Hooked On Fishing

We held my son’s birthday party here and it was great. The little retired guys, that were there, were fantastic with the children. There were plenty of bluegill to keep the kids interested, and one of them even landed a 2lb largemouth bass.
They’ve got a great little pavillion, which was perfect for the party, even despite the heat that day (98F). I will definitely be taking my kids back to this little known gem in Central IL.

The ponds used to be part of Dixon Fish Docks but now the fishing ponds are operated by «Hooked on Fishing», a non-​profit organization structured under 501c. Hooked on Fishing’s primary goal is just that, to get the young and old «Hooked on fishing». I’ll tell you, they did a great job with my son. We were visiting from out-​of-​town and we spent two of our four day trip here.
A bit about place: Fishing is for children from the ages of 5 – 15 and for senior citizens. There is no charge for fishing, bait, or even fishing pole usage! They do request a donation so I suggest providing a healthy donation because of all of the great work they do here. There are benches, picnic tables and plenty of shade for even those hot summer days. The primary pond is stocked with Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Large mouth and Small mouth Bass, Bullhead, Crappie, and probably a species or two that we did not see. There is a trout pond that is for special events were one may not fish on «regular» days.
NOTE: THIS IS A CATCH AND RELEASE LOCATION. DON’T COME EXPECTING TO GRILL FRESH FISH TONIGHT. .. unless you buy some at Dixon’s Fish Docks next door.
The fishing was amazing. We were able to toss in a line and catch fish after fish. Just what a 4 year old needs to encourage his interest in fishing. There are volunteer staff all over the place to provide helpful hints about where to fish, what depth, and what the fish seem to be hitting on that particular day. Some of the Channel Catfish in the pond are pretty monstrous. We hooked one and it nearly pulled my son into the pond. Not having the drag on the reel adjusted properly, we tried to reel him in before he was tired and he snapped the line just as he was close to the edge. (Now my son has learned the art of «the one that got away» story telling. And yes, the fish gets bigger every time.)
For those of you who live in the area, you are lucky to have such a great place to take the kids (or the older members of your family). The expectation bar has been placed really high by Hooked on Fishing. I am sure that as soon as we get home he will want to go fishing again and I will have to come up with a story as to why the fish there are not as hungry as they are in Peoria.