Interested in a free, guided fishing trip?

Get your essay in by April 30

Hunter Maldonado of Green River was one of last year's lucky winners.

Photo courtesy of Tony Wood

For the second straight year, the Utah Conservation Officers' Association (UCOA) is sponsoring a free, guided fishing trip to Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Six lucky 7th through 12th graders will win a fishing tackle package and an all-expenses-paid trip to the reservoir in June. The trip includes overnight accommodations, good food and great company.

"Don't miss your chance to learn some tricks and techniques from some of Utah's top fishing experts," says Stacy Jones.

Jones is a conservation officer with the Division of Wildlife Resources and president of the UCOA.

"If you qualify for the trip, you'll receive some neat fishing tackle from Sportsman's Warehouse," Jones says. "The Utah Bass Federation and the DWR will provide the trip guides and fishing experts."

For a chance to participate in the trip, all that 7th through 12th graders need to do is submit an essay at wildlife.utah.gov/essaycontest by April 30. The theme of the essay is: "Why a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work or school."

The contest is open to 7th through 12th graders throughout Utah. The UCOA will select one winner from each grade. The winners will be notified by phone on May 25.

"Turn off the Game Boy for a few minutes and warm up your keyboard," Jones says. "The essay topic is an easy topic. You'll be done with your essay before you know it.

"Think about the good times you've shared with mom, dad and the rest of your family. Maybe you caught a lot of fish. Maybe you didn't. But you had a great time, right? Tell us about it.

"Maybe you'll be one of the lucky teenagers who wins a trip."

For more information, call Jones at (435) 636-0277 or (435) 820-6445, or e-mail her staceyjones@utah.gov.