U of I Extension, IDNR and JWCC host fishing expo for youth at Orr Agricultural Education Center

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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE

The University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and John Wood Community College (JWCC) hosted a fishing expo for youth on Saturday, April 22, at the John Wood Community College Agricultural Education Center outside Perry. The fishing expo was scheduled to coincide with this year’s Earth Day.

The expo was a hands-on experience for youth who participated in four educational sessions, learning about fishing safety and having the opportunity to fish. Participants each received a fishing pole and other fishing and 4-H related items.

University of Extension Natural Resources Educator Amy Lefringhouse, who helped plan the event, said the fishing expo was designed to help local children recognize Earth Day and to bring attention to the JWCC ag center.

“This is a great way to celebrate Earth Day,” Lefringhouse said. “It’s a great reason to get outside, and it brings people from our multi-county area to the ag center.”

Lefringhouse said that at least 78 youth from Adams, Pike, Brown, Schuyler, and Hancock counties participated in the fishing expo, and many family members also attended.

“We love having it here at JWCC,” Lefringhouse said. “It’s a central location, and it’s a great opportunity for Pike County kids right in their own backyard.”

Lefringhouse went on to say that the fishing expo was a good way to create new anglers.

“This event is a good kickstarter that can get kids interested in fishing,” Lefringhouse said.

Fishing, Lefringhouse added, can make for great 4-H projects.

“A lot of kids can show projects at the fair that are related to sport fishing,” Lefringhouse said. “Kids can create awesome posters with different species of fish or create a tackle box to show.”

Showing 4-H projects at the fair, according to Lefringhouse, helps kids build critical communication skills and other soft skills in students.

“Showing at the fair builds public speaking skills and self confidence,” Lefringhouse said.

IDNR Fisheries Biologist Blake Ruebush presented at the expo and led outdoor fishing activities at the pond at JWCC’s ag center pond.

Ruebush said that the event was a good way to introduce local youth to fishing and outdoor recreation.

“It’s a good way to get area kids exposed to fishing, especially those that have never fished or touched a fish,” Ruebush said. “Fishing is a good use of time and a good reason to get outside. With the event being held on Earth Day, it was a good way to get people outside to celebrate nature. This helps show people the little things we can do to help take care of the earth and our bodies of water – whether it’s a backyard pond or the Mississippi River. It’s important to harvest 15-20 percent of the fish from inland bodies of water annually to make room for the fish hatching out. Harvest is critical for maintaining quality. In my position, I try to help people maintain that balance.”

Fishing, Ruebush stated, was an accessible form of outdoor recreation.

“One thing about fishing that I find very valuable is that it can be done almost anywhere throughout the year,” Ruebush said. “And the license is relatively inexpensive for a year of fun. You can go fishing alone, and you don’t have to be a professional athlete to fish.”

Ruebush said that events like the fishing expo also help create new anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and biologists.

“Besides being a good recruiting event for 4-H, it was a good recruiting event for IDNR fisheries,” Ruebush said. “It was a fun day outside that will hopefully result in future anglers that will be buying fishing licenses when they turn 16. And all of these experiences are what lead young people into careers as biologists.”

Participants spent time actively fishing from a pond at the JWCC ag center.

“Every kid that left that I talked to caught at least one fish,” Ruebush said.

Ruebush encourages individuals introducing youth to fishing for the first time to start small, with realistic expectations.

“If you’re going to take a kid fishing for the first time, just focus on catching a fish,” Ruebush said. “It doesn’t have to be a five pound bass. It’s critical to use a small hook, a bobber, and live bait. That will help ensure the kid has success and will want to go fishing again.”