Winona and Ray Agbabiaka of Crete and their three young sons — Femi, Michael, and Christian — got hooked on fishing during a beginner’s clinic last weekend at the Monee Reservoir. The clinic, sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Will County, introduced participants to angling skills, bait selections, casting, safety and aquatic ecology.
The boys gave their dad plenty of exercise as they tried showing off their fishing skills.
“We gave my husband a fishing pole for Father’s Day, and he wanted to learn how to use it the right way. Even though the boys are young, we wanted to teach them something about fishing too,” Winona said.
It has been five years since the initial stocking of the reservoir.
“The fish have had plenty of time to grow,” said Pat Crane, forest preserve volunteer. “These beginner classes will get participants started on the basics of fishing, while the intermediate clinic gives you a more in-depth approach.”
The catfish were jumpin’ when visitors dropped their line into the lake. As happy new fisherman Muriel Simnick of Frankfort tried attaching a fat, squirming nightcrawler, her 12-year-old grandson, Christopher Simnick of Frankfort, doubled over in laughter.
“I hate touching these things. Someone always did this for me. But today, I am determined to do this myself,” she said.
Anticipating a fishing trip to Canada, 11-year-old Jeremy Madrill of Monee wanted to get a head start on learning to cast. He brought his brother’s pole and plenty of determination as he continually cast his line into the reservoir.
“I enjoyed the clinic very much,” Ray Agbabiaka said. “This is a wonderful place to spend the day, and it’s something we can do as a family.”
The Monee Reservoir, a 46-acre waterway, includes crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Its concession stand sells live bait and a limited inventory of tackle items and fishing poles. The information building also features displays of fishing techniques and a fully operating weather station. A fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
The concession stand and information building are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The preserve is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The next clinic is set for Aug. 9.
Monee Reservoir is located on Ridgeland Avenue west of Illinois Highway 50 and south of Pauling Road. For more information on the reservoir and fishing clinics, call 708-534-8499.
