkered down for nearly a year but fishing provides a fun activity that naturally lends itself to social distancing. Families from Garland and beyond took advantage of the event to spend some quality time with children outside in the fresh air. Each child received a free rod, tackle, and Pond Hopper Nation t-shirt. Talafuse explained that he often tours with the Lady Bass Anglers Association Women’s Pro Bass tournaments. They held a competition Thursday through Saturday in Garland.
Among the angling families was the Rios family from Harper, Texas. They were vacationing in the area. Sergio heard about the event and brought his children ages eight, five, and three. He said that he loves to be on the water in Garland.
“I like coming here because it’s a lot greener than where we are from and a lot more water. It’s a chance to show my kids something a little bit different. We come from somewhere that’s dry and windy,” he said.
If you are interested in taking up fishing with your family, there are several places to fish in Garland. In addition to the area just outside Garland Bass Pro Shops, John Paul Jones Park has easy access to Lake Ray Hubbard and plentiful parking. In Texas, children under 17 may fish without a license. Family members 17 and over can easily purchase annual freshwater fishing licenses online or from retailers for $30.