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The first day of trout season can be a pretty intimidating proposition for a child.
The banks of most stocked lakes and streams are usually packed with anglers standing shoulder to shoulder waiting for the 8 a.m. start. For a child, finding a place to stand among the wall of anglers can be a daunting task.
And trying to cast can be downright terrifying.
Unfortunately, it may take more work just to try to fish than to actually catch a fish.
But there is a solution.
Give youth anglers – those 16 years old and younger, their own opening day of trout season.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has successfully implemented several youth-only seasons, giving young hunters a head start when it comes to hunting for squirrels, rabbits, pheasant, spring gobbler and antlerless deer.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission can do the same thing with trout.
Sure, the agency does several things now that are child-friendly. Adults are allowed to assist children by casting and baiting hooks and they don’t need a license to do it.
The agency also offers two Fish for Free days each year, which are also beneficial to children because it allows their parents to take them fishing without having to buy a license.
But the biggest incentive that the agency offers children is they don’t have to buy a license or a trout stamp until they are 16. Just turn them loose with a rod and reel and let them hit the water without having to worry about coming up for the dough for a license.
It’s a good move.
And so is a youth trout season opener. It would be the equivalent of a statewide kids fishing derby, and as long as parents are allowed to help out by baiting hooks and casting lines, the turnout could be significant.
ADULTS NEED TO BE WILLING
Of course, such an event wouldn’t be possible without adult anglers being willing to step aside for a day and letting children have the first crack at stocked trout.
There are numerous in-season stockings both during the week and on Saturdays after the season opens April 16, so there is plenty of time for adult anglers to hit their favorite trout water.
And adults would still have their opening day… it would just come after the children had theirs.
I pitched the idea to PFBC commissioner Norm Gavlick, and he was intrigued. The board meets tomorrow and Tuesday in Harrisburg, and Gavlick said he would mention the idea to his fellow commissioners and get their thoughts.
“An early trout opener for youth? It’s worth talking about,” Gavlick said.
Let’s hope the PFBC board feels it’s worth pursuing.
Aside from catching fish, one of the most exciting aspects for a child is the anticipation that comes with standing along a stream or lake waiting for the clock to hit 8 a.m. to start the season.
It’s a build-up that is only rivaled by the first day of deer season.
It’s something that the PFBC should address to make sure the first day of trout season is not only exciting for children, but enjoyable as well.
Let the kids hone their casting skills without worry by giving them plenty of space along a stocked stream or lake.
Let them have a trout season opener of their own.