The need for recruiting children to fishing and hunting has never been so urgent.

The baby boomers that have made up a large portion of hunters and anglers are getting gray and their numbers aren't being replaced.

All the while, our youth face constant distraction and the world of the outdoors recreation faces increasing competition.

The challenge then, is getting -- and keeping -- our future interested despite the lure of TV, the Internet and the explosion of youth sports in this country.

That's where local fishermen -- pros Terry Frey and Pete Jopke among them -- come in at Family Fishing Day.
 
The event, in its second year, will be held rain or shine on Saturday at Lake Marion, west on Highway 14 just outside of Mazomanie, northwest of Madison.

Registration is at 9 a.m. and fishing will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with Frey and Jopke, the list of area guides (and pros) on hand will include Wally Banfi, Tony Puccio and James Myszkewicz.
 
Activities will include fishing, knot-tying, a casting competition, a live bait demonstration and a question and answer session with the pros.

Okuma Fishing has donated 100 rods and reels to be given away to the first 100 participants that register. There will be prizes and giveaways for the children and adults who attend. Lunch will also be provided.