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Stocking Ponds for Kids Pulls a New Generation into Fishing

May 27, 2009 - SOUTH BERWICK -- To a lifelong fisherman, the idea of using free hot dogs, soda and door prizes to get someone to spend a day on a rushing river full of freshly stocked brook trout would seem ridiculous.

Yet that's what the South Berwick Rod and Gun Club does each June to get children casting out on the river. The club has held a Youth Fish Day for more than 15 years that offers youngsters lessons, food and plenty of fish to catch for free.

According to club president Steve Rand, only about 20 kids show up each year. Still, the club will keep trying to grow the younger ranks.

"It is getting harder and harder to get kids involved in hands-on things that don't have to do with electronics," Rand said. "It's really hard to get some of them to do physical stuff. But once they get there, they're so hooked.

"The biggest problem is getting them there."

Similar youth derbies are held around the state, but young anglers who want a day on the water don't have to wait for a catered event.

There are 37 ponds and rivers managed by the state for youth fishing. All have easy access, said southern Maine biologist Francis Brautigam.

In some instances, these waters are open only to youngsters; in other cases, the waters also are open to adults on a restricted basis.

Most of the waters enable children ages 15 and under to keep two trout a day. A look in the fishing rule book published by the state can clear up any questions.

Despite this distinct advantage for young fishermen, clubs throughout southern Maine are not having great success luring them into the sport in the summer.

"We're happy to see any kid get out there. We'd like to see more kids get out there," Rand said. "Unfortunately, some have one parent and that parent doesn't go outside, and without them, the kids don't have any way to get introduced to these things."

For 40 years, L.L. Bean has leased the pond at the Durham Rod and Gun Club to host a fishing derby for youths ages 12 and under. Drawing from the extended L.L. Bean family, this is one derby that has done well.

"After more than 40 years, we sort of have more space issues than anything. We're pretty well filled up. I've seen anywhere from under 100 to 160 registered fisher-people," said Laurie Gilman, L.L. Bean's community relations associate.

But the York County Fish and Game Club saw its derby at the kids' pond in Biddeford, Wilcox Pond, fizzle out, said club member Ronald Lagueux.

So the Lyman-based group organized a youth event at its private pond next to its clubhouse, and on June 20, tiny Round Pond will be stocked for a youth derby as the club tries to rally young anglers.

The state stocks the private pond, and in return the club leaves it open to the public. But on the third Saturday in June, children will have the edge when the fishing hole is reserved just for them.

"We wanted to do something to keep kids interested," Lagueux said. "It's the first year. We're not sure how many will show up. I think the club is going to want to keep it going.

"We try hard to do a lot of kids' events. For years, we did a kids' field day. But that kind of faded out."

Lagueux signed up as derby director without hesitation.

The lack of young fisherman saddens him.

"Nowadays, kids are too interested in computers. A lot of kids you see are on their cell phones or iPods or whatever," Lagueux said.

"When I was young, I didn't spend any time indoors. I was always outdoors hunting and fishing or hiking."

By DEIRDRE FLEMING, Staff Writer, Portland Press Herald, May 21, 2009


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