Doug James is a local fishing guide who volunteers his free time for the trout stocking program every winter. Doug can be contacted at: lakenacguide@yahoo.com

If you heard this quip while in a Nacogdoches restaurant, it probably came from Doug James. He has been very instrumental in promoting and instructing people to visit and fish for rainbow trout at Lake Side Park on Pearl Street.

The trout stocking program was initiated by TPWD Fish Biologist and Director of the Fish Hatchery Todd Driscoll in Jasper, Texas. He first approached the Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Manager Kathy Joslyn nine years ago with a surplus of trout.

When the fish were released, the first Nacogdoches Rainbow Trout Youth Fishing Tournament was created and has been taking place every January since.

This year, the event occurred on Jan. 21 and over 200 kids came out to fish. SFA Coach Johnny Cardenas brought four baseball players and volunteered to assist. Mr. James also instructed the youth anglers on how to set the hook, reel in, and land fish.

Every year after the tournament, local fishing enthusiasts are encouraged to fish for trout at this park.

Extra allocations of rainbow trout were recently released into the pond this year. A fishing license is required. There is no size limit, but only five fish can be kept. Please check the TPWD regulation guide for length and how many can be retained.

Also, Andrew Upshaw will be fishing in this year's Bass Master Classic representing Stephen F. Austin State University.