Hook Up

Ah, nothing quite like grabbing the ol' tackle box, hoisting your rod over your shoulder and sidling up to the bayou for an afternoon of fishing. And catching six beer cans, one sneaker and a bike helmet.

Sounds like you could use some advice. Well, advice -- along with a plethora of rods, reels, bait, boats and perhaps a few talkin' bass -- should be easy to snag at the 30th annual Houston Fishing Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center. According to organizer Dave Holder, the show will feature lots of "new toys," designer bait and a bunch of completely rigged (read: "pimped out") bass boats.

So once you've geared up, learned how to cast and nabbed yourself a fishing buddy, you'll be ready to hit the coast and catch some red drum, spotted sea trout and Southern flounder. Note: It's not our fault if all you catch are Texas crabs. Noon to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 3 and 4; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 5; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 6. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. For information, call 281-350-2741 or visit www.houstonfishingshow.com. $2 to $7. –- Julia Ramey

Branching Out

SAT 3/5

After stopping by the fishing show, you can help beautify the bayou for future generations of would-be anglers. The young Houstonians of the Bayou Buddies will spend Saturday afternoon at Planting on the Parkway, where they'll plant young trees, pick up trash and nosh on hot dogs. These are the same folks who keep installing art exhibits all over our fair downtown, so odds are they're a hip bunch. Plus, there's nothing quite as satisfying as feeling fit and environmentally conscious at the same time. Bring your own shovel at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5. Tapley Tributary, I-45 South Feeder Road at Houston Avenue. Park in Theatre District Lot 8. For information, call 713-752-0314 or visit www.buffalobayou.org. $10. -– Julia Ramey