Local kids try fishing for free thanks to the Whitecourt Fish & Game Association

 

The Whitecourt Fish & Game Association hosted its annual Kids’ Fishing Day at Rotary Park on Saturday, May 26. This was the 15th year for the event and although numbers were down a bit, plenty of children attended and enjoyed learning how to maneuver a fishing rod and, if they were lucky, catch a fish. The pond was freshly stocked with 825 Rainbow Trout on May 16 and they average 21 to 22 centimetres in length.

Association member Greg Gilbertson was one of several members who took part and helped attendees cast their lines, reload their bait, and learn ways to best attract fish. They also gave the option for kids to either keep their fish or safely release them back into the pond. If they chose to keep their catch, members showed them the proper way to clean it.

With fishing equipment supplied, the event provided a way for youth to be introduced to the sport without needing to bring anything, pay a fee, or register in advance. Several families that happened to be enjoying an afternoon at the park walked over and joined the group for an unexpected and exciting addition to their day.

“The benefits I see of having a stocked pond in this location is that it’s wonderful for families. Being able to go to a safe place with the kids and enjoy fishing makes this a wonderful addition to the community. It’s kind of a jewel and everyone I’ve talked to who’s come down here with everything that’s involved here including the fishing, all see this as a special place,” said Gilbertson.

Rotary Park pond truly is a special place to fish when you consider the restrictions in place for adults. Besides needing a sportfishing license, he or she must be accompanied by a youth under 16 years of age. This type of restriction strengthens the family environment and encourages families to get out and spend time together.

The limit for fish to be kept is five but they do encourage catch and release. Though the fish just added won’t grow too much over the course of the summer, Greg said there are a few big fish that call the pond home. “The wonderful thing about this particular pond is that it self-oxygenates because of the springs that are in it, so during the winter the Rainbow Trout do survive. Therefore, there are some larger fish in here, but they are much harder to catch,” he said. Curious how big? Gilbertson said he has seen them caught in the five-pound range.

The cost to get a fishing license is minimal but the fun and excitement that comes along with it is priceless. “If you ever get the chance to watch a child catch his or very first fish you’ll be hooked just like they will be because it’s a pretty special thing to see the smiles that the fish in this pond generate.”

 

The next free fishing event of the season will take place on July 7 and 8 at the end of Canada’s National Fishing Week. The weekend will allow families to fish together without a license. “Give it a try, you’ll really enjoy it,” he said.