Cold but memorable regional Youth Trout Day
Cold but memorable regional Youth Trout Day
By Tyler Frantz
Last Saturday marked the first of two Mentored Youth Trout Days for Pennsylvania’s young anglers. Held in 18 south-central and south-eastern counties, youth anglers under the age of 16 and their mentors were given the first crack at approved trout waters in the area.
“Our goal is to get more kids involved in fishing and to keep them engaged, and one of the best ways to do that is to make the experience as easy as possible for parents and mentors,” said PA Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway. “By expanding the program this year to include all Commission stocked trout waters, we are substantially increasing the number of available waters and are bringing fishing as close as we can to anglers.” To participate, adult anglers age 16 and older were required to possess a valid fishing license and trout/salmon permit and be accompanied by a youth. Youth anglers had to obtain a free PFBC-issued permit or a voluntary youth fishing license and be accompanied by a licensed adult. Both adults and their mentors were permitted to fish, and if desired, could each keep a combined species total of two trout, at least seven inches in length.
I caught up with several angler pairs throughout the region to ask how the fish were biting, and the common theme seemed to be that although the weather was cold and blustery, those who made it out had a fantastic time.
Scott Bossler, of South Lebanon initially took his 5-year old son, Owen, to Lion's Lake in North Lebanon Township but found the lake’s water cloudy and the fish unwilling to bite. After moving to the Tulpehocken Creek in Jackson Township, the pair was able to successfully attain their four fish limit. “The weather was cold and windy, but Owen stuck it out for an afternoon of fishing,” said Bossler. “After a jar of power bait and 20 landed fish, my hands were cold, but we had an awesome time. Owen had a great day of fishing with his Daddy.”
In Lancaster County, Greg May of Mount Joy took his daughter, Meadow, to Little Chiques Creek, where passing snow showers didn’t deter the excited 5-year old from enjoying the day.
“My wife Betsy came along to watch us fish,” said May. “The girls had blankets and a little pink tent to block the wind, so the snow showers really didn’t seem to affect them. It was just fantastic being out there together as a family.”
“The fishing was tough, but when I hooked into a rainbow, I quickly handed my rod to Meadow,” said May. “Seeing the smile on her face when she reeled in her first fish was priceless. She and her mom immediately added the memory to her nature journal. Hopefully she will take this experience and pass it on to her own kids some day.” But it wasn’t only parents serving as mentors to the youth anglers on this special day. There were other adult license holders stepping up, and in some cases traveling great distances, to give kids a memorable outdoor experience.
James Hancock of Hegins drove his fiancée’s 8-year old nephew, Connor Hooper, from Pine Grove, over an hour east to fish the Jordan Creek in Lehigh County.
“Our day started slow with no bites,” said Hancock. “But we moved to another bridge where we were kindly invited by an older gentlemen and his grandson to share their fishing spot. We quickly realized we were in the honey hole. Connor ended up catching and releasing 20-plus fish.”
“This day was all about the kids and gave a great opportunity for them to have fun before the crowded and competitive opening day of trout,” Hancock commented. “There were plenty of smiles and memories made for everyone who participated!”
In Perry County, Jeff Woleslagle played chauffeur to his 16-year old son Nathan- a Susquenita High School Student- so the young man could mentor his 14-year old friend, Aaron Morder, who attends Greenwood. The pair caught 30 fish, including two golden rainbows.
“It was great,” said Woleslagle, who transported the young anglers to destinations along Raccoon to Delaware Creeks. “I just drove the boys around and drank coffee while they had a blast fishing. I’ve always thought the first day of trout should be about the kids; allowing them the first shot at the fish is how it should be.”
“I was also really proud of Nathan for taking Aaron under his wing,” said Woleslagle. “My son is an avid fly fisherman and enjoys tying all his own flies. By the end of the day, he had Aaron setting aside his spinning combo to sling the fly rod, to the point that Aaron even caught his first fish on the fly.”
“It was really exciting to see Aaron catch his first fish on a fly rod,” said Nathan. “I was very happy for him. It was also really nice having the opportunity to target unpressured fish, almost like we had the creeks to ourselves. Even though it was cold, we stuck it out and had a terrific time.”
A second Mentored Youth Trout Day will be held statewide on April 11th- a week in advance of the statewide trout season opener. The southeast regional trout season opened on April 4th. To purchase a fishing license online, or to view regulations and stocking dates, visit www.fishandboat.com.
0 Response to "Cold but memorable regional Youth Trout Day"
Post a Comment