Hiroshi Sato of Nanasawa Trout Union scoops a net full of brown and rainbow trout out of the back of his truck for stocking in to Dewey Pond Thursday. More than 300 fish were released in to Dewey Park's pond as part of the Outdoor Recreation sport fishing program at Camp Zama. (Jim O'Donnell / S&S)
CAMP ZAMA, Japan — More than 300 rainbow and brown trout, raised at a local fishery co-op union, received freedom Thursday — at least for a while — when they were released into Camp Zama’s Dewey Park Pond.
The release is part of the Outdoor Recreation program to provide sport fishing for its customers at Zama and the surrounding Kanto Plain bases according to Takeo Ryuzaki, Stock Control clerk with Zama’s Outdoor Recreation.
“We stock the pond usually about once a month during the fishing season here,” said Ryuzaki. Zama’s fishing season runs October through June.
“We close here in the summer season,” he said, “because it’s too warm and the fish can’t survive in the warmer temperatures of the water.”
Thursday’s release was in conjunction with Saturday’s 2003 Season Opening Trout Fishing Derby.
“We usually have trout fishing derbies three times a year, usually during October, January and April,” said Ryuzaki.
Ryuzaki says the license limit usually is four fish, but during the derby, it’s relaxed.
Then, he said, “we raise the limit to 10 fish per license.”
About 220 pounds of trout were stocked into the pond Thursday, “and we expect to have to stock the pond again soon after the derby,” he said.
Zama’s Outdoor Recreation is holding the 2003 Season Opening Trout Fishing Derby on Saturday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Dewey Park Pond.
Today’s registration begins at 12:30 p.m.
The cost is $12 for ages 13 and older and $6 for 12 and younger.
Prizes will be awarded in nine different categories, Ryuzaki said.
Those interested may call 263-4671 for more information.
Ryuzaki said for servicemembers and their families, “trout fishing here is a good way to spend a weekend. Please come and enjoy it with your kids.”
