Easy Access to Fishing Fun
Get Hooked!
Kids learn to cast and reel in casting targets at the annual Wisconsin Outdoor Expo in Dodge County.
Surveys show that people are not passing on fishing skills from one generation to the next as they once did and that there are many activities competing for parents’ and children’s time.
That's why the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is promoting its Urban Fishing program. The goal is to encourage more people, especially youngsters, to participate in the sport, and to give people a fishing experience so that they can decide for themselves if it's enjoyable and if they want to continue fishing.
To meet its goals, the DNR has designated certain ponds as urban waters to make fishing opportunities more readily available. These ponds have special regulations and are stocked seasonally with trout or panfish. The special regulations and an abundance of fish build the confidence of a novice angler. There are 60 of these ponds throughout the state; most located in more densely populated southeastern Wisconsin.
In addition, the DNR wants people to know that while catch-and- release is a common practice, there is nothing wrong with keeping a few fish for the frying pan. Fresh caught trout or panfish provide a delicious and nutritious meal, which adds to the fishing experience.
Luring new anglers to the sport also takes teamwork. The DNR works with local fishing clubs to organize fishing clinics on some urban ponds and it’s the tireless efforts of these groups that make these clinics successful. Club member volunteers teach kids the basics of fishing: casting, knot tying, fish identification, habitat protection, safety and ethics. The clinics are free and fishing equipment is provided. Pre-registration is not necessary.
And don't let a lack of equipment keep you from taking a kid fishing. The DNR has fishing equipment for loan through its Tackle Loaner Program. The program has 50 sites throughout the state and equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The most popular time for borrowing the equipment is spring and early summer. Equipment is available for free but we ask that equipment be returned clean and in good working order for the next group.
Fishing doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. To make sure kids have a positive experience while fishing, keep it simple. A basic rod and reel and a can of worms are all you need. While avid anglers may spend big money for the latest in fishing technology, that investment is not necessary to enjoy a day on the water. Remember that if the weather is bad, simply wait for a nicer day. You don’t want kids to associate fishing with being cold and wet! Also, make sure you bring snacks, bug repellant, sunscreen, water, a cooler full of ice (if you plan on keeping any fish), a game to play (in case the fish aren’t biting) and a camera. It’s important to capture that smiling child holding up a prize catch.
There’s a reason, after all, that most family photo albums contain pictures of somebody holding up a fish. A family fishing trip can create memories and a hobby that will last a lifetime.
For more information on the Urban Fishing Program, please contact:
Matt Coffaro (414) 263-8614 or Travis Motl (414) 333-1183
RSS