Fishing pier at Manger Lagoon at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, May 10, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — In Green Bay, a free event is offering anglers the chance to do just that.
“Even if you never fished before, or maybe you’re an experienced fisherman, should be fun to come out. Maybe bring a buddy that you’d like to bring fishing with you that’s not as experienced. And have a good time, and meet some really great people,” said Steve Lakatos, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Superintendent.
The 2nd annual kids fishing day is Saturday, at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, and the program could include some surprises.
Manger Lagoon is a 55-acre urban fishing pond at the sanctuary. Lakatos says it is home to some of the standard varieties.
“The most fish you’ll catch out here, are definitely bass, and bluegill. But there are some bullheads, and some other species, as well. Crappie, occasionally,” he said.
But on Saturday morning, there may be something different to see on shore.
“You get a better interest in the resources when you engage in them,” said Tony Rieth, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish Biologist.
Tony Rieth says it’s part of Kids Fishing Day. He says sessions teach kids to tie knots, bait the hook, and cast too. But the demonstration on aquatic invasive species may get a lot of attention.
“One of our more popular stops is the live sea lamprey. They’re an invasive species to the Great Lakes, meaning they’re not supposed to be here. They’re really detrimental to some of our native fish populations. They live out in deep, cold water, so most people don’t get to see them. But we’ll try to let the children who want to touch them, touch them. They’re really slippery, and slimy. So we kind of hold them over the tank here, and if you get a chance to touch one for a little bit, you will probably get wet. But it’s a great time,” he said.
Even though the sea lamprey is unwanted in the water, Steve Lakatos says it’s a way to connect youngsters to fishing.
“Most of these kids, once they start once, it becomes a hobby fast. It’s just a lot of fun, and even if at first, maybe they’re nervous of the worms, maybe nervous to touch the fish. But a lot of times, by the end of the day, you’ll see that these kids are showing their parents how to do it,” he said.
The event is free, and runs Saturday from 9 a.m. -1 p.m.
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