PERRY COUNTY – Labor Day weekend saw a group of experienced and aspiring anglers having a good time fishing German Ridge Lake thanks to the efforts of the Hoosier National Forest Service.
Seeking to attract more visitors to German Ridge Lake and help those interested delve into the world of fishing, the Hoosier National Forest offered two morning sessions on Sept. 4 focused on providing a relaxing, family-centered opportunity to learn about the nuances of fishing. the hunt.
The two sessions, one between 8am and 10am and the other between 10am and 12pm, provided up to 40 people with a free fishing pole, bait and the opportunity to catch a variety of panfish, catfish and bass. Within the waters of German Ridge Lake.
German Ridge Lake falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA, and is just one of many attractions within the German Ridge Recreation Area, which is also home to 24.3 miles of shared hiking and mountain biking trails, primitive camping, swimming, and picnicking. And horse riding.
Also, according to current Hoosier National Forest fish biologist and seven-year Forest Service employee Chad Menke, German Ridge Lake is a prime location for those specifically interested in honing their catfishing skills thanks to the lake being regularly stocked with these species. .
When asked what he enjoys most about hosting a more intimate event like the one held Saturday during the more popular fishing derbies, Menke replied, “I love seeing the kids’ eyes light up when they get their first bite and catch something.” . Also, with technology being so common these days, I love seeing kids really getting back into nature and enjoying the simple things in life.
Summer McDuffie, recreation interpreter for the Hoosier National Forest and one of several collaborators at Saturday’s event, echoed Meinke’s sentiments as she relates the more fun aspects of organizing events that focus more on families and introducing those who are not familiar with fishing to the sport.
“I just love seeing the kids’ reaction. I have two kids. They’re grown now, but I love when kids get excited about things outdoors and in nature,” McDuffie said.
Jake Coultas, an avid seven-year-old outdoorsman from Leopold, Indiana, is a testament to the memory-making success of events like those planned by the National Forest Service in Hoosiers.
“It’s a tough choice, but the best thing is finding a new one,” said Coultas, excitedly talking about his favorite part of the day. “And it was fun catching the skink. I had never held or held a real skink before today.”
His mother, Kona Koultas, heard about the event from a family member and said sharing this moment with them was the best part of the day’s activities.
“My brother actually works for the forestry department, so the highlight for me is spending time with him and Jake and my mom and dad,” Coultas said.
Although it’s almost the end of summer, the success of Saturday’s event has Meinke and his teammates already looking forward to planning and hosting more activities centered around family fishing opportunities at German Ridge Lake this fall and next spring.
