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 2011 – Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center - Chequamegon Bay Kids Fishing Day 

Date:  Saturday, June 4th, 2011 - 9 a.m.

Location:  Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, 29270 County Highway G, Ashland, Wisconsin  54806

Contact: Susan B. Nelson, sbnelson@fs.fed.us, 715-685-9983

Event Description : Each year the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center hosts an event "Chequamegon Bay Kids Fishing Day".  This event is held in conjunction with Wisconsin's Free Fishing Day (licenses are not required to fish).  The purpose of this event is to teach local families techniques needed for successful, sustainable fishing, and to encourage these families to fish on their own.  This event features the “Pathways to Fishing” clinic format where families rotate through stations.  Kids learn about stocking programs, fish structure, where fish live, what fish eat, and how to catch them.  Fishing regulations and boating safety tips, baits, tackle box essentials, rods and reels, how to tie knots, and casting techniques are explained and taught to youth through hands-on activities.  We also teach proper catch-and-release techniques.  In addition, kids learned how to clean a fish and how invasive species can adversely affect fish and other aquatic animals and plants.  Upon completing all the stations, families practice casting, and then finally have a chance to try their luck in the Visitor Center’s pond.  Afterwards, children learn how to tie flies and could take home their lure.  Smokey Bear also makes a visit mid-morning to spread the word about preventing wildfires.  Children also tour a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Vessel and learn about equipment used for water rescues.  Best of all the kids can sit behind the wheel, beep the horn, and turn on the flashing signals and sirens!