Catch some fun on Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend June 10-12

[HD]

Catch some fun on Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend June 10-12
(Released May 31, 2011)

Minnesotans who have yet to net their fishing license catch a break June 10-12 when they can fish without a license while accompanying a child age 15 or younger.

Minnesota’s annual Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend aims to help keep the state’s fishing tradition strong by encouraging adults and kids to share an angling experience on or along the state’s thousands of lakes, rivers and streams.

“Many kids would love to go fishing – they just need to be asked,” said Mike Kurre, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mentoring coordinator. “For adults, this is the one time of year when they can do just that without having to have a fishing license. If you’ve never hooked this opportunity before, go for it.”

Kurre said it’s hard to underestimate the importance of today’s adults on tomorrow’s angling community.

“Most people who fish do so because they received an invitation long ago,” said Kurre. “That’s the natural path. It’s the way friends and families continue the fishing tradition.”

Kurre said the DNR’s website includes much helpful fishing information, including the location of fishing piers. Local bait shops can also offer good advice on where to take a child fishing.

Kurre said adults unable to participate in this year’s official Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend should still consider inviting a youth to go fishing. The cost of an annual resident fishing license is just $17, he said, and valid through April 30, 2012.

“Why not make every weekend take a kid fishing weekend?” said Kurre.