~ Destiny Hering

crawlers, to stick baits, spoons and jigs.”

Along with your bait and tackle, a few other key items are needed.

“Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and layers, too, because you never know when the weather can switch or when the wind can switch,” Hering said.

Additional items one might consider are sunglasses, bug spray, a pocketknife, and a first-aid kit.

However, there is one item that is on the do-not-bring-fishing list.

“You never bring bananas because it’s bad luck. Whether it’s Banana Boat sunscreen, banana-flavored Chapstick, nothing related to bananas or with the word bananas,” Hering said with a laugh.

This superstition proved itself to Hering when she went out fishing with a group one day and she was the only one not catching anything.

“I remember I got a banana cream pudding at the gas station before we went out and I ate in the truck. I totally forgot about the whole banana thing. And then I got out there and my cousin was like, what did you eat because you’re not catching anything. I realized I had that banana cream pudding. So, you can’t even eat bananas,” she laughed. Where

And When To Fish

The best time of the day to fish is early in the morning, as it gives you more time to fish.

“Normally, if you want to go out for a full day, be out on the lake by 8 a.m. at the latest,” Hering said. “I’m out by 6:45 a.m., and if I’m fishing on Lake Superior, I’ll be at the dock by 6 a.m.”

A good fishing spot for beginners is Billings Park in Superior. There is a winding, paved trail around the park which provides easy access to a wide variety of casting locations. The old Arrowhead draw bridge pier in Billings Park is also a popular fishing location.

“Any access to local lakes is good,” said Hering, who has fished a lot on Amnicon Lake. Other popular local lakes include Island Lake and Lake Nebagamon.

If you want to get out on the water, find a family member or friend with a boat, or take a trip with one of the fishing charter boats in the area.

“I prefer a boat because I like the feel of the water underneath me,” Hering said. “If I don’t have access to a boat, the shore does just as well. The shore is nice because you can sit, you can stand, and you don’t have to worry about falling over because of the waves. Either one does the job just as well and I think either one gives you the satisfaction just as much.”

Not just about fish

Every angler has a story about the one that got away, but a successful fishing trip doesn’t necessarily include catching fish.

“We were fishing the walleye opener on the river and everybody in the boat caught a fish, besides me,” Hering said.

“But the reason why I find it as a success story is because I got to learn so much more about walleye and how they adapt to things, especially during opener when the river is colder. It was overall a really good learning experience because fishing, to me, when I go out it’s not all about catching fish, it’s about the experiences that you’ll get out of fishing.”

And sometimes just as you are about to give up, the line jerks and luck turns for the best.

“I was fishing catfish and hoping for a sturgeon,” Hering said. “I wasn’t catching anything and the last 45 minutes before pulling everything in, I caught a 52-inch sturgeon.”

Advice for others

If you’re new to fishing, Hering encourages you to try it.

“Some advice I give is to just go for it. You’re always going to get those people that come across your life that are going to judge you. That’s a lot of challenges I’ve had as a girl trying to participate in fishing. Ask questions. No question is a dumb question when it comes to learning about fishing,” she said.

If you’re looking to get involved in the sport and want to meet others, investigate area groups.

“There are some associations like Twin Ports Walleye Association. They talk about fishing, have events they put on, and fishing tournaments. They also have a Facebook group,” Hering said.

Fishing is a great sport to take up. It can be exciting to catch your first fish, but it can also give a sense of peace, and connection to nature and to others. For Hering, that is what it’s all about.

“The relationships that I get to build with wildlife and the people that come with me is why I fish,” she said. “For me, it’s kind of like a home away from home. I always end up finding peace with myself and with everything around me and finding a way to kind of relax and take a vacation even though I’m still in my home area.” D