Testin Column: Fishing is a sport for all ages

I have great memories of catching perch while fishing off of the pier with my dad and grandpa when I was younger—and I know that I’m not alone.

Fishing is a sport that you can’t outgrow. People of all ages enjoy it, and it’s a tradition that is deeply rooted in our state.

Central and Western Wisconsin are home to some of the best fishing opportunities in the country. No matter what freshwater fish you’re targeting, you can find it in one of our lakes, rivers, streams, or marshes—in fact, the state record white crappie was caught in a marsh in Monroe Co. back in 2003.

Since fishing can be a lifelong passion, I authored a bipartisan bill with Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison), Rep. Don Vruwink (D-Milton), and Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) to create a lifetime fishing license in Wisconsin.

Under this proposal, which is modeled after laws currently in effect in other Midwestern states, a person could purchase a lifetime fishing license for 30 times the cost of an annual license. By purchasing this license, Wisconsin sportsmen have the opportunity to make a long-term commitment to their sport and to the future of fishing and conservation in Wisconsin.

We introduced this bill to closely coincide with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which we celebrate this year on Saturday, September 28.

This legislation will circulate for co-sponsors until Friday, October 4. Call your legislators and urge them to get hooked on fishing—for a lifetime.

Senator Patrick Testin represents for 24th District.

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