Casting on concrete

The urban lake with concrete banks was all I had, but it was enough to start me fishing. I fish today -- passionately, you might say obsessively -- and the long journey began at Echo Park Lake near downtown Los Angeles. This was before four mop-haired lads crossed the pond to rock America. Instead of worms from the family garden, I now fish with barbless flies. I’ve left the bluegills and crappies behind; trout are my game now. And though the cars whizzing by on the nearby 101 Freeway are no longer the chromed Chevys, Buicks and putt-putting Volkswagen Bugs, Echo Park and other man-made fishing holes still offer a respite for urban fishermen -- whether they’re young and hopeful or older and veteran. There’s fishing from the barrios to the ‘burbs, dozens of waters in Southern California in which to wet a line. The state Department of Fish and Game stocks trout in some during the cooler months, and sizable catfish during the warm ones. Anglers age 16 and older must carry a valid fishing license (except on free fishing days, June 12 and Sept. 25). For the price of a license ($32.80) and a few pieces of inexpensive tackle (you don’t need the latest high-tech nano-titanium rod), you can fish a short cast away from a freeway offramp. In the heart of Los Angeles, drop a line at Echo, Hollenbeck, Lincoln and MacArthur parks or go farther afield to places such as Hansen Dam in Lake View Terrace or Belvedere Park in East L.A. You also can borrow rods, bait and tackle at various sites in the city through a special state program ([562] 590-4824 or [562] 590-4835). Special fishing events for kids are planned at Rancho Simi Community Park on May 1 ([805] 584-4400) and Alondra Park Lake in Gardena on May 8 ([310] 217-8366). For more information, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/fishing/index.html.

-- Darrell Kunitomi