Kids have fishing fun at Shue's Pond

On June 12, the Wisconsin DNR, SCOPE, the Northwest Connections Family Resource Center, and the Terry Peterson Fishing Foundation hosted a “Moms and Kids Fishing Night” at Shue’s Pond in Hayward.

Over 30 families came out for an evening of fishing and fun. Participants got the opportunity to try fishing as a family while learning skills like casting, knot tying, and even fish filleting from a team of local female angling instructors. It appeared that all families caught at least one fish, with several kids catching more than 10!

Each family was sent home with fishing tools provided by SCOPE. DNR and Frank Pratt (retired DNR) provided fishing poles to any family who needed one. Northwest Connections Family Resource Center provided items for families and information about their services in addition to several door prizes. A pizza dinner from Angler’s was offered to all participants and volunteers, courtesy of the Terry Peterson Fishing Foundation.

Staff and volunteers for the event included Megan Mader and Rick Peters from SCOPE, Stacey Hessel from the Terry Peterson Fishing Foundation, angling instructors Amanda Wilson, Tara Neibauer, Cindy Neurohr, Cassy Lynch, Wendy Williamson and Rebecca Slattery. DNR staff assisting with the event included Scott Braden, Evan Sirianni, and Max Wolter.

The organizers were very pleased with the turnout and support from the community. The team of all-women angling instructors did an incredible job spreading their knowledge of fishing to more families. Conversations are already happening about this event returning in 2025.