LAKE ERIE CHARTER CAPTAINS OFFER “KIDS FISH FREE” WEEK, AUGUST 14-18 Deadline is August 9 to book a charter during the week During “Kids Fish Free” week, adults booking a charter through the boat association hotline (1-800-287-1020) 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 9 to participate in this special promotion. “The Lake Erie Charter Boat Association makes a great effort to encourage and promote youth and family fishing,” said Steven A. Gray, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “Families should take advantage of this opportunity to get out on Lake Erie and enjoy one of the nation’s top fisheries.” 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. 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. 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 of participation. The Division of Wildlife, a co-sponsor of the event, will distribute fishing brochures and other information on outdoor recreation in Ohio. -30- Source: ODNR |