SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Sun up Saturday, the wait is over, and the quest is on across the state.
The inland lakes sport fishing season is underway.
An estimated 1.6 million anglers will test their luck over in the coming year.
For many, catching fish can sometimes be a gamble. But for Anthony Schmidt, it has a much different meaning. He’s gearing up at Cecil Lakeview Park, with his new boat.
“Just got lucky at the casino. Won a little bit of money, and picked out a boat on Facebook Marketplace. So you’re going to try it out? Yes.”
Schmidt and dozens of others launched on the eastern end of Shawano Lake Saturday morning. The Putnam family drove from the Green Bay area for opening day.
“I’m excited to be here, and catch some fish. It’s been a long winter, long spring. So, the weather is nice, so hopefully we catch a lot,” said Chase Putnam, Green Bay.
“We’re going to see if we can catch some stuff. I don’t know, some northern, bass, bluegill, panfish. I’ve been coming out here for a long time, since I was a kid. So hopefully we get some fish,” said Tim Putnam, Hobart
Shawano Lake is a popular place, but not everyone was fishing the 6,200-acre body of water. At Loon Lake nearby anglers were drifting the shallows, casting for anything that would bite from below.
Kuhn’s Bait and Tackle Palace owner Cory Kuhn says the season may be off to a slow start but he says that could change.
“All it takes is a couple of sunny days and a couple warmer days, and then the fish will pull in the shallows, and it can get good real fast.”
That’s what the Putnam family is hoping for.
“Weather is beautiful. Nice and calm. Not windy yet. Should be pretty good fishing,” said Tim Putnam.
Anthony Schmidt says his new boat is already a winner. Catching fish would be a bonus.
“Bass, walleye, pike. Just anything big enough to take a picture to show your friends.”
