Anderson River Park a lure for fishermen

A WELCOME INVITATION:
A sign at the Anderson River Park welcomes visitors to enjoy recreational fishing opportunities.

The Anderson River Park attracts people for many different reasons, whether it be to walk along the river, picnic, play sports or hike.

If that weren't variety enough, another major draw of the park is its' fishing ponds.

Two ponds nestled beside the river are often spotted with people fishing along the banks. Some people fish as a family activity. Others invite their friends, or fish solo.

Andrew Foster, a 15-year-old from Anderson, spent last Friday afternoon at the river park ponds. The young fisherman said he comes to river park to fish about 3 or 4 times a week during the summer, and usually has good luck catching something, whether it be bass or croppie.

Foster said he likes fishing because he can do it alone, or he bring his friends along. And his favorite part about the activity is obvious ... "Catching fish," he said.

Anderson Parks and Recreation director Ken Hartman said the ponds are open to anyone and everyone, as long as they have a valid fishing license.

He said the two main fish in the ponds are bass and catfish. There is also trout in the pond for a short period in early summer, because they are planted in the ponds for the Kids Fishing Day.

Hartman said the fishing ponds are a fun and unique recreational opportunities for community members to enjoy.

"It's a tremendous benefit because it is one of many recreation opportunities that we are able to offer people in our community and even out of the area," He said. "Most communities throughout the United States don't have that opportunity. They don't have the nice ponds in the parks."

A large dock at the park overlooking the ponds provides handicap accessibility, so everyone can fish.

"Out of 30 years in the parks and recreation field, one of the most satisfying projects I've ever been part of is putting in the handicap fishing access to be able to put physically challenged people out on the water," he said. "Every time I look at it, I go 'What a dandy.'"

Everyone is invited enjoy fishing at the Anderson River Park, but Hartman asks everyone who fishes to dispose of their broken line and fishing tackle appropriately.

"Don't leave the fishing line and other things out on the banks for the ducks and the geese and the other critters to get into," he said.