Annual event in Pecatonica gets kids ‘hooked on fishing’

PECATONICA, Ill. (WIFR) – The annual Hooked on Fun Kid’s Fishing Derby welcomes families to Four Lakes Forest Preserve to try out fishing.

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County hosted the event June 14 at 10217 Fish Hatchery Road in Pecatonica.

Muskies, Inc. – Flatlanders Chapter provided free Zebco fishing poles to the first 100 participants. They also assisted anglers of all ages out on the lakes.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources brought live animals for demonstrations, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office provided a grilled hotdog lunch for attendees.

“This is to get kids out here in the great outdoors, to get them hooked on fishing, and get them to enjoy some of the natural things we have here in our own community,” said Wally Haas, president of the Flatlanders Chapter of Muskies Inc.

At least 200 kids attended the event, according to Haas.

“It brings kids out that may never have fished before or have minimal exposure to fishing, or parents that have never fished,” said Mike Holan with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. “It’s a great event because it’s a family event.”

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