PEABODY — The city unveiled a new initiative designed to introduce families to an old-fashioned pastime — fishing.
“Let’s Go Fishing at Crystal Lake” will be held Saturday, May 15 in recognition of the National Park Trust’s 11th Annual Kids to Parks Day, which celebrates outdoor play.
“Kids to Parks asks communities to develop creative ways to get kids into the outdoors to promote discovery of the many fun things you can do outdoors,” the city’s Recreation, Parks and Forestry Director, Jennifer Davis, said at a press conference held Friday at the lake.
“Years ago, our adventure series included fishing, but it was discontinued for unknown reasons.”
Davis credited Bob Langley, the city’s director of engineering and an avid fisherman, for coordinating the dredging of the lake and restoration of the area. She also acknowledged the Recreation Department’s Outdoor Education Coordinator, Maureen Sammon, for coming up with the idea.
“Bob came to Maureen and together they floated the idea, and we all thought, ‘why not bring that back to Peabody?'” Davis said. “Fishing is a great activity for not only kids, but families, so we are excited to bring it back.”
Langley’s son, Andrew Langley, the 2020 MassWildlife’s Freshwater Catch-and-Release Angler of the Year; and professional bass angler Gene Ellison, who has been dubbed “The Fishing Machine,” will provide instruction.
“Kids love to catch big fish, but the reality is fishing is an activity for everyone in all walks of life,” Ellison said. “It’s not expensive so lower-income families, single-mom families, (and) men and women of all ages can fish. With these programs, not only do people learn how to fish, it looks to connect people with their kids. It’s quality time for families even if it’s only 20 to 30 minutes.”
Langley, a sophomore studying biomedical engineering at Tufts University, agreed.
“My father taught me how to fish when I was really young and we go fishing together all the time, at least twice a week, and we also go to tournaments together,” said Langley. “It’s an activity that’s perfect for families and gets kids away from their computer screens.”
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) will provide 50 rods and reels on loan for the day, while Danvers-based Big Daddy’s bait n tackle will be donating bait. Bass Pro Shops, Mercury Engines and the Berkley Company will be donating hats, lures and fishing rods.
Jim Lagacy, an aquatic biologist at MassWildlife, said adult involvement is critical when it comes to kids and fishing.
“We do about 100 of these a year and have learned that you need a parent or adult to help make fishing a lifelong activity,” he said. “Kids don’t become hockey players or anglers on their own as an individual. You need a parent. Fishing is a wonderful pastime. MassWildlife’s goal is to inspire interest in the great outdoors and fishing, especially now when we know that being outside is so beneficial.”
“This is such an exciting program,” said Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. “Every day, every weekend, people are outside at the lake fishing and using this beautiful area. This is a place where people can come and do so many things. It’s great knowing that we may be developing a whole new group of people who (will) discover how much fun it is to come out as a family and do some fishing right in their own backyard.”
The program is limited to 25 residents. Parents are asked to limit their child’s registration to one session. The recommended age is 9 to 14.
To register or for additional information about the program or other events, go to https://peabodyma.myrec.com/. Session 1 will be held from 9-10:15 a.m., while Session 2 follows at 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
