Vermont Free Fishing Day brings new people to the sport

GRAND ISLE, Vt. (WCAX) - Saturday is Vermont Free Fishing Day, and across the state residents can enjoy fishing without needing a permit.

In Grand Isle, their annual fishing festival took place at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station.

It hosted local families and children with the goal of teaching young fishermen and their families about all the aspects of fishing. Event coordinators say that learning to fish is a great way to bond communities together and serves as a great life skill.

“This event is pretty important because we are raising the next generation of anglers. We want everyone to get outside, enjoy Vermont, and the resources it has to offer,” said Paige Blaker, manager.

The fishing festivities included tents all around the site, providing hands-on activities centered around the biology of fish, how to make lures and proper knots and even how the fish are processed.

For local families like Maddox and his grandfather Don, the event has become an important tradition.

“11 years at this point. 11 years coming here. I’ve enjoyed it every year. Living it out every year. Super fun,” said Maddox and Don Tebbetts, fishermen.

The event also offered prizes for kids who finished the entire program, sending them home with their own new fishing pole, reel and bait.