Some of you may have noticed a subtle difference in our Family Fishing program this summer. We have had a full list of events again this summer, actually starting to wind down now, but you may have noticed we have been calling them “Community Fishing Nights” instead of “Family Fishing Nights”. It is a minor name change made because we did not want folks to think that they could not come out if they did not have family to come with. Yes, these events are geared towards introducing beginners to fishing, and naturally many of the beginners are kids, but we do not want to exclude the older “kids”! One of the best things about fishing is that everyone can participate, young, old and middle-aged, so we hope by changing the name a little bit we can encourage all ages to come out and have fun fishing with us!
To that end, I want to highlight a few of these events coming up:
Join Game and Parks for Fishing with Friends July 25 in Omaha
LINCOLN, Neb. – Adults are invited to grab a buddy and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at Omaha’s Zorinsky Lake on July 25 for Fishing with Friends.
This adult-based opportunity is a chance for like-minded individuals who have little or no fishing experience to learn some skills. Bait, equipment and instruction will be provided.
Beyond fishing, participants can learn how to clean fish and cook fish in a healthy manner. In addition, experts will be on hand to teach kayaking and kayak fishing. A vendor will be on-site with information on how to purchase a kayak. Kayaks will be provided. Kayakers must be at least 12 years old.
Fishing is set for 6-8 p.m. Look for the fishing trailer near the boat ramp along the south shore. Adults will need a fishing license, which they can purchase at outdoornebraska.org. For the complete schedule of Game and Parks’ fishing events, visit outdoornebraska.gov/familyfishing
Notice the emphasis for “older” beginners at that event.
Join Game and Parks to learn about catfish fishing Aug. 1 in Lincoln
LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn all aspects of fishing for catfish at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Discover Catfish Fishing event Aug. 1 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake.
This event will be held in conjunction with Community Fishing Night, only later in the evening. Community Fishing Night at the lake will be from 6-8 p.m., with Discover Catfish Fishing from 8-10 p.m.
Participants can learn the basics of catfishing, from bait and equipment to techniques. Anglers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, but all fishing equipment will be provided. Adults will need a fishing license, which they can purchase at outdoornebraska.org.
For a complete schedule of Game and Parks fishing events, visit outdoornebraska.gov/familyfishing.
Again we want all ages to come out, but “after hours” we will focus a little more specifically on catfish fishing. Now, this will still be an event for beginners, this will not be a workshop on advanced catfish fishing techniques and gear, but it will be more focused on catfish and some of the basic gear, techniques and baits used to catch them. It will be a step beyond our typical community fishing event.
Likewise. . .
Fly fishing clinic set for July 31 at Mormon Island State Recreation Area
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will offer free instruction for individuals interested in learning the basics of fly fishing on July 31 from 6-8 p.m. at Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Grand Island.
Game and Parks staff and volunteers will lead demonstrations and discussions on techniques, equipment and fly fishing opportunities. Loaner tackle will be available. All participants age 16 and older will need a Nebraska fishing license if they intend to fish. Dry-land casting practice does not require a fishing permit.
The event will take place at Lake #1; look for the Family Fishing trailer. A valid state park permit is required for each vehicle entering the park. Fishing, state park and other permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org. For a complete schedule of Game and Parks fishing events, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/familyfishing.
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