With warmer weather coming, here are five things to do at Codorus State Park to take advantage of the warmer months. Ty Lohr, The Evening Sun
I can vividly remember my first time fishing. I mean really fishing — in a “big” stream.
Before being taught by an experienced angler, we would ride bikes to a little stream, just outside of town. Using a stick, string and hook, my friends and I would fish a spot where the creek widened into a larger hole and catch creek chubs. We called it the “Chubby Hole.”
If it was really hot, fishing would be abandoned and we would swim in the waist deep water.
More: Outdoors: Take a child trout fishing
My “real” fishing experience was hosted by Norm Stoner, a teacher at Eichelberger Senior High School. It was the mid-1950s, and I was probably 11 or 12 years old. We fished Yellow Breeches Creek, just downstream from the old Williams Grove Amusement Park.
The park had an impoundment that contained fish that grew large thanks to feeding by park patrons. When it rained, fish would sometimes wash out of the pond into the adjacent Yellow Breeches. Norm’s goal was to hook onto one of those “trophies.”
These memories have lasted a long time and I still enjoy fishing today. How rewarding it is to take a child under your wing and teach a sport or hobby that will last a girl or boy a lifetime.
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Here are some tips for taking a kid fishing as offered by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife:
“Make it fun: Above all else, make the fishing trip fun and safe. Don't measure the success of the trip by the number or size of fish caught, but rather by having a fun, safe time outdoors. Praise children for their patience and cooperation.
“Make it a shore thing: Try giving a child their first few lessons at a local park, farm pond, or a lake with a dock or gentle shoreline where they can run and play when their attention span runs short. Knowing how to fish from shore will allow them to go on their own or with friends when they are old enough. If and when you progress to a boat, be sure to have the proper safety equipment for you and your youngster.
“Fish for little fish: Most kids prefer to catch lots of fish versus big fish. Start new anglers off on species that are plentiful and more easily caught, like sunfish or perch. Once the child has developed basic fishing skills, you can move on to larger pursuits.
“Start with the basics: Begin with simple equipment and bait. Use simple spin casting equipment, a bobber, and a hook with live bait, as it will work well for a variety of fish species. And be sure the equipment your child uses is in good working order to avoid frustration.
“Teach skills: People, regardless of their age, enjoy fishing more when they are in control and can do it themselves. Resist the temptation to do things for your children. If you are using live bait, teach them how to put it on the hook themselves. Teach them how to tie their hook onto their line and how to cast. On future trips, watch their skills, and their confidence, grow.”
One bit of advice that is probably the most important of any fishing lesson is “Be relaxed. Keep a smile, an open mind and lots of patience.”
I know I tested Norm’s patience that day, when he hooked into a big fish that put a strain on his bamboo rod. I don’t remember the bait we were using, maybe corn or a worm? Fighting the fish, he handed me a fishing net, hoping I would help. Not knowing how to land a fish, I chased the fish trying to land it tail first. After a bit of stern advice, the fish was landed.
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Back in town, the fish, a fat 18- or 19-inch sucker, was entered in the W.E. Sell’s Sporting Goods store’s Big Fish Contest. It didn’t win, but I think it took third place that season.
YOUTH TROUT DERBY — One place to take child fishing is the Youth Trout Derby being held by the Adams County Trout Unlimited Chapter and the Yellow Breeches Anglers & Conservation Association on Saturday, May 5, on Latimore Creek in the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds near York Springs.
Fishing for the 11th annual event will start at 8:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded. Rules are bait fishing only. Lunch will be provided. The date of the event was listed incorrectly in a previous column.
Bob Marchio is outdoor writer for The (Hanover) Evening Sun. He may be reached at: bmarchio@embarqmail.com.
Also of interest, a gallery of photos below:
https://www.eveningsun.com/story/sports/2018/04/24/outdoors-patience-key-when-teaching-child-fish/545520002/
Bagikan Berita Ini
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