OUTDOORS – If you like saving money and always wanted to try fishing, this weekend’s for you.
No fishing licenses or stamps are needed during Wisconsin’s second Free Fishing Weekend of the year, June 7-8, and admission fees for state parks are also waived those two days.
If you’re an avid angler, you’ve likely already been out casting or trolling for one or more of the dozen-plus species of sport fish available in area waters. But no-license weekend is also a perfect opportunity to share your passion for the water with older teens and adults who’ve never done it.
Taking beginners fishing is not just about showing them how to tie a hook, bait it, cast, reel and release (or fillet) the catch; there are lessons in patience, perseverance and environmental stewardship.
You can also point out interesting trees, plants and wildlife, pick up litter thoughtlessly left behind by others, and promote safety and ethics.
Most people learn to fish from a friend or family member, which really shortens the learning curve and lowers the intimidation factor.
But some people don’t have that chance. If you’re a novice, or have never even tried baiting a hook or casting a lure, stop in at a local bait and tackle shop or hook up with a knowledgeable friend who fishes.
Now’s a great time to capture panfish like bluegills, pumpkinseeds, rock bass, perch and crappies, or larger predators like largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleyes and muskies. Daylight hours are best for most species, though the ‘eyes, crappies and bigmouth bass are sometimes more active dusk to dawn.
Kids age 15 and under fish for free year-round. This weekend, residents and non-residents of any age can fish for free. All other regulations apply.
Regs are available in print wherever licenses are sold, or online via a link at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations. There are some good tips for beginners at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/hookyourcatch.html, and the new Wisconsin Fishing Finder can help pinpoint some spots to try: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/outreach/wifishingfinder.
Meanwhile, state park admission fees and trail passes are also waived this weekend. Wisconsin state parks are celebrating their 125th anniversary. There are 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and creeks and about 15,000 fishable lakes. See a list of state properties, activities and maps at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Parks.
Saturday is also National Trails Day. The American Hiking Society’s motto? “Any trail, anywhere — leave it better.” See more at https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/.
We’re in the middle of National Fishing and Boating Week, an annual observation and celebration of the benefits these two recreational pursuits provide to individuals and the economy.
Those seasoned with decades of fishing and boating experience are already hooked on the benefits of these recreational pursuits, but it’s not too late to start.
One of my favorite reasons to fish, paddle or power out on the water is to just get away from the everyday stresses, whether it be work or the never-ending list of chores to do around home. Sometimes that might mean a solo outing, but many times it’s connecting with family and friends.
“Take a Kid Fishing” has been one of more popular catch phrases through the years, and it’s even more important in these days of increasing screen time. The only time the phones should come out is to take pictures, check the radar or find out how many minutes are left to savor the adventure. Check out more tips at https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/when-to-fish/national-fishing-and-boating-week/.
Celebrating its 68th year the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, heads to Orlando, Florida, July 15-18 for the world’s largest sportfishing trade show.
Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the national non-profit association that represents the business interests of the sportfishing industry, the show offers the latesttackle, gear, apparel and accessories.
From electronics to kayaks, rods, reels, lures and clothing, thousands of industry representatives flock to ICAST to get a first look at the products that will define recreational fishing’s future.
Learn more at https://www.icastfishing.org/, or check out the show’s social media feeds.
Whether pushed here by spring storms or part of ongoing changes in climate, a number of rare bird sightings have been reported in Wisconsin this spring. Report your observations and track what others are seeing at https://ebird.org/wi/home.
Meanwhile, you can see the latest maps on the annual monarch butterfly migration and learn more about the fascinating journey and habitat needs at https://journeynorth.org/monarchs/.
Bloodthirsty mosquitoes are on the hunt, joining ticks which have been active all spring.
While considering options to fend off the beasts, keep this on your radar: Genetically-modified mosquitoes. Specifically engineered to only be capable of producing male offspring, the mosquitoes are non-biting (only female mosquitoes bite). Read more about it at https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/genetically-modified-mosquitoes.html.
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