Take a kid fishing this weekend

Doug Smith

Even if the fish aren’t biting, the ducks aren’t flying and the pheasants aren’t flushing, Doug Smith says any day spent outdoors is a good day. A Minnesota native, he’s been covering the outdoors for the Star Tribune since 1995. He considers walleyes fried over a campfire to be gourmet cuisine.

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Take a kid fishing this weekend

Posted by: Doug Smith Updated: June 5, 2012 - 5:12 PM

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Question: When can you fish legally without a Minnesota fishing license?

Answer: This weekend.

Residents 16 and older who haven’t bought a license yet can fish without one this Friday through Sunday when accompanied by a child younger than 16, under the annual Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend.

The idea is to create the next generation of anglers who will be the future stewards of the state's natural resources, says Mike Kurre, DNR mentoring coordinator.

"Helping a child catch his or her first fish and seeing that big smile never gets old," Kurre said.

He suggests adults leave their fishing pole at home so they can focus on the child's positive angling experience.

The DNR suggests visiting www.mndnr.gov/fin to find helpful fishing information, including the location of fishing piers, how to rig fishing gear and fish identification. Local bait shops also can offer good advice on where to take a child fishing.

"Adults unable to participate in this year's official Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend should still consider inviting a youth to go fishing," Kurre said. "The cost of an annual resident fishing license is just $17, an inexpensive investment in a child's outdoor future."

Free Minnesota state parks "I Can Fish!" programs provide opportunities for anglers to sharpen their fishing skills. Visit www.mndnr.gov/state_parks/can_fish.html to locate a nearby program. A list of parks that provide free loaner equipment is available at www.mndnr.gov/state_parks/loaner.html.

Hands-on angling opportunities with experts is available Saturday at West Thompson Dakota County Park in South St. Paul and at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. Details are available online at www.mndnr.gov/takeakidfishing.