Go Fish!

Article submitted by Manny Luftglass.

"Seniors Resource Guide readers take note: GO FISH! According to the 2001 National Survey conducted by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 21% of the 34 million anglers who fished in America that year were anywhere from age 55 on up! That means that if you haven't gone fishing, ever, or in a while, there is still plenty of time to do it, and lots of folks your age to do it with.

Yes, if ailing health doesn't permit you to go fishing as often as this 68 year old retiree goes, that doesn't mean that you cannot go anywhere at all. Senior citizens can fish in local "pay ponds", or at larger lakes or rivers, as well as head down the shore to go out in the ocean.

Here's a few ideas for you that will get you out in the fresh air and maybe give you some fun along the way, as well as a healthy meal or two –

1. "Pay Ponds" – There's two within an hour of Morris and Somerset County- one is in Newton (aptly called "Go Fish") and the other is in Englishtown called "Molder's." Each venue is loaded with fish and both can provide you with all the bait and tackle you will need.
2. Fishing Clubs – There are three clubs within an hours distance that offer members fun and friendship. And having attended meetings at each club, I can personally attest to the fact that lots of senior citizens attend each meeting. They are the Newark Bait and Fly Fishing Club which meets in Springfield, the Round Valley Trout Association which meets in Whitehouse, and the Knee Deep Club which meets near Lake Hopatcong. Join one or all three to make friends, share car rides, and learn how to catch fish. Sharing knowledge is the middle name of all three groups.
3. "Party boats" – Head down the shore and get on a half-day boat for the biggest bunch of fresh salt air you can grab.

Pick a weekday and tip the mate soon after you board the boat. Tell him that you are a beginner (if that's the case) and ask for assistance. They appreciate honesty and will help you catch fish. If not too crowded, you can get hands on help. They often will even bait your hook, take your fish off the hook, and clean your catch. A nice sized tip goes a long way.
Don't worry about retirement- enjoy it! You deserve to have fun in retirement and nothing can beat the pure escape you can get from a day out on the water. I fish 125 days a year and can't wait to get out again!

If you would like to read how to get started, my newest book, published 9/03, should be of great help to you. It's title is "Gone Fishin'...For Beginners" and you can get an autographed copy by sending $13.95 + 6% (.84) to me (Manny Luftglass) at Box 556, Annandale, N. J. 08801. There will be no charge for shipping and handling. You can also look up all 12 of my books on my web site, www.gonefishinbooks.com" - Manny Luftglass