My parents used to take us regularly every year out on Opening Day.
We lived less than a half mile up the road from Stratton Brook State park, where we used to go.

Opening Day was not only a great family activity, but the whole town would get involved. The local fire departments (all volunteers, would hold Pancake Breakfasts, starting at 4:00 AM for the fisherman coming in. Then we would line the banks around the pond, waiting for the 6:00 AM start. Not only were my family there, but you got to meet your neighbors, who you were elbow to elbow with. Off would go the bobbers, as we all cast at the same time at 6:00.

It was such a memorable day, I remember going to bed that night, when closing my eyes, still seeing that red and white bobber floating on the surface, little dimples on the water indicating maybe a bite.

This same thing would be going on at ponds and streams all over Connecticut. It is a shame IF it is lost!

I definitely notice less people over the years. Last year on the Farmington River I was fishing a spot at the big rock at the large deep pool below the Campground and only had to share with one other person. It was the first year I fished that spot on opening day. There were I think 3-5 people on the other side of the bank. When I was a kid, I remember once over a 100 people fishing that pool on a opening morning in the 1970's. I went up to Riverton and it was still shoulder to shoulder. I think the problem is more parents have there kids participate in sports than they used to especially soccer. I think that the parents don't know how to fish so the kids don't get introduced into it.

We're doing what we can on here with the annual CTF Kid's Fishing Day. Stay tuned for a date. It will be held at Gardner Lake this summer.

I don't do opening day anymore and haven't for a couple of years now. Most of that is due to my kids being older and tied up with other things now. This year I will be out youth turkey hunting instead.

My kids and I will fish year round or when we can. Opening day doesn't have the same affect anymore because we have already been fishing prior to it. We still spend time fishing, just don't make a big thing out of opening day anymore.

gonna be bringing my two grandsons this sat. to baummers and i simply can't wait, the 5 yr. old should be ok to get up but the 3 yr old kinda likes to sleep , gonna work on getting him (or them) at 6 am .