Take the kids fishing, it's free

Jeremy Hopper, 10, a fourth-grade student at Reagan Middle School, shows the 13-pound sheephead he caught on May 17 in the Hennepin Canal on the bottom road of Tiskilwa. His grandmother, Peg Hopper, said Jeremy was very proud of this catch, but it was not the only fish he caught. (Photo contributed)

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It’s free fishing days in Illinois this weekend. If you’re a mom or dad with a little one at home, or a grandparent needing to spend some time with the special grandchild, take them fishing.

It won’t cost you a cent as our grand state of Illinois has waived all license fees. All you’ll need is a tackle box, a rod and reel and time to spend enjoying your company and Mother Nature.

I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend than fishing. I have fond memories of the times my Grandma and Grandpa Hi would take me to the fish ponds in and around Atlanta, Ill.

Grandma and I would use some of her homemade doughballs for bait. I’d usually catch some critters and stick them on the hook, too. Grandpa didn’t get around much and usually stayed in the car, but was happy to see our prized catches.

My Dad and I took overnight camping trips at Weldon Springs Park near Clinton, Ill., and spent time on the lake fishing. Dad always took the chores of rowing the boat and did his best to help me catch some fish.

I’d give anything to fish one more day with Pop and my grandparents. These days, I love taking my two little critters out. They seem to like to fish, especially when we actually catch some.

We recently got one of those rocket rods you see advertised on TV that is supposed to blast out your line for you. I’m not so sure it’s such a blast.

When I was a kid I’d get disappointed if I didn’t catch a fish. I’m learning now you really don’t need to catch a thing as long you get to spend time with your kids.

• A Hennepin Hopper: One young angler who knows how to catch a big fish is Jeremy Hopper, 10, of Princeton. The fourth-grade student at Reagan Middle School caught an 13-pound sheephead in the Hennepin Canal on the bottom road of Tiskilwa.

His grandmother, Peg Hopper, said Jeremy was very proud of this catch.

“He had to call everyone he knew on my cell phone to tell them. His poor mom had to come from Princeton and bring her camera because I didn’t have mine.”

Hopper said her grandson pulled the fish in all by himself and is not sure how.

“He just clipped it on the hook. How he got it into shore I have no idea,” she said.

• A great chance to take your little anglers fishing will take place in Saturday’s Canal Fun Day at the Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock and Dam 11, just north of Tiskilwa. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a kids’ fishing derby from 9-11 a.m.

There will be the popular critter races and casting derbies for kids.

• The Better Fishing Association’s annual Kid’s Fishing Tournament Saturday will be held at Lock 14 on the I-M Canal in LaSalle. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Rain date is Sunday.

The BFA will also have a membership-only fishing tournament on Sunday at Lock 14. Registration is at 8 a.m.

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