I'll be the first to admit it—I am not the biggest fan of worms. Perhaps that is what has stunted my career as a professional fisherman (fisherperson?). Something about putting the squiggly worm on the hook just gives me the heebie jeebies—a character flaw that I am delighted that my children did not inherit.
Both my 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son boast their own fisihng poles (Barbie and Buzz Lightyear, respectively) and enjoy going fishing at area lakes with my husband early on Saturday mornings. I don't usually cast a line on these outings, but there is something so inherently relaxing and enjoyable about a peaceful morning spent fishing with your family. It is just the epitome of summer fun….as long as the worms are safely contained.
Want to clock some good fishing time with your kids? Here are three opportunities to get your fishing on in the metro—and the best part? They are all free!
Where to Go:
- The Kids All-American Fishing Derby will be held tomorrow, Saturday, June 2, at Spring Creek Park in Edmond, beginning at 9am. This free event invites kids ages 5-15 to bring their own fishing equipment, bait & gear to compete for prizes. Concessions & worms available for purchase at the event. For more information, call 216-7471 or visit www.arcadialakeok.com.
What to Do:
- The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's free fishing clinics are being held through July. The clinics are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Arcadia Conservation Education Area Kids Pond near Edmond. A full listing of dates for the clinics can be found here on the Wildlife Department's website, with the next class being held on Thursday, June 7. Pre-registration is required by calling (405) 521-3855. Through the program, kids and adults can learn about topics such as fish identification, knot-tying, fish cleaning and cooking, fishing tackle selection, equipment use, water safety, outdoor ethics and more. The clinics include hands-on fishing opportunities at stocked ponds and no fishing license is required.
How to Save:
- Go fishing for free this Saturday & Sunday! The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is reporting that fishing season is in full swing, so it's a great time to take the kids to your favorite local lake or pond. During free fishing days, a state fishing license will not be required to fish in Oklahoma lakes and rivers (please note that certain city permits may apply in specific fishing area—be sure to ask local authorities if you have questions!) According to information from reports from the Wildlife Department, crappie fishing is good at Lake Arcadia and largemouth bass, whote bass and blue catfish are plentiful at Lake Hefner. Are your kids new to fishing? The Wildlife Department is encouraging anglers to share short video clips of new fishermen catching their first fish on Facebook.
For more information about fishing in Oklahoma, log on to the Wildlife Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com.
Until next week—wishing you a BIG catch!
Brooke
