Tuesday, June 2, 2009 8:38 PM CDT
Begin exploring Illinois during Free Fishing Days
By Dave Shiley, University of Illinois Extension
Fishing is a favorite summer activity for many families across Illinois. It is an opportunity to spend time together and learn about nature. On the other hand, many of us might have gone fishing as a child, but haven’t been fishing since. If you fall into this category, Illinois has an opportunity to get you and your family hooked on this activity again.
The 2009 Illinois Free Fishing Days are scheduled for June 5-8. During these designated days anyone can fish without an Illinois fishing license, inland trout stamp or salmon stamp. It is an opportunity to get outdoors, spend time with your family and get reconnected with nature.
If you go fishing during the Free Fishing Days, remember to check and follow the Illinois Sport fishing rules and regulations and any special rules for the lake on which you are fishing. A copy of the 2009 Illinois Fishing Digest can be obtained at local sporting goods stores or you can find it on-line at http://www.dnr.state.il.us/fish/digest.
You don’t need a boat and boxes of equipment to enjoy this sport. Remember to keep it simple, especially when taking kids fishing. A basic rod and reel or cane pole, bobbers, hooks, sinkers and some type of bait, such as worms, is all you need to catch our state fish, the bluegill, and many other species. You and your children will be more successful when fishing for bluegill, when using small bobbers, 1 inch in diameter or smaller and small hooks, size 4 or 6.
If these Free Fishing Days get you hooked on fishing again, remember to purchase a sport fishing license, as required by the rules contained in the Illinois Fishing Digest, to continue to enjoy this outdoor family activity. If fishing doesn’t interest you, there are many other ways to get your family outdoors and connected with nature this summer. Picnicking, hiking, camping, and bicycling are other ways to explore Illinois this summer.
If you would like to find out more about Illinois’ natural opportunities, you could start by exploring the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Web site at http://dnr.state.il.us. If you have other questions related to Illinois’ natural resources call the University of Illinois Coles Extension Unit office at 345-7034.
Pond Management using GIS and GPS Resources Workshop – June 11th
If you are interested in learning how to use Global Positioning System (GPS) hand held units and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to more effectively manage your pond, there is still space available at the Pond Management using GIS and GPS Resources Workshop on June 11 at the Champaign Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Dr, Ste. D, Champaign. This technology can also be used to manage other natural resources on your property also. More program details can be found at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign.
Dave Shiley is a University of Illinois Extension educator, natural resource management.
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