John Valenza was born and raised in Madison.
 
He fondly recalls spending a lot of time on Lake Mendota and can't imagine growing up without a fishing pole.
 
So the 61-year-old made sure his grandchildren each got one.

Preston Rios, 8, and Alex Rios, 3, of Verona were among the hundreds of children and their parents and guardians lining the banks of the Willow Island pond for Kids Fishing Day June 7 at the Alliant Center.

The Yahara Fishing Club, with help from numerous sponsors including Wal-Mart, Oscar Mayer and the Madison Fishing Expo, provided free rods and reels and tackle boxes to several hundred children. Most were lined up behind the club's tent when the four-hour event commenced at 9 a.m.

"This is unbelievable," said Duffy Kopf, president of the Yahara Fishing Club.

Gary Engberg, a State Journal correspondent, echoed the sentiment.

"This is the biggest turnout I've seen by far (for this event)," said Engberg, a club member and area fishing guide from Mazomanie.  

Club members also handed out live bait and assisted anglers — many of whom had never been fishing. A lunch of hot dogs, chips and a drink was also provided.

"This is a great program," Valenza said of the Yahara Fishing Club's annual volunteer effort, suggesting it would be a worthy endeavor if someone — anyone — could help produce a similar event "every week" in Madison.

The event was run concurrent with, but not affiliated with, Wisconsin's Free Fishing Weekend. The state-sponsored weekend allowed adults the opportunity to fish without a license.

"I'm just so happy to see so many kids out there with a parent," said Theresa Stabo, aquatic resources educator for Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources. "Kids can fish every day of the year. It's always kids fishing day. But this is a case where the parents can participate, too."

Said Yahara Fishing Club member Charlie Grimm: "There's hope for our (fishing) future. It's just a good way to get kids outside."

Trixi Stamn and her husband Kevin enjoyed the sunny morning along with their sons Brandon, 6, and Owen, 3.

"I took Brandon here twice before," said Trixi Stamn, who works in the claims department of Wal-Mart's West Side store. "The whole Free Fishing Weekend is great for everyone. Getting kids up here, used to the environment, it's great that it's a nice, controlled thing here."

Owen Stamn caught a pumpkinseed. His father separated it from the hook and released it back into the water. A few minutes later, Brandon pulled one in.

It looked suspiciously like Owen's fish.

"Mommy, can we catch that fish?" a nearby boy exclaimed.

Maybe next time.