Quality time
Do you remember those early days when you were new to the sport of fishing and every outing was a fun-filled adventure? Well, someone took you fishing then, and now it is your turn to return the favor.Pennsylvania’s 2008 trout season has two starting times: the first began at 8 a.m. on March 29 in waters located in Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York counties; and the second begins 8 a.m. on April 12 in the rest of the state.
If you are a willing parent or mentor and you are licensed to fish in Pennsylvania, then begin your planning today.
You can expect to find 3.4 million stocked brook, rainbow, and brown rainbow trout. The trout averaging 11” in length, are patiently swimming in a nearby stream or lake, and waiting for their next meal.
Pennsylvania has more than 83,000 miles of streams and rivers, along with 4,000 inland lakes and ponds covering 160,000 acres. You definitely have options, so your first task is to select the right destination.
As you pick the location for your fishing adventure, here are two things to consider: fishing close to home makes it more convenient and small lake or pond fishing are beginner friendly.
For instance, Canoe Creek State Park is a great spot to take the kids. The park is located on Route 22, 10 miles east of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. You will find good parking, restroom facilities, picnic tables, and a gently sloping shoreline that provides easy access and safety.
The lake will receive a generous stocking of rainbow trout on or about 9-days before opening day on April 12th. Rainbow trout like salmon eggs, worms, whole-kernel corn, a small ball of Velveeta Cheese, and marshmallows. The fish will be plenty hungry by the time you arrive.
Have a pre-trip plan, and give some thought to the little details that make the trip enjoyable. Plenty of snacks and beverages are a must! Dress the kids to match the weather, and if possible make everyone wear boots. I also recommend that you schedule your trip on rain free days only, but if you get caught by a mid-trip rain shower deploy plan B by taking them indoors to concentrate on the snacks you packed.
Use “kid friendly” fishing equipment that can take plenty of punishment and is simple to use. A closed faced reel is easy to use and easy to cast. An open faced reel is good too, but requires a higher skill level. Match a short fishing rod to your selected reel, and you are ready for action.
Rig all the rods with small bobber and bait so you can help the kids identify when they are getting a bite. The bait used is up to you. Worms, wax worms, meal worms, maggots, minnows, PowerBait, whole kernel corn, and salmon eggs all work well. You should take a variety of baits and cover all the bases.
A ratio of one adult to two kids works best. If you arrive early, have something to keep the kids occupied. Their ability to sit and wait and your patience will be tested if you are not prepared.
Just remember that kids like to fish, and adults like to catch fish. Don’t spoil the day by applying your adult standards for rating success.
Don’t forget the camera!
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Comments
Good Stuff Jack!
Well said! I remember the opening day of trout season and watching the trucks pull up to a bridge not to far from our house on Dry Run. It was then I learned that they were stocking the streams and what that meant. Several days later I saw the stream bank crowded with people securing a spot to fish. There were a lot of people.
I have not been fishing in years. Last fish caught was a brown trout on Spruce Creek back in the late nineties. The last time fishing was along the Atlantic coast not to far from Nag's head. My wife caught the only fish,a flounder.
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Get ready
Polish up those casting skills. Your son will soon be ready to explore the outdoors and you will need to be ready!
well said!
Your last line sums it up perfectly. To kids, results don't matter, it's the process and the time spent.
I'm hoping our resident granddad fisherman takes our kids this year as he 'threatened' to for the past 2 years. fingers crossed!
What an opportunity!
I wished I lived nearby. Times like those are too few and too soon gone! I pray that "granddad'" comes through.