Fishin’ is hot at Tinker's ponds Published Aug. 23, 2012 By Brion Ockenfels Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Natural Resource office in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation provided a healthy restocking of Tinker's FamCamp ponds Aug. 9. The ODWC, Medicine Park hatchery near Lawton raised more than 600 channel catfish for the base that will withstand the remainder of one of the hottest summers on record. Raymond Moody, Natural Resources biologist with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate, predicts "fishin' to be hot as summer temperatures fade in the next month. So it is just the right time to get out and catch a good stringer of fish." Partnering with the ODWC and having the capability of hauling fish with a secondhand fish hauling tank and self-designed aeration system from the hatchery make it all possible. Having the capability to haul fish is a big plus for Tinker's fishing programs and also drastically cuts the cost of trout which we haul and stock in the late fall, Mr. Moody said. "In addition, the purchase of base fishing permits and trout stamps helps to create a sustainable partnership between Tinker's outdoor fishing enthusiasts, which in-turn enables us to continue stocking Tinker's ponds with a year-round catch," said Mr. Moody. "Our typical stocking schedule includes largemouth bass inthe spring, channel catfish in the summer and rainbow trout in the fall and winter." The catch limit for catfish is four per day over 12 inches. When trout are in season, the catch limit for trout is six per day and 12 of any size in possession. Some favorite bait for trout are worms, spinners and power baits. "Live worms are always a sure bet for cat fish," said Mr. Moody Tinker is one of only three "close-to-home" trout fishing locations in the Oklahoma City metro area where ponds are stocked with trout. Unless exempt, anglers from 16 to 64 years of age are required to have a state fishing license, which is available at www.wildlifedepartment.com or local retailer. The annual Base Fishing Permit ($10 for individuals or $15 per family) and Trout Stamp ($10) are available through Outdoor Recreation located in Bldg. 478. Mr. Moody reminds anglers that these regulations and funds from permit sales allow the fishing program to be healthy and self-sustaining. For additional information, call Outdoor Recreation at 734-5875 or visit from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. If you work on base, you can participate in Outdoor Recreation activities. Outdoor Ethics Anglers are also reminded to bring more than their fishing gear. "We need everyone to bring their outdoor ethics while enjoying Tinker's recreational opportunities," Mr. Moody said. Following good outdoor ethics helps improve water quality in and around Tinker's ponds and streams. Tinker's fishing proclamation is available with your permit at Outdoor Recreation that provides additional angler ethic ideas such as supporting local conservation efforts, safe angling, respecting angler's rights, sharing fishing skills, obeying catch limits, and "leave-no-trace" angling. "The biggest improvement we could make is ensuring everyone is packing their trash out of our fishing areas and disposing of it properly. Seeing trash on the banks of our ponds is disheartening. Every Airman can help by leaving the place better than how you found it," said Mr. Moody. Note: Be sure to mark your calendar for the Veterans Day Trout Fishing Derby at FamCamp's Beaver Pond, coming in November.