Teach a child to fish for free this weekend at Washtenaw County parks

On June 12, families can learn to fish - with all necessary supplies provided - at several Washtenaw County Parks for Michigan's free fishing weekend.

Tammy Mayrend | Contributor

There is an old saying that says,“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime." I will argue though "Teach a child to fish and you have developed a deep love of the outdoors for a lifetime!" And this weekend you can teach your child to fish for free.

As children my brother and I learned to fish at very young ages, I don't remember when exactly but I have photos of us standing on a dock, our chubby cheeks flushed with excitement at our minute catch.

My children also got into fishing fairly young - We got my son his first fishing pole when he was around 2 1/2. So what does this have to do with free fishing you ask?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources must think this is important for families to learn as well, since twice a year they sponsor a free weekend of fishing when all fishing license fees will be waived.

There are many lakes where you can take your child of course, but if you don't know where to begin or don't want to buy your own poles, you are in luck. If you would like to join in the fun and have all the bait, poles and instruction needed you can learn to fish at two Washtenaw Couty parks. On Saturday, at Rolling Hills (meet at the Lodge) from 1-3 p.m. and at Independence Lake (at the beach center fishing dock) from 5-7 p.m. you can teach your child, and possibly yourself, to have a new love of the outdoors.

Pre-registration to these events is required; call 734-971-6337, ext 334.

Teaching your children to fish can give them a new appreciation of the outdoors. Here is Zach's "big catch" in summer 2009, the big one got away.

Tammy Mayrend | Contributor

Tammy Mayrend is a search marketing professional and mother of two who blogs on low-cost local activities, events, and Ann Arbor area freebies for families at annarbormom.com, many late afternoons throughout the summer months she can be found enjoying the outdoors fishing with her children.