La Crosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (LNFWCO) participated in Necedah National Wildlife Refuge’s Youth Fishing Day hosted by the Eagle Nest Resort Tennant’s Association

The La Crosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (LNFWCO) participated in Necedah National Wildlife Refuge’s Youth Fishing Day hosted by the Eagle Nest Resort Tennant’s Association.  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Interstate BassMasters were also sponsors. 

Despite gloomy weather, more than 100 kids were excited to learn about aquatic resources and how to catch big fish.  The kids had a fun-filled day that kicked off with a video on “Getting Hooked on Fishing and Not Drugs” and a safety presentation.   Participants had a chance to use their creativity to paint fish print t-shirts.  They also had an opportunity to practice casting for plastic fish and cheer on their favorite minnows in races.  Before heading to the lake for fishing, the kids received tips from a tournament bass fisherman.

At the LaCross office table, kids enthusiastically played “Who’s Your Mother?,” a card game that matches adult and juvenile aquatic species.  They also enjoyed playing the “Shell Game,” a freshwater mussel identification exercise.    

The day was cut a little short by rain, but more than 100 youth learned the skill of fishing, which will give them a lifetime of pleasure.