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How to get kids hooked on the outdoors during free-fishing weekend

Free-fishing weekend, which requires no permit, is held annually the first weekend of June. File photo by Dan Plutchak.

MADISON — What do you remember about your first fishing trip? Did your grandmother or grandfather introduce you to your first catch? Maybe you first experienced casting a line while on vacation up north.

This weekend is free-fishing weekend in Wisconsin — it’s a great opportunity to take your kids and create a lasting memory.

There are a number of things for adults to keep in mind when taking youngsters fishing, according to Theresa Stabo of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

When parents decide to introduce their children to fishing, they often make an inordinate amount of rules as they worry about safety and trying to create the perfect outing.

“The first thing is to recognize that you have assumed the noble role of expert fishing guide for low-paying clients,” Stabo said. “It’s not your fishing trip, so set aside any notion of doing much fishing yourself — you’ll be too busy helping them with their lines.”

All the waters of the state are open this weekend, June 4-5, 2011, including state waters of the Great Lakes and rivers bordering Wisconsin.

Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days. All other fishing regulations, (bag limits, length limits) apply.

More: Check out the list of tips to help youngsters get the most out of fishing in the e-edition of Weekender HERE.

Free fishing events this weekend on Como and Elkhorn lakes

Free admission Saturday to Big Foot Beach State Park, Kettle Moraine trails