If you've ever heard the term urban pond and wondered what it is.

Well, it is a small body of water smaller than a lake surrounded by an urban environment.

Most people see them as pretty accents and feature a part.

And they are.

They are also a place for activities.

Fishing being one of them.

Today I met up with Abbey, the angler education coordinator with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

I am excited because you're teaching me how to fish.

But first of all, is it angling or fishing?

It can be both.

It's definitely both.

The angling is like doing it.

The verb, I guess, in fishing, just all of it.

That's what we're used to calling it, because we're going after the fish.

Okay, I've learned something new.

And it's also important to know that you do need a license.

Yes.

And why is it so important to get that license?

It does benefit your department.

It does see everything now.

So that license pays for so much like stocking the fish and our biologists that check on our ponds and ensure the water clarity and quality is good for the fish.

It's a win win for everyone.

All right.

And I hope to win and catch a fish, though, I guess.

All righty.

So Abby introduced me to the gear we would be using on today's adventure.

She walked me through the different types of rods, how to thread the line, then how to put on a hook and bait it.

She had everything ready for me.

Having someone like Abbey to walk you through the details is a huge help.

I must admit it seemed overwhelming at first, but it really wasn't.

What I took away from this is to start simple go out with someone who has some experience and prepare the night before.

This way you can spend more time actually fishing.

That being said, once we were geared up, we headed to the pond.

All right.

Up fishing.

Let's go.

Abbey stressed the importance of keeping things simple.

A rod, tackle box, bait, and a net.

You don't want to overwhelm yourself with a lot of stuff.

All right.

I have a big smile on my face.

I'm like a little kid.

Ready to go?

Let's go fishing.

All right, so what do we do first?

So we just have to let the hook off, okay?

Let it drop.

If you're new to the sport of fishing like me, borrow gear from a friend, or you can visit a sporting goods store to purchase a simple and complete set.

So we have wiggle room and enough room to turn the bell to kind of straighten it.

There's a handle on the bottom, but there's also one on top if I'm right handed.

So would I use my left fingers to do this or so.

Yeah.

Sometimes you can switch these to make it better, but right or left handed, it's whichever hand you're comfortable throwing.

Okay, so you hold the rod with all your fingers except for your point.

Okay.

That's going to hold your line.

Okay, So hold it like that.

Open the bell.

As you can tell, I'm not that familiar with the fishing pole.

Straight.

Yeah, my straight.

Okay.

So you always want to face the direction you're throwing.

And then I always recommend just barely over the shoulder.

And another side are stuff in there that we don't have to worry about.

Is that okay right there?

Yep.

Okay.

Looks nice.

All right, so then you just I call it pointing out where you're throwing and letting that finger out get.

Oh, and then you let go of the fingers.

Okay, so you first flick it if I can use that term.

Yeah, probably perfect, actually.

I'm going to flick it and then let go of the.

Yeah, Click and point.

Okay.

Right here.

You ready to do it?

All right.

Three, two, one.

Just go.

Go.

I think I went too far.

Oh, that's okay.

So with that.

Yes, I clicked the mail right away.

Make sure that line straight and start rolling in and pull in your extra line.

Abbey was great.

And so patient She took the time to walk me through the details of the casting.

And before you knew it, we were fishing.

I always enjoy trying different things and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Being able to get out on the trails is great.

And when you can add an additional element of fun and excitement to it, even better.

Now, before you come out, do some research, visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website.

There you can find the closest Urban Pond to you see a checklist for equipment you'll need and a link for a fishing license.

The license is important.

It helps to support Nevada's outdoor experiences fishing in an urban pond with more fun than I expected.

Especially when you can catch something.

I'm calling that beginner's luck.

Getting outside on the trails in southern Nevada will lead you to so many things New sights, sounds, activities, and you'll definitely meet new people like my friend Abbey over there.

I can tell you that for me, it's always a new adventure each and every time.

It is good for the mind, body and soul.

So whether the trail is paved or not, it's one foot in front of the other and you have to be open to new adventures and experiences.

It is one of the many gifts the Silver State has to offer to all of us until our next adventure.

I'm off to try to catch the fish.

Wish me luck.

All right.

Im feeling something Abbey!