Tejas District - Longhorn Council

All Scouting organizations are invited to attend a very special event at Sandy Lake Amusement Park. On May 29-30 we will be having our first annual Sandy Lake Fishing Expo. All Scouts are welcome to attend the event FREE of charge! You may come with your family or as a Troop. All you need to do to get in free is come in your uniform or email david [at] sandylake [dot] com for a free pass and the whole car load gets in free. Park entry and all fishing activities are FREE! All park amusements are available at regular prices. Please email to specify which day you are coming and to get seminar schedule updates. Activities at the event include:

• Fishing Advancement Seminars. Mike Tillberg member of Wood Badge-91,
assistant Scout Master of Troop 548 has organized a weekend of fun and learning for Scouts of all ages. These seminars are designed to aid in the earning of merit badges.

• Fishing. Sandy Lake Park has opened the park pond up for fishing just for the Scouts. The pond is normally closed to fishing. Scouts will be able to try and catch various species of fish that can aid in merit badge requirements. There will also be fishing contests with prizes.
(Catch and release only) Please bring your own fishing poles. We will have some rod, reels, tackle and bait but, supplies may be limited.

• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Coast Guard will be onsite promoting water and boater safety. They will be displaying their equipment and giving instruction that qualifies for merit badge consideration.

• CastingKids. This BASSMASTER program has recently changed from a National competition to an educational program. However, kids can test their skills and receive a certificate and score at the three basic techniques of casting. This event is sponsored by Denton County Bass Club.
For more information on CastingKids CLICK HERE to visit B.A.S.S.

• Tackle Swap. If you have excess fishing gear/scouting equipment/camping gear or would like to find a real bargain, a special area will be provided to buy, sell, or trade extra gear.

• Park Attractions. Sandy Lake Park has 18 amusement rides, miniature golf, paddle boats, a barnyard, arcade, and 65 acres of shaded picnic grounds. We have concessions stands and barbeque or you can bring a picnic lunch. (No commercially prepared food may be brought into the park. Park hours are 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. All amusements are extra. No camping. All park rules apply).

UPDATE 5-25-2010

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Park opens at 10:00 a.m.

FISHING DERBY (Pavilion #12)
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be hourly big fish prizes and a big fish of the day award. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has loaned 50 rod and reel combos along with tackle; however, if you have your own gear supplies may be limited or you may be able to find a great deal at the tackle swap. Due to limited fishable area, this is reserved for Scouts only. Located past the paddle boat area on the north side of the lake.

DEMONSTRATIONS (Pavilion #6)
11:00 to 2:00 -- CastingKids. Denton County Bass Club will be giving instructions on the three types of casting predominantly used in bass fishing. Casting ability can be scored.
11:30 -- Basic Fishing Techniques by Helen Gordon. Helen is a professional angler on the Women's Bassmaster Tour and currently competes in the Bassmaster Opens. She will be giving pointers that will help young anglers have success on their next fishing trip. Located at the demo tank.
12:00 & 2:00 -- Berkley Lure Demo. See the latest lures and techniques from Berkley Lures.
1:30 -- Lake Fork Bass Fishing, by Justin Rackley professional angler and Lake Fork Guide. Justin was the 2007 National Collegiate Bass Fishing Champion representing Texas A&M University and has won several other major events. He will be talking about bass fishing on Lake Fork and giving a few secrets to that may help you catch the fish of a lifetime. You may also schedule a guided trophy bass fishing trip with Justin. Located at the demo tank.

SEMINARS (Pavilion #6)
11:00, 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 -- Life Vest. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be demonstrating the importance and proper use of personal floatation devices.
12:30 -- Dallas Fly Fishers. Richard Johnson will be providing information about the Dallas Fly Fishers and their fly fishing and fly tying seminars and answer questions.
3:30 -- Safety Afloat. This seminar, given by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, is meant to train the leaders; however, Scouts may also attend.

FISHING ADVANCEMENT BOOTHS (Pavilion #3)
Knot Tying
Reel Identification
Rod Type Identification
Lure Identification

* Amusement rides, swimming, miniature golf and other attractions are open from 10:00am to 6:00pm at regular prices.

** Scouts, please bring merit badge blue cards.

Questions: See attached flyer or contact David Rush at david [at] sandylake [dot] com