Temperatures are rising and summer inches closer, therefore the anticipation of the Wisconsin fishing opener was at its peak.

The day circled on the calendar finally for Wisconsin anglers. The Wisconsin fishing opener this past Saturday marked a day for everyone, regardless of if their intention was to even catch a fish.

“I think it’s great. I mean you look at all the families down the bank here, you got moms and dads and kids and grandkids and everything and they’re all having fun,” said Ken Shultz, a Rice Lake resident.

The beauty of the fishing opener is that it’s not just for experts. Beginners, kids and adults of all ages can grab a rod, some bait, and enjoy the beautiful weather that Saturday had to offer. Plus, Wisconsin always boasts its fishing opportunities.

“We have such great outdoor activities within Wisconsin,” said Lt. Governor Rodriguez. “I love to get on the water. I could stay here all day and be able to fish and do these types of things, that’s what my family likes to do and to be able to highlight our fishing in Wisconsin, we have some of the best fishing all across the nation so people should come into Wisconsin to be able to do the fishing here because it’s a lot of fun.”

“You have to have patience,” said Shultz. “You have to have a variety of baits as well as live baits, those are good in the wintertime. They’re real good. Minnows and stuff like that when you’re fishing through the ice this time of year, I think you’re better off with false baits.”

Worldwide, fishing offers camaraderie between anglers, and even younger enjoyers can make life long friendships just being out of the house.

“Just the people you can meet for fishing, because I met some amazing people for fishing,” concluded Braden, a young angler.