Free fishing weekend; clinic held at Harrington Beach State Park

OZAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. - The weather was a bit gloomy June 4, but it was still a great day for some fishing at the free Ozaukee County Fishing Clinic.

Some came with experience, others with the desire to learn.

"This is our first time fishing here," said Hallie Fischer.

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Hallie, her sister Mae, and their dad, Ryan, all took advantage of the free fishing clinic held at Harrington Beach State Park.

"We really preach to being outside, being active, enjoying nature – so this was a good chance to do that," said Ryan Fischer who is learning to fish.

That is the mission of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and its partners.

"That’s our main goal: to get people who aren’t familiar with the outdoors to enjoy it and love it and hopefully preserve it one day," said DNR Conservation Warden Tony Young.

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For volunteers, watching the joy that comes with catching a fish makes it all worth it.

"To see their faces light up. I have numerous pictures of kids holding a line up and showing the fish hanging off the line. They’re just very happy," said Mike Behlen of the Grafton Youth Hunting Association.

The fishing clinic was part of the DNR's "Free Fun Weekend," during which everyone can visit Wisconsin State Parks for free – and even get some free gear, too. After a two-year hiatus, they’re excited to have everyone back.

"It’s a way to get away from the technology and the TV and the computers and phones and all that stuff and get out and enjoy nature," said Young.