Page 2 - 2018 MAY/JUNE Outdoor Oklahoma

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ot any plans the first weekend in June? If not, day, for that matter. Especially the youngsters. Many of
then I’ve got a great suggestion for you. Take today’s kids have not had the same experiences growing up as

someone fishing! you or I might have. There is probably a kid living down the
G Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days will be block from you who would love the chance to try out a rod
June 2 and June 3. That’s the weekend that comes around and reel but has no one close who can help make that happen.
once each year when any Oklahoma resident can get outside You sure could.
to any public fishing spot and wet a line without needing to Of course, not everyone will be able to take advantage of
have a state fishing license. Free Fishing weekend. Don’t let that stop you! Fishing is
There really is no better opportunity to introduce others easy and affordable to do anytime of the year. For starters,

to the joys of fishing. Chances are you’re familiar with any resident youth 15 or younger does not require a fishing
them: the relaxation of being outdoors, the beauty of nature license at any time. And no fishing license is required for any
surrounding you, the unwinding from the stresses of our nonresident youth 13 or younger. There are also nominally
everyday lives, and the occasional excitement of feeling your priced short-term licenses (one and two days) available for
fishing line go tight. A day out fishing is always a good day! people who may only want to try fishing before they decide
But the fact is, we need more people who fish to share whether to pursue the pastime.
their passion for the outdoors. When we help people become What if a shortage of knowledge or skills is creating hesi-
anglers, we are supporting conservation and helping fund tation for someone to try fishing? No worries. There are free
better fishing in the future. fishing clinics in many areas that beginners can attend to break

An increase in participation means more customers for the ice and get introduced to fishing. The Wildlife Department,
fishing-related businesses, more fishing licenses, increased along with many cities and towns across the state, offer such
tackle and equipment sales, and more funds for states to pro- clinics, often encouraging families to attend. A little knowledge
tect the wildlife they sustain through fish stocking, aquatic can go a long way toward adding another angler to the mix.
habitat management, fish research and surveys, boat ramp So please don’t let this chance pass you by. Get someone
management, courtesy docks, shoreline access and more. new hooked on fishing and help ensure a solid future for one
The Wildlife Department cannot make more people go of America’s favorite outdoor pursuits.

fishing. And we can’t provide the direct social support and
mentoring that’s required to help someone become a lifelong Sincerely,
angler. So that’s where you, our current anglers, enter the
equation. It’s really up to you to introduce new people to
fishing and to create the next generation of anglers.
This is why we encourage you to invite someone new to Nels Rodefeld,
fishing to join you on Free Fishing Days. Or on any other Editor