MARQUETTE PARK — A fishing program in Marquette Park has been teaching Chicago's children the nuances of "urban fishing" for 18 years.
Even though learning how to fish is the bait, the catch is getting Chicago kids to be active outside of their homes.
Gary DeLeonardis, a fishing instructor with Marquette Park's youth fishing league, said he usually gets at least 30 kids to participate despite the fact that his numbers are down.
DeLeonardis said the family atmosphere the program has created has kept the program stable over the years.
"Some of the kids have moved away. We send out a mailing list. The parents love the competition," DeLeonardis said. "I lose a few families and pick up a couple of families. I hand out fliers and word of mouth brings in more families."
DeLeonardis also encourages families with disabled children to participate in the fishing league.
"People have a good time. I recommend they bring out water and umbrellas to have a picnic with their families," DeLeonardis said.
DeLeonardis said the kids who participate in the fishing league come from all over the city and neighboring suburbs. The Marquette Park lagoon is stocked with fish provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources four times a year, DeLeonardis said.
Of the 19 man-made lagoons in Chicago parks available to "Urban Fishermen," 12 either have naturally occurring fish populations or are stocked regularly, according to the park district’s website.
The kids pick out a spot near the lagoon. Next, they are given fishing rods and bait.
Gail Jordan, an Englewood resident, brought her 9-year-old niece Christian Porter to the fishing league. She wants her niece to have a lasting experience with children she wouldn't normally see.
"I think it's a great way to meet people. We have a lot of fun. I think fishing is a great recreational activity," Jordan said. "You get to meet people of all different races and different walks of life. It's a great program."
Christian, who moved to Chicago from Arkansas, said that she "enjoys catching fish" as her favorite aspect of fishing.
Claudia Hyzny, a Garfield Ridge resident, brought her sons, Hank, 10, and Hogan, 7, out to the fishing league for the first time this summer.
"I had no idea it existed. I brought my kids here for their vaccines and I saw the program posted on the wall," Hyzny said. "I like that the kids are outdoors, having fun learning where fish comes from. It teaches them to be responsible. Hook it themselves and put the bait on themselves. They like it."
Hyzny, who said she brings her sons out to the lagoon twice a week, hopes that they pick up fishing as a hobby.
"They've been fishing for a while. This is a great hobby to have," Hyzny said. "It keeps them outside and off the computers for a few hours."
Rob Morris, a Beverly resident, fished in Marquette Park as a kid. His children's participation in the fishing league has an ulterior motive.
"First off, I want to get them away from the TV and the internet," Morris said. "How do you beat beautiful days like this in the summertime? I want them to experience a part of nature. I'm a firm believer in not only conserving nature, but taking a part in it. Someday, they may have to find their own dinner instead of someone handing it to them."
The six-week program wrapped up last week. The children participate in a tournament, where raffles and trophies are given. Henry's Bait Shop in Bridgeport helps the program with prizes and awards.
"We're going to be doing this until I retire. I hope we get some support afterwards," DeLeonardis said. "We have volunteers and some of them have been with me for 18 years."
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