Hooking Others During Free Fishing Weekends

The sun was just starting to rise over behind the thick forest surrounding the small lake as a thin layer of steam rose from the smooth water around the boat. My brother dropped the anchor over the end of the boat to secure us where we had decided to fish. We soon had our lines baited and tossed into the water with hopes of the day’s catch.

It was just my dad, grandfather, brother, and I sitting alone on the quiet lake. No one was talking and we kept moving to a minimum in the aluminum boat as we watched our lines. We had been sitting for some time and the sun was nearing the top of the trees, and the fog was starting to burn off the surface of the water.

The quiet of that tranquil morning was suddenly broken by a loud and high-pitched wavering wail. The eerie sound sounded like it was right behind us in the water, and I remember it made my five-year-old body jump. I’d never heard anything like it, and this was the first time we’d ever fished this Upper Peninsula Lake, so not know the area only added to my feelings that day.

I remember we brought some fish back that morning, but I couldn’t tell you how many. However, I will never forget that morning; the first time I ever heard a loon call across a lake.  There are other memories of that last trip with my grandfather before he passed away. We stayed in cabins along the shores of this small Northern Michigan lake, and we spent time exploring some of the sights, but I remember most of the time spent fishing on the lake in the early mornings and evenings on the lake.

There would be more trips with the rest of my family as I grew up. There were camping trips to lakes near our home. There were a few times we rented cabins just outside of Mackinaw City on Carp Lake. One of those trips I remember my brother using a new lure and catching a huge fish. He fought the fish for some time, but in the end, it hit the side of the boat and got away. We had fish dinners and sat around the fire with others staying at the cabins, and by the end of the week the fish stories had that fish pulling my brother around the lake.

Jumping ahead about twenty-five years from my story earlier I remember my wife, son, and I were planning a move to the Upper Peninsula to work to start a new church. In preparation we spent a week at some cabins and had some great experiences and wonderful fish dinners.

Several years later we stayed in cabins just outside of Traverse City. We had decided we needed to take some time to ourselves before preaching and meeting the new church. It was the first time we had caught Gar Pike. What we didn’t know at the time was the next three years my son and I were given full use of a small rowboat, and we’d get to spend many summer afternoons on one of the twenty lakes in less than thirty miles from our home.  Those are memories I never will get back. It is important to pass on values and the things we enjoy to our children.

In the past couple of years our granddaughters have reached the age of starting to take out to the lake and start fishing. We’ve already bought the older two of their own rods and reels. My wife and I have taken them a few times to fish in local ponds and lakes, and we are looking forward to spending more time with them now that we are living closer. It is always a joy watching the smiles and excitement they get when they hook even a small bluegill always makes it a fun time.

Why Free Fishing Days 2025 Are Perfect for Beginners

Over the years our son was growing up we often had his friends, mostly the teens from our church join us when we’d head out to the lakes. I remember one of those outings I had the opportunity to watch one of the teens standing with one foot on the dock and another on the boat. It was only a few moments, and he was swimming in the water next to the dock. We all had a laugh, especially the young man who ended up in the drink.

I’ve been on men’s retreats and fishing outings with men in the churches I’ve had the opportunity to serve. I’ve also spent some great time with my best friend walking through the shallows of the river as I dabbled with fly fishing and he was spin-casting. There have been a variety of skill levels that I’ve had opportunity to go out fishing with over the years. Sometimes I’ve learned from them, and many times I’ve had the opportunity to teach them a skill and the enjoyment of spending time outdoors fishing.

The joy of spending time with family and friends and the memories made are more important than what we catch. It’s also important to pass along that joy and skill with others. We can create some great memories with our own families and the friends we take along with us. Yes, taking a kid or inexperienced person fishing will often mean spending more time baiting hooks and untangling lines for others, than getting your own line in the water. However, in time you might get them hooked, and soon they will be competing to outdo you when you hit the water together.

Midwest Free Fishing Days 2025: States & Dates

Whether you're new to fishing, hoping to relive childhood memories with family, or introducing a friend to the experience, a free opportunity is just around the corner.  We are nearing June and in many Midwestern states free fishing weekends will be coming. The great thing about free fishing weekends is that everyone can go out and take a try at catching a big fish or spending time with others at a local lake or river.  Even greater, you can take your try casting without any cost, other than what you choose to spend on tackle and bait. My wife would tell you to save money on the bait and take the kids out to the garden and dig for worms, because that’s part of the memory making. So, don’t miss these great opportunities throughout the Midwest this next month.

The Free Fishing Days 2025 for 6 Midwest States

**State **Dates **Illinois June 13th – 16th

**Indiana June 7th – 8th & September 27

**Iowa June 7th – 9th

**Michigan June 7th – 8th (Includes out of state fishing)

**Ohio June 15th – 16th

**Wisconsin June 7th – 8th

Teaching Fishing to Beginners: Tips for Success

First, be patient.

Remember you had to learn once yourself. You will need to spend time teaching them how to use the rod and reel the correct way. Reminding them to beware of their surroundings, so they don’t hook others or tangle their line in a tree will be a good part of your experience with first time fishers. And yes, you will have to spend time untangling and restarting a few times. You will have to bait some hooks and take off their catch until they are used to it and can do it themselves.

Second, have fun.

The main goal of getting out with someone is to have fun and not to catch a trophy or wall mount. If you’re an avid fishing person, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try to catch a trophy on your own. This is more about taking time to make memories or helping them to fall in love with something you enjoy doing. It may make a life connection for you.

Third, create memories.

This may be the best part of fishing. Sometimes you can have some deep conversations and spend some truly quality time when you’re in a boat or sitting on a riverbank with others. Time is something we can never get back on, and whether it’s time with your children or a brother you don’t see enough the time will be well worth it.

This summer try to hit those free fishing dates, and if you’re an avid fishing person then find ways to pass on your joy and experience to others as you go.

Blessings on the journey,