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On August 11 and August 13, several local area children participated in
and completed the WI-DNR Junior Angler program sponsored by the Long
Lake Fishing Club. The beautiful sunny weather enhanced the experience.
The program, led by Nancy Durn, Master Angler Instructor, was filled
with fun activities. The lessons learned included: fish anatomy and
senses; fish identification; introduction to fishing equipment and
casting techniques; tackle box contents and fish filleting/cleaning. On
Thursday fishing was done from pontoon boats. Fishing equipment was
provided by the Ice Age Center for those who didn’t have a rod and reel.
Carey Schumaker, owner of Quik Bait, provided the wax worms and red
worms needed for fishing.
The instructors were Jackie Scherfenberg, Naturalist from the Ice Age
Center; Jim and Sharon Porfilio, Master Angler Instructors; Bob Leiholdt;
Bob Durn, “Mr. Fisherman”; Michael Samens, Osceola Constable; Charles
Benson, Master Angler Instructor; and Kyle Kosin, Conservation Warden.
On Tuesday, instructors demonstrated and taught several different
aspects of fishing.
Constable Samens told the children about his duties, fishing regulations
and boating safety. He discussed fish size and daily limits and stressed
the importance of wearing a life jacket, even if you know how to swim.
After the talk they divided into groups which moved between four
learning stations, some with hands-on involvement.
At one station they learned how to tie a secure line on a fish hook.
After a demonstration by Mr. Leiholdt, the children were able to learn
the skill, with repeated practice, on an oversized wooden hook and
string.
Different types of fishing equipment were shown at another station and
parts of a rod and reel explained by Mr. Porfilio. A few forms of
casting were demonstrated and with the added assistance of Mrs. Porfilio
the children had a chance to practice the techniques.
At the next station Bob Durn, “Mr. Fisherman”, showed the children
how to fillet fish while explaining the inner parts and fish eating
habits. The children also had an opportunity to learn what essentials
are needed in a tackle box and see a fishing boat set-up.
At the fourth learning station Mrs. Scharfenberg familiarized the
children with fish senses. Using equipment that utilized their own
senses, they learned that if it smells, is bright in color, and makes
noise the object will attract fish.
While enjoying an ice cream bar the children were given a chance to ask
questions and instructions were given pertaining to fishing on Thursday.
Thursday was warm and sunny with a slight breeze out of the east. The
children went out on the lake to fish while learning about structure,
how to locate fish, bait selection, and fish handling. Warden Kosin
stopped by each pontoon to make sure everybody was following regulations
and to briefly review the lessons learned on Tuesday. He stressed the
importance of wearing a life vest.
Several local area residents had volunteered their pontoon boats
making this event possible. Others also assisted as co-captains, fishing
instructors and helpers. They are as follows:
Bob Durn, Jackie Scharfenberg, Bob and Nancy Leidholdt, Jim and
Sharon Porfilio, Charles Benson, Warden Kyle Kosin, Constable Michael
Samens, Rich Clements, Frank & Eunice Tomka, Marge Mackinson, Judy
Placzkowski, and Tammy Durn.
With the skills learned on the previous Tuesday the children were
catching blue gills, sun fish, perch and rock bass. Residents on the
north end of the lake and other boaters could hear the excitement on the
boats when a bobber went down and fish were caught. Baiting the hook and
removing the fish caught seemed to provide the most challenge. It didn’t
take long although for the inexperienced fisher to learn how to set the
hook and reel one in.
After a morning of fishing all came on shore to sit by the fire and
discuss their adventures. While eating a picnic lunch provided by the
Long Lake Fishing Club, Charles Benson gave an informative talk about
fish identification. Using mounts of fish caught in Long Lake the
children saw the larger sizes of fish they could possibly catch They
also learned about size regulations and heard some of his personal
experiences with fish.
The day ended with Angler patches presented to new program
participants along with a “goodie bag” for all children in attendance.
Included in the bag was fishing information pamphlets from the WI-DNR,
Wild Life cards, and a few basic fishing materials supplied by the Long
Lake Fishing Club. This year Cabelas donated a “Slingshot Fishing Combo”
rod and reel for each participant.
The children had a great time out on the water catching fish. Just
take a look at the smiling faces and you know that the program was a
success. Group pictures were taken and good byes said.
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