Hatchery Stocked Ponds for Kids Fishing
Catchin’ fish and being safe.
There are many state and city managed small lakes and ponds that regularly stock catchable-size channel catfish. These areas offer easily accessible shoreline fishing. These stocked lakes and ponds are the perfect place to start children fishing.
Because these sites are public, they usually have restrooms, park benches, and other amenities to make you and your kids visit comfortable. And, the catfish are big enough to catch and big enough to eat. So, take some home for the dinner table.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently announced 18 neighborhood fishing sites across the state that will be stocked regularly in 2021 (Click Here for Info). Similar programs exist all across the nation.
It doesn’t require much tackle to catch these frisky hatchery-raised cats. Hook, line, sinker, and a good catfish bait, will do the trick to catch cats out of these well-stocked ponds. Maybe add a bobber for the added excitement that I remember from my youth. I loved watching that bobber and knowing I might get something on the other end of my line if it went down.
Fishing with COVID
The next thing to remember in this time of COVID is to take necessary precautions to fish safely. We need to consider our own health as well as the others that will be fishing. You should follow your local, state, and CDC guidelines for the most updated information.
Here are a few reminders from TPWD for your outing with the kids at a stocked catfish pond.
- Keep a six-foot social distance between yourself and others.
- Avoid crowds and look for other times or places to fish.
- Do not touch benches, railings, water fountains, or other public facilities.
- Wash hands before and after fishing, or after touching any surfaces.
- Stay home if you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Follow your neighborhood fishing regulations.
So, rig up a pole for the kids, grab you some nightcrawlers, and head for the pond. The catfish are waiting, and you will make some memories that will last you a lifetime. You might even put dinner on the table.
