It's Family Fishing Time!

Father and daughter with catfish at family fishing event.

June is the best month of the year to take the family fishing or introduce someone new to the sport! Sunfish and catfish can be easily caught from the bank at water bodies of all sizes statewide. This is a great opportunity to spend a day on the water with family and friends. Just find a nice piece of shoreline, park a few lawn chairs and cast out a worm either off the bottom or below a bobber.

Near shore fishing with a worm is excellent in the month of June. The opportunity to catch lots of fish, along with a few big ones, is never better. The equipment and bait setup is simple and can be enjoyed by anglers of all skill levels.

Bass, crappie, drum, carp and in some places walleye/saugeye can be caught using this simple worm approach.

Children and new anglers of all ages will take away lifelong memories from the expeience. It will also put a few smiles on the faces of those family or friend mentors who took the time to spend a day on the water with those they love.

Make sure to bring sunscreen and lots of water. A pop-up tent is also a great option to have for shade. Keeping all of the anglers comfortable is a must for creating those lasting memories as well as enjoying the moment!

Make a whole day out of the trip with a picnic or barbeque, but don't forget the bug spray!

FAMILY FISHING TIPS

Odds are you’re not more than 10 minutes away from a local neighborhood pond or lake. Fishing is a fun-filled activity that creates lasting memories for families and an easy way to provide a meal. You don't need a boat, expensive equipment and tackle, or expertise to have a successful family fishing trip. Try these simple tips at a small lake or pond near your home:

Equipment needs: 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 foot medium- to light- action rod(s). 4 lb to 8 lb line spooled on spincasting and/or spinning reels. Small plain shank bait hooks. Split-shot weight. Small bobbers. Cup of nightcrawlers. All of these items can be purchased at area sporting good stores such as Walmart, Academy, Bass Pro and Cabela's. Brands such as Zebco and Shakespeare sell rod and reel combos that are already spooled with line (price range $10-$40).
Set-up: Tie a hook to the end of your line. Place (1) split-shot weight on the line one-inch above the hook. Place a small bobber on the line 1-3 feet above the split-shot weight. Thread a small piece of night crawler onto the hook and cast your line straight out. When the bobber submerges below the water's surface, quickly reel up the slack and set the hook.