LAKE CASITAS : Fishermen Allowed to Cast Off Tonight

A rare opportunity to explore Lake Casitas by moonlight is being offered tonight during a special night-fishing event.

This is the second time ever that night-boating will be allowed on the lake, said Randy King, manager of Casitas Boat Rental. Because of liability reasons, participants will be limited to using Casitas rental boats, he said.

Shoreline fishing will also be available.

With a nearly full moon, fish are expected to be feeding at night, and anglers may be able to catch them off guard, King said.

“Night fishing is something that is usually not done,” King said. “A lot of lakes don’t allow it because they’re scared to death that people will drown and they’ll get sued.”

Cruising the lake in moonlight offers beauty and a bit of spookiness, King said.

“The whole lake looks different,” he said. “When you pan the shoreline with your flashlight, a couple of eyes may be staring back at you. It could be raccoons, possums, or coyotes.”

With temperatures expected to drop into the 30s, King said participants should dress warmly, bring plenty of hot coffee and limit their alcohol intake.

“We had too many brandy drinkers last time,” King said. “Some of them got lost, and we had to go out and bring them back in.”

Night fishing will run from 6 to 11 p.m. For more information, call 649-2043.