Casting about AREA ANGLERS FIND SOLACE ON THE WATER by Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER
am Veith, with a rod and reel in his hands, finds fishing as a form of therapy and a way to explore nature. Veith, of Salem, discovers his tranquil moments mostly on the waters of Geneva and Delavan lakes. “Whenever life gets tough, just being on the water and getting outdoors is my kind of therapy,” said Veith. “It is important for me to get out enjoy nature. Being on the water is just my favorite thing.” Veith has also ventured out on Eagle Lake in Racine County along with many lakes in Kenosha County, including Silver and Paddock lakes. Additionally, when visiting his in-laws in Illinois, he typically jumps aboard a boat on the Chain O’Lakes. “I don’t really discriminate, I will fish up in Eagle Lake in Racine County once in awhile, I will fish in Twin Lakes,” he said.
Sam Veith, of Salem, displays a bass caught during one of his most recent expeditions on an area lake. SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes
“If there is a good opportunity to get out for an hour or two, I just stay really close to home like Silver Lake or Paddock Lake.”
so you’re not in the public.” For Veith, using lakes closer to his home brings benefits such as learning new features of each body of water, while staying safe. Promoting social distancing “Right now, with corona, it is just kind Veith said he has remained within a of crazy so I am trying to stay within a half hour of his residence because of the half hour from my house,” he said. “I am COVID-19 pandemic. not trying to go too far. It is usually an The pandemic has prompted health opportunity to learn these local lakes a little officials to urge people to maintain social bit better.” distancing. Paul Vollmer, 36, a lifelong Mukwonago The Recreational Boating and Fishing resident, has been fishing at nearby Foundation, a national nonprofit organization waterways since he was a child. with a mission to increase participation in He, like Veith, finds fishing relaxing and fishing, indicates fishing is an ideal activity often visits the Fox River and Tichigan Lake. because 6-foot social distancing guidelines is “I enjoy fishing the Fox River and already happening. Tichigan Lake because of the multiple Stephanie Vatalaro, senior vice president species of fish in the lake and it is a great for marketing and communications of the hatchery for fish,” he said, noting he also foundation, outlined many reasons fishing uses Pewaukee Lake for muskies and big is a natural fit for social distancing to the bass. Associated Press. While Vollmer describes himself as a “You don’t want to be close,” Vatalaro recreational fisherman, he has participated in said. “You’re going to tangle your lines, get some area tournaments, primarily focusing your equipment mixed up. Fishing is a sport on musky and bass. that lends itself to social distancing for sure.” “It is relaxing and a fun sport,” Vollmer The Associated Press says the said. Recreational Boating and Fishing Vollmer concurred with Vatalaro’s Foundation’s website, takemefishing.org, has statement about fishing as an activity seen a 15% increase in traffic over the past promoting social distancing. month. “I have not made any changes with what’s Its website offers an interactive map going on because I always fish out of my showing the status, and any restrictions, in boat,” he said. every state during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We absolutely believe fishing, if you can Helping others Fishing typically allows experienced do it right now, it’s great for mental health, anglers an opportunity to help others learn stress relief, connecting with your family, creating memories, but health and safety is No. 1,” Vatalaro said. “One of the messages we’ll hold onto is maybe find a place you haven’t been to before, maybe close to home SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES
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