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Monthly Newsletter - July

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Teach Your Kids To Fish

Enjoy The Outdoors With Your Family From Ben Koller, The Hook Up

As a professional fishing guide, I make my living taking people fishing. As you can imagine, I see all kinds of anglers. I also get all kinds of questions from my clients relating to to how to get their loved ones more involved in fishing and the outdoors; more specifically, their kids.

On the surface, this question seems simple enough. But the importance of this question is rarely understood, even by the parents asking it. After all, it is the first few fishing experiences that will either hook kids for life, or send them running back to their playstations. Get them hooked, and you are raising your life long fishing buddy. Show them a good time, and kids will put the outdoors on top of their list of preferred activities, which is not only good for them, but is also good for society and especially fishing. Kids are our future conservationists, our future activists for ensuring good fishing for years to come. Teach them well in the beginning, and our grandkids will thank you!

So, with the importance understood, follow these steps to insure a successful fishing trip with your kids.

1. Keep it simple!
I’m talking a hook, a split shot, a bobber, and a nighcrawler. It’s a simple combination that kids can understand, and the bobber gives a visual aspect to fishing that will hold their interest longer. The bobber also helps the parents keep track of where the bait is. Parents with little or no fishing experience will find this set up very convenient, and I would recommend that they learn fishing with the same set up. This rig will catch any species of fish on any body of water.

2. Fish for action, not size!
Kids need a quick pace to keep their interest. It is vital that they start out fishing where bites will be easy to come by. Bluegills, sunfish, and small bass are perfect for this type of action, as these fish live shallow most of the year, and are easy find. All of the desert lakes and urban lakes will have these fish readily available. Catfish and trout can also be a good option if they are fished for shortly after stocking. Check with the game and fish department for their stocking schedule, and be there shortly after for some fast action.

3. Kids need praise!
This is where some careful planning and understanding will come in handy. Kids will no doubt make bad casts, fling the hook around like a flying gaff, and probably drop the rod a time or two. That’s okay, if it’s expected! Do yourself a favor, and smash the barb of the hook flat with a pair of pliers. Not only does it make unhooking the fish easier, but it makes unhooking the parents easier as well. You will be unhooking both. Let them know they’re doing a great job, and show excitement when things are going well. Their opinion will be forged as much from your reaction, as their catch success. If they do something wrong, explain it to them, and teach them how to do it right. This is the time to leave the short temper at home.

4. Keep it about the kids!
We all have visions of what the perfect first fishing trip should look like. We’re fishing side by side with our kids, they’re making perfect casts, and the fish are biting like crazy. Although this can be the case, it can also be the complete opposite of what we actually experience. If the kids decide 2 minutes in to the fishing that they’d rather throw rocks, let them throw rocks. If they want to play with the bugs, or splash through the water, let them. This is their outing. In the beginning, it’s all about having fun. Their version of fun, not ours. If the first few trips consist of 3 casts and 2 hours of skipping rocks, then great. They’ll come around.

5. Teach them about conservation!
I know what you’re thinking, boring! I agree, it can be, but I’m not talking about saving the forest or global warming, I’m talking about simple and interesting things about nature and preservation. For instance, when they catch a fish, hold it for them. Show them the fins and how the fish use them to swim. Show them the eyes and how they see through the water. If you don’t know these things, learn them. More importantly, teach them catch and release. Teach them that by releasing the fish, it will be alive to reproduce, and that will create hundreds of more fish for the future. If you bring fish home, teach them to only bring home what they can eat, and releases the rest. This is the time when kids will learn the importance and integrity of conservation. Teach them well.

While there are never any guarantees in fishing, following these simple steps will surely bring success on your next fishing adventure with your kids. Remember the steps, teach them well, and have fun!

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About the author: Ben Koller is the owner of The Hook Up fishing guide service, and a member of the Ranger Boats and Mercury Marine freshwater fishing team.

Looking for great places to take your kids fishing or to help teach them how to fish, here are some ideas passed on from the WI DNR:

High Pines Campground, Eagle River
Kids Fishing Tips

Now through August 17, 2010, Tuesday evenings 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; High Pines Campground, 1919 US HWY 45N, Eagle River. "Kids Fishing Tips" program will run every Tuesday night. Kids will get the chance to fish, practice casting and knot tying. They will learn about bait depth, rod positioning, proper handling of fish, fish identification and boat safety. Each kid will receive a "goodie bag," a rod/reel combo, and a tackle box. Target age: 6-13. For more information contact: Art Anderson, (715) 891-2675.

Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, New Prospect, WI
Learn to Fly Fish Exploring Nature Program

Saturday, June 12, 2010, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect). Do you marvel at those fly-fishing anglers, but can’t quite figure out how they do it? Come to Mauthe Lake to learn the correct way to use fly-fishing gear and tackle from an experienced fly fisherman. Please bring your own gear if you have any. To register, please call the Ice Age Visitor Center (number below) by June 10. People over the age of 16 need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license. This program is best suited for people over the age of 10. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.

Shue's Pond, Hayward

June 25-26, 2010, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Shue's Pond City Park, Hayward. This family fishing event coincides with the Hayward Musky Festival. Come on out to Shue’s Pond to make your own fishing lure, learn to cast, and identify fish. There will be a fish printing table, live bait rigging tips, and other hands-on demonstrations. Target age: all ages and families welcome. Sponsored by WDNR and National Park Service. Contact: Frank Pratt, (715) 634-9658.

Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, New Prospect
Learn to Fish Rodeo Drop In at the Beach

Saturday, July 17, 2010, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.; Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect). Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes activities/games such as: Backyard Bass casting, Fill the Tackle Box, Fishing Regulations Quiz, Avoiding Hazards, Just Not Knots, What’s the Fish? and Baiting your Hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the fishing pier will help hone your newly acquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own gear if you have it. The rodeo is best for people over the age of 6 years old. Anyone 16 years or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.

Ice Age Visitor Center, Dundee
Fishing for Laughs

Saturday, July 17, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 ½ mile west of Dundee). Bring the entire family to this fishing comedy show by the Bassmeister (aka Curt Strutz). It will not only be informative in basic fishing skills and water safety, but will entertain everyone with audience participation, ventriloquism, clean humor, puppetry, illusions and hilarious visual props. This evening is fun for all ages. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.

Learn-to-Fish License Waiver

The Learn-to-Fish License Waiver offers a free, one-time, one-day fishing opportunity tied to an educational fishing program such as the Department of Natural Resources Angler Education Program.

The waiver is available to those who meet a set of requirements as outlined in the Learn-to-Fish License Waiver Information [PDF 73KB].

Click here for more great places to take your kids fishing, listed by city/county.

To Print the coupon below, right mouse click on the image and select "Print" or click on the image to open in a separate page and print from your browser.

Deerskin Gloves vs Cowskin Gloves

Deerskin is one of the most difficult leathers to work with, both in it's tanning process, and in the making of leather goods. This, and limited availability, prevents it from being a leather that can be stamped out and sewn into products by the millions using inexperienced labor and many common mass production methods. When done properly however, it produces one of the strongest, softest, most durable, and comfortable gloves you can wear.

A properly cut deerskin glove has stretch widthwise and very little stretch lengthwise. This means a snug fitting glove that will expand with your hand when you make a fist or grip something,but the fingers won't stretch or become floppy.

The physical structure of deerskin leather is different than other types of skins. It's elongated interwoven fibers give it an extremely high shear strength and abrasion resistance. The spaces between the fibers make the leather soft and comfortable over a wider range of temperatures than others. In other words: cooler in the warm weather and warmer in the cold weather.

The combination of a naturally superior leather,tanned, cut and sewn by Experienced crafts people using age old processes, results in a product that truly "fits like a glove".

Unlike man-made materials that appear flawless, any skin has surface scratches and scars, etc., and contain Subtle variations in color and texture resulting in natural markings which add to the uniqueness of each item. These variations in no way affect the durability or performance of the glove. Normal use will enhance the character of this leather.

Just in time for the cold season, Pep's Taxidermy is offering to exchange hides for deerkin gloves. These gloves are constructed of top-grade deerskin for an unbeatable combination of softness and durability. The traditional feel of deerskin or elkskin can't be equaled.

Washing Deerskin gloves:

Deerskin can be safely washed using warm water and mild soap. This removes accumulated dirt, oils and stains and will help gloves last longer and feel nicer. After rinsing to remove residual soap, gloves should be gently wrung damp and allowed to dry gradually at room temperature. Do not apply direct heat when drying. They shrink slightly but will stretch to fit during wear.

The gloves are fashioned from Natural USA Deerskin, Elkskin and sometimes even Bison leather.  A Remarkably strong and durable, yet soft and flexible material. 

 You will notice color variations and natural grain etchings and scratches in the leather.  This means that it's own "Natural Beauty" is preserved in the tanning process.

Links

Taxidermy Links

....Taxidermy.net - One stop taxidermy resource, including schools, suppliers, associations, latest news, shows, and more.

...Wisconsin Taxidermist Association - Members receive a membership card, quarterly newsletters and an annual report. WTA also keeps its members up-to-date on state and national policies that are directed at our profession. They host annual competitions and seminars put on by some of the best international, national and state taxidermists today.

Local Wisconsin Links

The Silent Rooster of Wonewoc, WI - They carry country, rustic and primitive decorations and collectibles, and you can even purchase some of our lamps and mounts there as well!

WISCONSIN Department of Natural Resources

Ice Fishing for Kids

Wisconsin Ice Fishing

Wisconsin Outdoor: Ice Fishing Articles

Wisconsin Fish Reports

Hunting and Wildlife Links

Identicard Company Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Products and Information. Fishing and hunting videos and dvds, wildlife art prints, great gift ideas, tips and techniques and thousands of links to hunting and fishing sites.

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