Fishing can be the cure for raging cabin fever

"It’s yours,” my father said, handing me a Zebco rod and reel.

I toted that gift everywhere for years — ponds, rivers, lakes, anywhere that would float a bobber.

That conversation with my dad was about 40 years ago. But the gist of it is still relevant today to some, including Bob Martin.

The 58-year-old Martin has worked around fisheries for more than 35 years, including 28 years at the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at the base of the Lake Hefner dam.

He’s a believer in putting a fishing rod and reel in a child’s hands for many reasons.

"It helps to reinforce positive values parents hold,” he said. "It teaches patience, individuality, self esteem, learning about the outdoors, and a way to relax and have fun.”

And it’s something that can be done throughout the state, including many locations in Oklahoma City.

Martin said right now anglers can catch rainbow trout at Dolese Youth Park Pond.

On city lakes, he said, walleye fishing starts the season in April through June, followed by crappie fishing, largemouth bass, sand bass and finally channel catfishing.

Martin said they usually stock 200,000 to 400,000 walleye in Hefner in May, 200,000 to 400,000 striped bass hybrids in Overholser in June and 8,000 to 10,000 channel catfish in Draper and their Close to Home Waters in October.

"Oklahoma City offers quality fishing right in many people’s backyard, close to home,” he said.

"I would think we all have a good case of cabin fever. People already are getting out to Dolese and the state trout waters to fish.”

He would like to see parents introducing children to fishing.