A Great Day On The Lake
Feb 3rd, 2015 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Feb 3rd, 2015 at 12:00 AM
A Great Day on the Lake!
On January 24, 2015 NPAA Member Nancy Koep, #323 conducted an ice fishing clinic with 56 young anglers in attendance on Lake Minnewaska in Minnesota. This was in conjunction with the 1st Annual Minnewaska Lake Association Family Fishing Tournament. “This was the first year doing this event; my expectation was 20-30 kids to attend my clinic. When I ended up with 56 kids, I was a little overwhelmed and excited all at the same time”, said Koep.
When Nancy started the clinic she had a set of ice picks around her neck and asked the kids what they were and what they were for. A number of kids knew what they were, but didn’t know how to use them. Koep went on to explain ice safety, and talked about recent ice accidents that have happened on the local lakes.
Fish Identification was next, with Nancy showing the kids a number of different kinds of fish, and talking about what makes them unique. Many of the kids related the pictures to the fish they had caught during the tournament. Nancy went on to talk to them about Tip-Up’s, she had 2 different styles of Tip Up’s there and explained each one to the kids, how they work, and how to rig them. She also showed them different types of lures to use for different types of fish. She took the time to explain the importance of matching the tackle you use to the type of fish you are targeting. Koep cited a specific example of not wanting to use a size a size 2 treble hook to fish for sunfish or crappies. She also explained the slip bobber and had 2 different rods there to show the kids the difference in bobbers and which ones are more effective and why.
Even though not many people have to worry about invasive species this time of year, Koep talked to the kids about AIS and prevention techniques. She talked about the various types Aquatic Invasive Species and also talked about the ones that are in Lake Minnewaska, including how they impact the lake. She had cards to hand out to all the kids from Sea Grant that explained the invasive species, how to spot it, what it looks like and information on why they are bad for our lakes.
After the seminar was over, Koep had a number of door prizes to hand out to the kids. Special thanks to Nate Olson # 276 for helping, the NPAA, Clam, HSM Outdoors, Sea Grant, Kruger Farms and Koep’s for donating products to the event.