LAKE ERIE CHARTER CAPTAINS OFFER "KIDS FISH FREE" WEEK COLUMBUS, OH - Kids can fish free on selected Lake Erie fishing charters in the Port Clinton area from Monday, August 9 through Friday, August 13, as part of a program sponsored by the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. During "Kids Fish Free" week, adults booking a charter through the boat association hotline (1-800-932-9116) can bring one youth age 17 or under at no charge for each paying adult. For example, on a standard six-person fishing charter, a party consisting of three adults and three youths would pay half the normal charter fee. Charter reservations must be made by August 8 to participate in this special promotion. "The initiative shown by the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association to encourage youth fishing is commendable," said Steven A. Gray, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife. "Lake Erie is Ohio's best fishery and is among the top fisheries in the nation. Anglers of all ages enjoy the abundance and variety of fish they can catch in Lake Erie" The "Kids Fish Free" charter trips will depart from the Port Clinton area. Fishing trips can be scheduled for walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch or a combination of those species. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch fishing are excellent all across Lake Erie. The Lake Erie Charter Boat Association started the "Kids Fish Free" program in 2002 to honor one of its founding members, the late Jim Fofrich, Sr. As an active proponent of Lake Erie fishing, Fofrich promoted lowering charter rates to encourage families to bring their kids along on Lake Erie fishing trips. In recognition of his dedication to the lake and support of sport fishing, Fofrich was inducted into Ohio's Natural Resources Hall of Fame in 2002. More than 400 member charter captains will participate in the program and all will provide the fishing tackle and equipment for the kids on their boats. Each youth also will receive a certificate from their charter boat captain. The Division of Wildlife, a co-sponsor of the event, will contribute fishing brochures and other information on outdoor recreation. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-932-9116.
Source: ODNR
|