Madison County officials are encouraging anglers of all ages to celebrate National Fishing Month by exploring Madison County’s waterways and sharing their catches on social media.
National Fishing Month began Sunday. Madison County officials urge people to experience all the county has to offer during the month-long celebration.
“It is a chance for more people to get out there and fish the county’s waterways,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler stated in a press release.
Prenzler said that although the Mississippi River borders the western side of the county, there are dozens of creeks, lakes and ponds throughout the county where people can fish.
“My favorite spot is at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in Hartford, but I enjoy fishing almost anywhere,” stated Patrick McRae, Madison County chief deputy treasurer.
The public can share their fishing photos on Madison County’s Facebook or Instagram pages by tagging with with #fishmadcoil or #MadisonCountyIL. Photos could be shared in an upcoming issue of the county newsletter.
Before anyone prepares to go fishing they should know the rules, especially on public waterways. A full list of Illinois’ rules and licensing requirements can be found at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website www.ifishillinois.org.
“Not only do you need a license if you’re older than 16, but there are some fish you can’t keep,” McRae stated. “Anytime I catch a large fish I use the CPR method.”
In the trophy fishing community, anglers use the CPR method, which means Catch, Photograph and Release.
The method improves native fish populations by allowing more fish to remain and reproduce in the ecosystem. Smaller fish like crappie are more plentiful and can be kept. The practice of catching and releasing is reserved for larger fish.
“National Fishing Month is a great way for more people to get outdoors, learn a new skill and make new friends,” McRae stated.
McRae is helping kick off the National Fishing Month campaign.
“The largest fish I’ve caught so far is a 90-pound blue catfish,” McRae stated in a press release. “The most unusual was a pallid sturgeon, which is an endangered species.”
McRae caught both fish in the Mississippi River near Alton, where he has spent a lot of time “dropping a line.” His father, Madison County Circuit Clerk Tom McRae, took him fishing for the first time when he was five years old. McRae is continuing the tradition by taking his three year old twin boys, Rory and Grady, fishing there.
“It’s a great father-son experience,” Patrick McRae stated. “It’s a great way for anyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”