SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Thousands of anglers took to the waters of Wisconsin Saturday, for the inland sport fishing season opener.
On the eastern shore of Shawano Lake, boat traffic was heavy on the water and on land.
By 8:00 Saturday morning the parking lot was full at the public boat landing in Cecil.
Dave Zernicke and his son Jake Zernicke got one of the last spots.
“Well, it’s a beautiful day. Thought we’d get out and try it. It’s been a long couple of months waiting for the snow, the ice to go, snow to go, absolutely,” said Dave Zernicke, Howard.
On Loon Lake, Ethan Long and his dad Jason Long were casting for largemouth bass.
“It gets me out of the house, gives me something to do. I like being outside. It’s fun to experience, and be with nature,” said Ethan Long, Grand Chute.
At Shawano Lake County Park, some fishermen said cool water resulted in a slow Saturday morning.
Department of Natural Resources information indicates over the course of the next 12 months an estimated two million anglers will test their luck in Wisconsin’s lakes and streams, and spend about $1.5 billion dollars on the sport.
