FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2001
GETTING KIDS HOOKED ON LAKE ERIE FISHING
SANDUSKY, OH -- The theme of the new Water Works Wonders fishing and boating campaign is simple: "Time on the water connects people." The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is encouraging families to share some quality time this summer by going fishing.
Introducing children to fishing can be a rewarding, memory-rich experience for everyone involved as long as it includes a little planning. The ODNR Division of Wildlife offers these tips on making the best of a family fishing outing on the lake.
- Consider the children's skill level. Is this their very first time fishing, or do they have some experience using a rod and reel? If it is their very first fishing experience, a shore fishing outing will most likely be more comfortable for them.
- Choose an area with a high likelihood of success like those listed at the end of this article. Most kids are satisfied catching lots of smaller fish such as bluegill rather than catching fewer, bigger fish such as walleyes. Species most often caught from shore include blue gills, yellow perch, catfish, rock bass, largemouth bass, white perch, freshwater drum and smallmouth bass.
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- If fishing from a boat, yellow perch fishing is ideal. The fishing method for perch is fun and easy to master. Catching a few fish on the first few outings will pique children's interests and make them look forward to the next trip.
- Provide them with simple tackle in good working order. Nothing can be more discouraging to a child than complicated equipment or equipment that doesn't work.
- Take along a camera. It's a real thrill for a child to show off their "big catch" to others.
- Keep realistic expectations when taking young children fishing. Realize that children can have short attention spans and may want to move on to something else after a time. If fishing from a boat, planning a full day's trip on the lake could turn into a bad experience. Again, perch fishing offers quick action fairly close to shore. If the kids have had enough fishing, it's only a short ride back to shore.
If it's a child's first time on a boat, going out on Lake Erie on a windy day when the water is choppy could be a mistake, especially if the child is prone to motion sickness. You may find yourself heading back to shore after only a short time on the water.
Above all else, have patience. You may spend a day unsnagging lines, baiting hooks, and landing fish for them, but in the end the smiles you'll receive makes it all worthwhile!)
For Further Information Contact:
Melissa Hathaway, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(419) 625-8062
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882
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