HARRISBURG
Fishing. It’s a family affair.
At least that’s the way the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has been promoting one of the best recreational activities for those of all ages and abilities. It’s no coincidence that so many of the programs to create a greater awareness of fishing opportunities have come about since John Arway took over as executive director of the PFBC.
In the upcoming weeks, two programs — one old, the other new — will be held on regional waters.
Both campers and day visitors to Locust Lake State Park, Barnesville, will have the opportunity to discover the joy of fishing when the PFBC holds a “Family Fishing Program” on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 6-9 p.m. One of the agency’s most popular programs, these events are designed for families to discover how much fun fishing can be when done as a family.
Designed for new anglers and those with limited experience, PFBC personnel teach basic fishing skills like knot tying, casting, baiting the hook and taking a fish off the hook. No fishing license is required, and the only regulation is that adults must be accompanied by a child and children must be accompanied by an adult.
All tackle, including bait, is provided, but participants must preregister by contacting Andrew Desko at (215) 968-3631, adesko@pa.gov or on the Web at www.gonefishingpa.com.
Then on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, the unofficial end of summertime activities will be all about making memories when the PFBC conducts its second Mentored Youth Fishing Day of the year. To encourage participation, the price of a Labor Day one-day adult resident and non-resident license has been reduced to just $1, with issuing agent and transaction fees making the total $2.70.
Normally, a one-day adult resident license costs $11.70 and a one-day adult non-resident license is $26.70. These licenses are now available at the issuing agents and on the Web at www.gonefishingpa.com, and may be used on all Pennsylvania waters open to fishing.
In order for youth anglers younger than 16 years of age to participate in the MYFD they must obtain a free PFBC-issued permit or a voluntary youth fishing license. Both are available at the issuing agents and on the Web at www.gonefishinpa.com. More than 2,400 youngsters have obtained a free permit and another 1,600 have purchased a voluntary youth fishing license through July.
Unlike this year’s first MYFD that targeted trout, the Labor Day event will target panfish and anglers may keep 20 fish of each species or a combined creel of 50. Regional lakes that are included in the program, by county, are Blue Marsh Lake, Berks County; Lake Chillisquaque, Montour County; Brady’s Lake and Gouldsboro Lake, Monroe County; and Lower and Upper Promised Land lakes, Pike County.
“Anglers enjoyed the first Mentored Youth Fishing Day and told us that they particularly liked the idea of having a dedicated day to fish with their families and friends,” Arway said. “With everyone’s busy schedules, we decided to pick a day so people can put it on their calendars, and Labor Day makes sense since many families already plan to be out on the water that day.
“We chose the panfish enhancement lakes because these waters have been managed to produce a large number of fish, so kids should catch a lot of sunfish, crappies and perch, which makes the day fun. As an added incentive, we’re also removing the minimum size limits, which are either seven or nine inches, depending on the species, for mentored youth day participants.
“Legislators have given us the ability to be creative with our pricing and marketing strategies, so we’re using the reduced cost license to attract people to this particular day. These are both substantial discounts, so customers should like it.”
In every way, the MYFD program established under Arway’s watch has been a win-win situation. It has not only helped introduce anglers to a lifetime sport, but for every voluntary youth license sold the PFBC receives approximately $5 in federal revenue from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Act program.
This program provides funds to states based on a formula that includes the number of licenses a state sells. All revenues earned from the sale of voluntary youth fishing licenses have been dedicated to youth fishing programs by the PFBC.
(Dietz is outdoors editor)