Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Families go fish for free Saturday

By ISABELLE KLEINSCHMIDT

[email protected]

MERCER, Wis. - The Fourth Annual Free Family Fishing Day was held at the Turtle Flambeau Flowage on Saturday morning. The warm weather was ideal for the fishing fun.

The event consisted of an array of fishing related activities that were fun for family members of all ages.

Members of various organizations were present to assist children with tying lures and baiting hooks. Professional guides and experienced anglers were on hand to take families out in boats to various fishing spots.

Fishing rods and reels were provided for the event. There were fly tying and casting demonstrations given by Bob Traczyk, of Trout Unlimited. "Today we're tying flies and I'm teaching fly casting," said Traczyk, "It's just a fun time for the kids."

The event was sponsored by the Iron County Lakes and Rivers Alliance, Trout Unlimited and the Iron Count Land and Water Conservation Department.

Two local bait shops donated nearly $150 worth of prizes for the kids. The prizes were given to winners of the casting competition and other games.

"We're just trying to get kids out on the water, have fun, and see this area," said Jake Thieve, of Iron County Lakes and Rivers Alliance. There were also hotdogs, hamburgers, and refreshments offered to participants on location.

The event was held on Wisconsin's free fishing day when adults and children are able to fish throughout the state without a fishing license.