APPLETON, Wis. — Fishing is a key part of the culture in Wisconsin. Families gathered to learn how to fish, some for the very first time, during Free Fishing Weekend.
What You Need To Know
- Families learned the basics of fishing during Free Fishing Weekend
- The children fished at a butterfly pond in High Cliff State Park
- Harper Meyer, one of the first-time anglers, was born with spina bifida, which is a birth defect
- Her parents said it was special to see her learn how to cast a line, bait a hook and tie a knot
Kathy Meyer and her family made the short drive up to High Cliff State Park to learn more about the sport of fishing. Her daughter, Harper, recently became interested. Kathy Meyer said she wanted to make sure to encourage her curiosity.
“Well, my daughter really wanted to try fishing, and we don’t really have easy access,” Kathy Meyer said. “We don’t have a boat or any other fishing equipment. We saw this online and thought it was a great opportunity to get her excited about fishing and get her to try it for the first time.”
Harper Meyer was born with spina bifida. It’s a birth defect that’s caused by the spine and spinal cord not forming properly. The Meyers said that made it even more special to see her learn how to cast a line, bait a hook and tie a knot.
“Because I hear a lot of people that love fishing and I have never gone fishing before,” Harper Meyer said of her interest to fish. “I just love being on the water and seeing all different types of fish.”
Kathy’s husband, Scott Meyer, said being able to spend this time with his family while doing something they enjoy is special.
“It’s a really good feeling,” Scott Meyer said. “It’s nice to watch them connect, especially because they both really seem to take an interest in fishing, and they really like it.”
Kathy Meyer said she learned about safety and about different types of fish in area ponds and lakes. She said she is looking forward to continuing to learn how to fish with her family.
“We like anything that we can get out and do and learn something new just together,” Kathy Meyer said. “So, it’s awesome to have stuff like this that we can do.”
Although the family did not catch a fish on Sunday, they did catch an interest in a new hobby they can enjoy together.