Guidelines For Taking a Kid Fishing the Right Way

Outdoors

Some of my fondest memories of childhood were going fishing. I can still vividly recall going on family vacations to the Thousand Islands and fishing the St. Lawrence River for perch, panfish, and bass. I was also lucky enough to live within biking distance of several trout streams. In later years my older cousin would drive us to different areas to explore and fish – if I would dig the worms for bait.

A lot of kids today do not have that opportunity. Times have changed, along with family structure and economic reality. But even if they do get to go fishing, their experience may not be something that encourages them to continue. As I mentioned in an opinion section recently having a kid casting and trying to fish at a boat launch is hardly an experience that builds a desire to continue fishing.

Kids fishing derbies are nice. They are often fun and kids get to socialize while hopefully feeling the excitement of catching a fish. But too often the kids do not learn anything. Many

of these events are dominated by “helicopter parents” who hover over them or do much of the casting and landing themselves so their kids have a better chance to win a prize. Surveys show that nearly two thirds of the kids who attend a derby do not fish again for the rest of the year.

Even well-meaning parents who take kids fishing may have no experience so the youngster is illequipped or unprepared, A typical situation is a kid outfitted with a very cheap toy rod and reel, a sinker that you could use to weigh down a tent, and a bobber at least the size of a softball. The kid tries to cast this and ends up with an airborne mess capable of netting an eagle or wrapping it around the nearest willow tree. After a couple of these futile efforts both youngster and parent are frustrated and toss the mess in the trunk of the car. It later sits in the corner of the garage for the rest of the summer.

Several years ago, Ted Dobs and I formed an organization called Future Anglers Outreach. This was not a derby. It was a clinic that one parent or guardian had to attend with the youngster and it provided simple instructions on what equipment was needed, how to tie a proper knot, and how to cast without a big sinker. The youngsters got to try out the skills with a mentor nearby and got to keep the decent rod and reel.

We were happy with the results but unfortunately after several years a variety of factors combined to end the program. In the meantime many kids benefitted and some other organizations copied this plan. There are some organizations that provide a more involved and structured plan. It’s not realistic to think that you will make experts out of youngsters in a day or two. But getting them started with workable equipment and some basic instructions is a first step to encouraging someone to be a fisherman.

We have heard the guidelines for taking small children fishing many times, but they are worth repeating. Keep it simple. Make sure that it is safe and comfortable.

Since children have short attention spans be sure to keep it short and hopefully filled with action.

In most cases panfish fill the bill for these requirements. During the times when panfish are not cooperating, use the opportunity to point out interesting natural things in the surroundings. Make it a fun day with snacks, drinks, or lunch etc. Even if the fish are cooperating, don’t make the outing too long. Kids (and some adults that I know) have short attention spans.

Be sure to take a camera and capture the moments. Get photos of the day’s events into the kid’s hands as soon as possible so that they can share them with others. Of course make sure to take sun block lotion, bug repellent, and polarized sunglasses.

Make it a fun time and do it often. Years from now I doubt that they will say – “Gee, remember the time we mowed the lawn together?”

SHORT CASTS

Guide Exam

There will be an exam for NY licensed guides this Saturday to make up for the dates cancelled last spring due to the pandemic. The next one for new applicants will be Sept. 17, 2020 at select Regional Offices. For more information see DEC website or contact Colleen Kayser at 518-402-8838. DEC Land Acquisitions The DEC recently acquired some small but important pieces of property to protect watersheds and promote access for hunting or hiking by adding the state land. One section was On Rte. 72 near Cranberry Lake to provide easier access for hiking, hiking, and brook trout fishing, while another was on Cranberry Lake where a camp had burned to preserve the wild character of the lakeshore.

Another was near Osceola to secure public easement over the Fall Brook Access Road. This will provide brook trout fishing and a snowmobile corridor from Osceola to points east. A 324 acre parcel in the town of Western north of Rome connects state lands of Buck Hill and Clark Hill State Forests for hiking and hunting access.

Golden Passport Park Program

With the hot summer weather and people visiting NYS parks to enjoy the outdoors it worth reminding our readers of the Golden Passport program. If you are a NYS resident 62 or older on any weekday (except holidays) you can obtain free vehicle access to state parks. Simply present your current valid NYS Driver’s License. This policy applies both to Office of Parks and Recreation and DEC facilities

Online Bowhunter Education

From now until at least August 31, the Bowhunter Education Course will be available online. You can sign up at the DEC website and complete it on your own schedule. There is no official word whether this will continue or be available after August 31.

Imperial Dam Controversy

The DEC recently released a plan for $6 million to build a fish ladder at Imperial Dam on the Saranac River at Plattsburgh. However, given the checkered history of the dam and DEC involvement with it, local officials and conservation groups such as Trout Unlimited are incensed. They say that the dam does not produce hydroelectric power, is a threat to Plattsburgh, and would be best served by removing it.

Plattsburgh Mayor Colin Read said that issues range from concern for lives and property below Imperial Dam, interest in a restored and ecologically sound Saranac River, and the cost of millions of dollars to subsidize an out of -state investor. The City of Plattsburgh City Council voted unanimously to advocate for the removal of Imperial Dam. The Town of Schuyler Falls, and the Town of Plattsburgh also passed a similar Resolution.

Former DEC attorney Scott Abrahamson said in 2011 “The Department cannot expend public money to construct a fish ladder on the private portion of the dam that is owned by Main Mill Street Investments LLC. Abrahamson went on to relate that the dam is in total violation of New York State dam safety standards.

Rich Redman, President of the Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited and a long-time dam opponent said the answer to the major dam safety problems that have imperiled Plattsburgh citizens for years and have kept Atlantic salmon from their historic spawning grounds is to remove Imperial Dam. Aside from the cost and legality questions of a proposed fish ladder, there is serious doubt that this would be effective in allowing Atlantic salmon access to upstream spawning habitat.

The Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited along with the citizens of Plattsburgh are trying to stop DEC’S giveaway of $6 million to a California developer to install a fish ladder that may not work on a dam that the DEC does not own and which has previously been found to be unstable for that. The dam has been in violation o NYS dam safety standards for years without any enforcement action by DEC. Both groups want the dam removed for safety concerns and to allow the Atlantic salmon to move upstream to suitable spawning habitat.

They ask your help by calling some of your state legislators on this issue. For more information on this issue contact Bill Wellman at 518-563-1985.