January 19, 2015 at 4:42 p.m.
4-H ice fishing event draws young anglers to Lake Julia
4-H ice fishing event draws young anglers to Lake Julia
By Kayla Thomason-
Six children and nine adults participated in the ice fishing portion of the 4-H Youth Winter Weekend on Lake Julia. The event was held in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources' Free Fishing Weekend.
"This is better than last year because I think we had a total of 10 [people] out here last year, but there was only one family that wasn't a 4-H family," said Lynn Feldman, 4-H youth development agent.
"Our purpose today is to engage kids in the outdoors and to give - especially those who may not have an opportunity to do this - the opportunity to come out," added Feldman.
John Kubisiak, fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin DNR and a 4-H leader, drilled holes in the ice and taught the children how to set bobbers, hooks and tip-ups. He was equally excited to see so many new faces.
"It's kind of cool to see a bunch of new members or new kids out that might join 4-H," he said.
The children enjoyed sitting around the holes, excitedly waiting for a fish to chomp down on the baited hook.
Avaeda Krombholz was one of the children peering into the dark depths of the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of her prey.
"(4-H Ice Fishing is) lots of fun," she said. "I want to see fish."
She said she is interested in other 4-H activities.
Her brother, Easton, had a nibble but the fishing line broke. He said it felt heavy.
"(Ice fishing is) fun," Easton said.
The children were excited to go ice fishing with their grandmother, Deb Rogers.
"I think it's a great activity for the kids. It's a beautiful afternoon, it's a perfect way to spend a nice afternoon," Rogers said.
This was Derek Douglas' first time ice fishing and he was happy he tried it.
"It's really fun," he said. "I got a little fish."
Derek would like to fish again and get involved in 4-H hunting activities.
The day was equally fun for those who have fished before.
"I really like (4-H Ice Fishing), it gives me a chance to get out of my house and be in the wilderness," Isabella Newlin said. This was her first time participating in a 4-H activity. "It's not that cold, it's a beautiful weekend and it's a nice time to go outside and spend time with your family," she said.
Newlin said she plans to try other 4-H activities and might participate dog agility. Her face lit up when she heard about 4-H's new activity - drama.
"Everybody seems pretty happy. I mean it's a nice day, that helps a lot," Kubisiak said.
A few of the children caught and released bluegills and yellow perch.
Feldman said it was a great atmosphere for the families.
"We have this wonderful natural environment here and when we look at anxiety with kids, low self-esteem, depression, engagement in risky activities, here we are trying to look at alternative activities that are inexpensive," she said.
After the events, children took home a jig pole and information on fishing in the Northwoods.
Bait and jig poles were donated by area bait shops.
For more information on 4-H, call Feldman at (715) 365-2750.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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