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Politics & Government

Fishing Is Fun for Everyone

With the recent enactment of 2011 Act 24, which allows bass culling, the state has become more attractive for tournament anglers.

Sring is here, warm weather is on the horizon and best of all, last weekend included the opening day of Wisconsin’s fishing season. 

Fishing is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. It is also a wonderful chance to teach the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts the proper rules and etiquette of the sport.  Fishing connects people across generations and provides a safe and healthy outlet for many.   As the owner of a resort featuring boat rentals and a boat launch, every day I see the positive impact angling can have on both young and old. 

For those who have not had the chance to take advantage of Wisconsin’s vast angling opportunities from the trout streams to the open waters of Lake Michigan, it is now easier than ever to take that first step.  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) allows for fishing licenses to be purchased online and duplicates can even be printed in the case of a lost license.  The DNR’s website is also a valuable resource for those interested in becoming involved in the sport.  Along with online licenses, the DNR has also designated the first weekend in June as a free fishing weekend for all Wisconsin residents.  This is a perfect opportunity to take the kids and test out your angling skills.

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Fishing is also an important part of Wisconsin’s tourism economy. With the recent enactment of 2011 Act 24, which allows bass culling, the state has become more attractive for tournament anglers. These tournaments have the potential to substantially impact local economies. A recent report released by Governor Walker displayed the important effect tourism can have on the tax burden of all Wisconsinites. Taxpayers in the state saved nearly $565 per household as a result of the increased tourism revenues.

It is also appropriate to address an important issue in the angling community.  Many of the experienced anglers are well aware of the threat posed by aquatic invasive species. For those who use a boat while fishing it is important to remember to thoroughly clean the boat before launching it in a different lake or river. These non-native species of plant can be damaging to the delicate ecosystem of each lake and are mainly transported on the prop or underside of boats.

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The local opportunities for anglers in the Greater Milwaukee area are endless.  From the many local ponds to the inland lakes and finally Lake Michigan, the area has an abundance of options. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and drop a line in!     

To learn more about fishing, and how to help in the fight against invasive species, I encourage you to visit the Department of Natural Resource’s website at http://dnr.wi.gov.    

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