Page 4 - May/June 2022 Outdoor Oklahoma

Off the Beaten Path
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
NOTES ON WILDLIFE • OUTDOOR TIPS • READERS’ LETTERS • ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
COMPILED BY DON P . BROWN
2 OFF THE BEATEN PATH
OutdoorOK-2022-May-June-1.indd
OutdoorOK-2022-May-June-1.indd
GREAT PLACE TO CREATE NEW ANGLERS IS …
THE NEIGHBORHOOD FISHING POND
Story and Photos By Sam Stroder
Fishing is a favorite outdoor activity of many Okla-
homans, especially when sharing the fun with kids
and grandkids.
The state is full of fishing destinations, with more
than 200 lakes and all kinds of rivers feeding them.
However, the water bodies most convenient for intro-
ducing the next generation to the sport are likely in
our backyards.
In the Oklahoma City metro area, many subdi-
visions have a stocked pond or two available to
residents and family and friends. And they are full of
hungry sunfish, catfish, and bass. Come spring and
warmer water, the fish are easily hooked with a lure
or fly. But few things seem to beat a nightcrawler
suspended from a youngster’s bobber.
The challenge seemingly resides less in the catch-
ing and more in the attention — the net, the cast-
ing, and the bait itself is often a bigger draw to the
younger fishermen than the actual quarry. But the
memory is made regardless.
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