By Ashley M. Casey

Staff Writer

While the jury is still out on whether Onondaga Lake is ready for swimmers, budding fishers can get their feet — or their fishing rods — wet at this weekend’s Family Fun Fishing Day. Hosted by the Central New York Chapter of the Izaak Walton League in conjunction with New York State Free Fishing Day, Family Fun Fishing Day celebrates its 30th annual event this Sunday, June 26, at Willow Bay.

Fishers of all ages can vie for prizes at Sunday’s catch-and-release event without having to sign up for a fishing license. Families can participate in a “Learn to Fish” session before the Family Fun Fishing Derby, while more experienced anglers can compete in the Carp Fishing Tournament.

“Exactly 30 years ago, the CNY chapter of the Izaak Walton League decided it would be a very good idea for the community to reconnect to Onondaga Lake as a resource for recreation and fishing,” said event organizer Al Daher. “They figured, ‘Hey, let’s give Onondaga Lake a face lift.’”

Daher, who co-owns Mickey’s Bait and Tackle in North Syracuse, said while a return to swimming in Onondaga Lake won’t happen overnight, the lake is getting healthier.

“Twenty-five years ago you could count the number of fish [species] surviving in Onondaga Lake on one hand,” he said, adding that more than 60 species can be found in the lake today.

“It’s getting cleaner, the plant life is coming back, the oxygen levels are increasing,” Daher said. “The water is getting clearer; it doesn’t stink like it used to.”

Kids who participate in the Family Fun Fishing Derby will be entered into a lottery for prizes, so no one should go home empty-handed.

“Prizes and awards are not based on how many fish you catch or what kind of fish,” Daher said. “We eliminated that competitive component and it’s really worked out — especially for the fish.”

Carp fishers can win prizes at the tournament as well. In both the derby and the tournament, fish must be alive and unharmed to be weighed and measured, and they must be released immediately afterward.

Daher said Family Fun Fishing Day is an opportunity for families to “enjoy the outdoors, get these kids away from these damn handheld objects … [and] teach them where their food comes from.”

The Family Fun Fishing Derby gives families a chance to connect with nature and learn about the lake’s recovery.

“I think they learn that Onondaga Lake’s not really a bad place and it’s been getting a bad rap. They see the progress that’s being made and it restores their faith. It’s like a pride thing in the community,” Daher said. “I think maybe not our generation but certainly the next generation are going to see some amazing achievements.”