Warm weather ushers in kids' fishing season opener

UPSON, Wis. - Everett Lotzer, 2, of Iron Belt, prepared for Saturday morning's fishing season opener with plenty of practice.

His mother, Denise Lotzer, watched as her son and his brother, Marshall, patiently waited for a bite at Weber Lake, during the annual kids' fishing opener.

"He's been practicing since he got his fishing pole," Denise Lotzer said.

Unfortunately, the fish weren't biting on a warm, sunny morning.

No one seemed to mind as adults and kids alike enjoyed the weather.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources listed the lake for stocking of rainbow trout, but no trout were being caught on Saturday, only a few panfish.

Other years haven't gone as well, weather-wise, as the contest was postponed or canceled for three of the past 10 years.

This year, kids waded into the water and even went without shirts under the warm sun.

The sponsoring Superior Bass Club handed out 40 free rod and reel combinations to the youngsters by 10 a.m. and then cooked hot dogs for the participants. Prizes were awarded to kids who didn't get rods and reels.

Tom Johnson, of the club, said about 100 kids showed up to fish.

"It's good to see kids coming back from one year to the next with the poles they have received, giving other kids a chance to get a start at fishing," Johnson said.

He said the fishing equipment was purchased through the Zebco company, which supplied the poles and reels for about half price.

The Superior Bass Club is a group of anglers who get together six times a year for informal competitions. Points are recorded each week and the winner gets a trophy at the end of the year, but emphasis is on camaraderie and not bragging rights, club members said.

They have been fishing area lakes and river chains for bass for about 10 years.

Johnson said many people, including the local Snowbelt Longbeards turkey organization, volunteered to help out.

The club members also thanked the numerous merchants who donated funds to make the day a success.