Introduce Someone New To Fishing

Introduce Someone New To Fishing

By Ben Leal

Most of us probably have someone in our lives that took the time to introduce us to fishing. It may have been a grandparent, your Dad or your Mom, or even just a friend that invited you out one day. So the seed was planted, and you’re now an angler. Some of us are obsessed with it; I mean, just take a look at our boats and tackle boxes. Then others find time a few times a year but enjoy it just the same. I’m grateful for my Dad, who introduced me to fishing all of them years ago.

I think there’s a greater picture or purpose here to introducing someone new to fishing. It’s more than just the sport of fishing, don’t you think? It is, of course, a means to preserving this great sport and, for many like me, the passion. I read a statement recently that simply asked the question, “Why do you fish?” “Because I was a kid once.” Introducing someone new to the sport also reminds us of when we felt that tug for the first time.

When we purchase a fishing license, our paid fees help maintain Iowa’s fisheries, but we’ve seen a decline in outdoor activities over the years. We’ve also seen technology grow leaps and bounds over the last decade. Video games, social media, streaming services, and mobile devices have contributed to some decline in fishing and hunting license sales and activities. Fewer people spend time outdoors, opting to use their electronics for entertainment.

The Iowa DNR saw a drop in residential fishing license sales and hunting licenses in recent years. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iowa’s fishing license sales had dropped 10.2% from 2003 to 2019. In the same period, hunting licenses had dropped 13.5%. As numbers have dropped, it also affects the companies that produce and supply products we use on and off the water.

There is a bit of a bright spot that ironically enough was spurred by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From December 15, 2019, through May 11, 2020, Iowans bought 53.3% more resident fishing licenses – 137,547 compared to 89,679. Being outside and enjoying our resources here in Iowa became a bit more crucial as the pandemic wore on. During the height of the pandemic, indoor activities were minimal. This caused people to go and explore the great outdoors, leading to a nationwide and statewide record of fishing licenses sold.

In 2020 fishing and hunting license revenue was $37.4 million, which accounted for 17% of the DNR’s budget of $378.4 million in that fiscal year. The trend reversed in 2021, and by July, sales of fishing licenses dropped from 390,000 to 340,00, down 50,000. So if you ask the question why introducing someone new to fishing is so important, one answer can be that it’s financial help to the DNR. Not the most important answer, but one nonetheless.

Whether they are young or old, introducing someone new to the sport helps to bring in revenue for the DNR and helps preserve the resources we have in the State of Iowa. Using our resources means that the DNR will continue to maintain them and improve fisheries and wildlife areas. Over the years, I’ve worked with the Iowa DNR fisheries bureau bringing you information on how the DNR is improving walleye and musky fishing in Big Creek and Brushy Creek lakes. They’ve also implemented programs for hunting that benefit landowners and the hunting public (Iowa Habitat & Access Program). All due in part to those fishing and hunting license sales.

Let’s Go Fishing
I have been an angler for most of my life. My Dad introduced me to fishing when I was at an elementary age in Colombia, South America. We were a military family, and as part of the mission there, we had access to a mountain lake full of rainbow trout. We would spend days or weekends on that lake trolling and hooking up with some very nice trout. I’ve carried those memories with me since then. Many years ago, I enjoyed introducing a young lady of five to fishing. Back then, that ole Barbie pole was the ticket, and she squealed every time that bobber disappeared. I just couldn’t get her to touch the fish! And as I became a father later in life, my son joined me on adventures at lakes and ponds. Some of those trips were out on a frozen lake and his interest was focused on seeing how far he could slide on the ice, until I hooked up of course. Then it was, “Dad! Let me reel it in!”

When you bring someone new out to give fishing a try, the most crucial part, I feel is to keep it simple, especially the little ones. Their attention span is pretty short, so the action sould be fast and furious. Farm ponds are great for these little outings. Small rods and reels, a small hook with a worm, and a bobber will do the trick. These little fisheries are also a great place to introduce teenagers and older folks to fishing as well. Again, the action is fast, and it captures the joys of being able to watch that bobber disappear and reeling up a nice catch. The crappie spawn can be a great time to do some introductions. Fish are usually pretty shallow, and they are hungry. Not to mention they make a pretty good meal at the end of the day, so there is some reward for the effort when it’s all said and done.

Some programs are available through the Iowa DNR to help with fishing clinics if you’d like to tackle a larger group. Visit the Iowa DNR’s website and look under fishing education. There you’ll find information on a free rod and reel loan program. There are over 3,400 loaner rods and reels available at over 100 locations in Iowa. These are available for use on a fishing field trip. They have fly-fishing loaner sites as well.

Fishing will bring you and your new anglers’ years of lifelong memories. Share in the excitement of reeling in that very first fish, and as they improve in their skills, the awe of that big one that didn’t get away. Spending time outdoors with friends and family is good for the soul. It’s a place where we connect once again, leaving the hustle and bustle of the workweek behind. And for the kiddos, the school week. Remember as you take time to introduce anglers of every age to this great sport of fishing to take care of the resources we share. It’s everyone’s responsibility to be stewards and take care of the environment. Pack out what you packed in and if you find other stuff along the way, grab that too. Fishing is a great sport and activity we can all share in…enjoy the experience. Tight Lines All…