Five things to do this weekend

The weekend holds a lot of promise, if it doesn't get blown to Europe. The trophy striped bass season and flounder season begin Saturday. The day also is the state's Junior Turkey Hunt for young hunters, which is the warm-up for the start of the spring season on Monday for geezers like me.

But right now, the first part of the weekend--like the previous two--is literally a wet blanket, this time with strong gusts. Sunday looks brighter but breezy.

Be safe on the water. Play it by ear. And consider these options:

1) On Friday, kick things off at "Sportsmen's Night" at the Bowie Baysox second home game of the season. Any fan who presents a fishing, boating, hunting or crabbing license or duck stamp to the box office the day of the game may purchase up to four lower reserved seat tickets for half price, at $7 each. On-field promotions for the night feature hunting and fishing themes. The game begins at 7:05. Prince George's Stadium is at 4101 Crain Highway in Bowie.

2) If the weather isn't too bad Saturday, get the kids out fishing at historic Fletcher's Boat House on the C&O Canal in Washington. Family and Youth Casting Call is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It typically attracts 700 kids, who learn the basics of the sport from volunteers. In addition to fishing, there will be scavenger hunts, art activities, touch tanks and other demonstrations. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service. The fish are running, so the action should be good. Check the website for the fine print.

3) Fishing isn't your thing? Pull on the oil skins or Gore-Tex jacket and take a moderate 9-mile hike on the C&O Canal towpath with the Howard County chapter of the Sierra Club. I'm a big fan of the rocky Billy Goat Trail, with its dramatic views of the Potomac River. You'll get some great photos of roiling water and a profusion of wildflowers. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a lunch. Hikers will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the commuter lot ar Route 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Give Ken Clark a shout for more at 443-280-4050 or kenclark7@live.com.

4) On Sunday, learn about the life of Continental soldiers during the American War of Independence from members of the recreated 1st Virginia Infantry at Fort Frederick State Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $3, adults; $2, children ages 6 to 12. More at 301-842-2155 or at the park website.

5) Also on Sunday, knock the rust off your marksmanship skills and maybe win a turkey, ham or bacon at the annual Turkey Shoot, noon to 4 p.m., at the ramges of the Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, 3400 Northwind Road, Carney. The cost is $3 per round, with ammunition supplied by the club. For details, give Greg a shout at 410-598-4970.