Kids and fishing go together like peanut butter and jelly. However even in the case of the iconic sandwich, adding too many extras can spoil the simplistic taste of what many of us grew up on.
The same goes for fishing. Simply put, youngsters want to be included and totally disregard how many fish they catch. And that’s the way it should be. After all, it’s not a contest, and besides, go back in your memory and recount how many trout you withdrew during your first outing.
If we were to place money on the experience, chances are you might be able to describe your first fishing rod and reel. Or better yet, the fun you had when going to camp for the trout opener, the late evening assembling your gear, or possibly that fishing vest fashioned for the young angler.
And how about opening day and joining all those other men, women, boys, and girls who jockeyed for the best spot when they would eagerly toss their line into the cold waters of a mountain stream. All for the chance to bring to the surface of the water and into a landing net a simmering rainbow, brown or brook trout. It didn’t matter if the fish was large or small, just that it was legal to bring home. In the hand of a youngster what greater thrill was there than to feel the rod vibrate as the offering on the other end worked to avoid capture?
Feel for those who will never experience angling as a youngster. The thrill and excitement of being included and sharing in the experience. It only happens by being there, sharing and taking in the experience.
Take the time to sit back and watch a youngster focus on the ripples of water instead of a computer screen, tablet or iPhone. There’s time for that later, but right now we’re going fishing.
Then there’s the opportunity to follow that young angler to the stream and other points along the water’s edge. Then swell with pride as care is given to the equipment that is being held in those small hands.
Like peanut butter and jelly, keep it simple and have fun. Remember opening day is for all of us. After all, we are all kids at heart when it comes to the first day of trout season. That’s why opening day is so special.
STOCKING SCHEDULE CHANGE
They are all over the board, changes in the stocking schedule. The good thing is that adjustments are readily available at your fingertips.
Yes, stocking lists can be obtained, however the vast majority will not include the up-to-date revisions. That’s where a computer comes in real handy.
While searching the stocking list online, it appears that every county across the northern tier has had adjustments made with regard to stocking schedules.
That being noted, log onto the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s website for up-to-date information.
Also keep in mind that the meeting places for stocking can be accessed by clicking on the Lat/Lon highlighted area. The meeting place along with a map can then be viewed.
The unusually cold weather prompted the PFBC to reschedule its two Mentored Youth Fishing Days into one statewide date on May 10. The days were originally scheduled for March 22 and April 5.
The program is designed to encourage adults to take kids fishing, to show them that fishing is fun, and to promote active, outdoor recreation,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “We will be better prepared to deliver this experience at the later date when the weather is warmer and the waters are free from ice.”
To date the mentored fishing program has received positive comments. The program is exciting, and a special day for kids. The change in the date will go a long way to keeping it that way.
To help facilitate fishing opportunities for the Youth Mentored Event, a change in the trout stocking schedule is needed.
To participate in the Mentored Youth Trout Days anglers 16 years of age or older (adult anglers) must possess a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and current Trout/Salmon Permit and be accompanied by a youth (less than 16 years of age) who has obtained a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission.
For all the details regarding the Voluntary Youth License and details regarding the Mentored Youth Fishing Days, go to the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s website at www.GoneFishingPa.com
GOOD NEWS
As of March 29th the number of licensed anglers is up by 7.5 percent. Let’s hope that over the years to come the increase in license sales keep moving forward. Programs such as the Mentored Youth Fishing Days will go a long way toward making this happen.
INVASIVE PLANT WORKSHOP
If invasive weeds such as multiflora rose and mile-a-minute vine are invading your property, learn how to resolve the problem. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your property from these invaders!
SIPMA, the Sinnemahoning Invasive Plant Management Area, and Sinnemahoning State Park invites you to attend this workshop at Sinnemahoning State Park, Monday, April 14, 2014, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
By attending you will learn to identify the ten worst invasive plants in north-central Pennsylvania, and discover how these invaders are disrupting the native habitat. Learn biological, mechanical and chemical ways to control invasive vines and shrubs, with a special focus on mile-a-minute and multiflora rose.
The meeting will take place in the classroom of the new Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Workshops will include field identification and hands-on practice with application equipment. Participants should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Pesticide applicator recertification credits are available. Please see the PA Plants’ website https://www.paplants.state.pa.us/PesticideApplicator/MeetingSearch.aspx for credits offered.
For more information or to register for this free workshop, please contact Tanya Meyer, Invasive Plant Projects Coordinator, Sinnemahoning Invasive Plant Management Area, 814.486.1740 or Kimberly Lott, Environmental Education Specialist, Sinnemahoning State Park, 814.647-8401.
———
Charlie Burchfield is a past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and the Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America. To contact Gateway Outdoors the e-mail address is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
