The call comes often. “Where can I take a kid fishing?” The answer will never be easier than this Saturday from 8-11 a.m. at Hooked on Fishing Park in East Peoria, located just north of Dixon’s Seafood Shoppe along the Illinois River. Saturday marks the second Presleys Outdoors Free Fishing Derby for kids. Youngsters ages 15 and under are welcome to fish for free. And while you can bring your own gear if you want, there will be rods, reels, bait and other gear available for use at the park.
If you’ve never been to the much-remodeled Hooked on Fishing park, you should take time for a visit. This really is a nicely kept fishing facility. For one thing, the ponds are fully stocked, so that kids have a good chance of catching something. Then too, access is easy. No weeds to navigate or ticks to fear. “Every kid fishes for free. Not only that, but they fish in the comfort of white rock and concrete. No ticks and chiggers. Not that there’s anything wrong with ticks and chiggers. They’re part of nature and that’s all cool. But this is easier,” said Kelly Presley, whose family sponsors the event. “It’s close. It’s in town. It’s comfortable and it’s clean.” Plus, each kid who participates gets a prize. There are even volunteers on hand to help bait hooks, remove fish and give tips in case you aren’t a fishing expert. And if you can’t make this weekend’s derby, there will be more chances to enjoy the park. Fishing derbies will also be held the first Saturday in July, August and September, courtesy of Presleys Outdoors. All in all it’s a great combination. Easy access to plenty of fish plus a prize. Tell me a kid who wouldn’t like that?
Teaching the abilities of fishing to kids also instills in our youthful creation the need to secure and retain the history as well as the organic sources that allow these leisurely activities.
ReplyDeleteGood to see the updates here.
ReplyDeleteAlways good to get the kids fishing and off of the video games!
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