Kids of all ages are encouraged to slather on the sun block and head to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for the first annual Fishing Frenzy on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008.

"We are excited to show kids how fun fishing can be by teaching them the basics of the sport and encouraging them to connect with nature," said Visitor Services Manager Sherry James.

Sponsored by Commerce City, Bass Pro Shops and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this free fishing competition includes a morning derby from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and an afternoon derby from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Both morning and afternoon derbies have two age groups for young anglers, 5-10 year-olds and 11-15 year-olds. All anglers need to be registered for the event. Please call the Commerce City Recreation Center in advance at 303-227-8850 to save a spot for the derby.

Prizes donated by Commerce City, Bass Pro Shops and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be awarded for the biggest fish, smallest fish and most fish caught. And just in case the anglers hook something unexpected - a log or maybe a frog - an award will be given for the craziest catch in each age group for both derbies.

During the derby, visitors can stop by the fishing skills stations to learn knot or fly tying, casting tips and tricks, fish identification, water safety and fish ethics. Professional anglers will be available for photographs and to sign collectable cards.

Little anglers under age 5 can also join in the fun. A small-fry pond will be available so they can catch a magnetic fish or two. Everyone is also encouraged to participate in the craft booths to make a fish button or fish-print T-shirt or learn to tie flies.

In and among the water fun, the Service will provide refuge tours to see the bison. The herd welcomed three calves this spring, which brings the total to 24 bison at the Refuge. The 45-minute tours depart at 11:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Seating is limited, so please call the Visitor Center in advance at 303-289-0930 to save a spot.

All of these free events at the Fishing Frenzy will take place from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Friends of the Front Range Refuges will provide lunch for a small fee from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Fishing Frenzy 2008 takes place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To get to the refuge, take I-70 and exit north on Havana St. The public entrance to the refuge is at 56 th and Havana. For more information, call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 303-289-0930 or visit online at http://www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/.