From the Minnesota DNR January 14 press release:
Good news anglers! This weekend is Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend. This means residents can fish or spear fish for free when accompanied by a child age 15 or under.
Catch some quality family time and plan a special ice fishing weekend.
Learn about fishing basics, check regulations and find places to fish using LakeFinder at Fish Minnesota. Trout fishing is also an option for the weekend. A trout stamp is only required to fish for trout when an angling license is also required. Because people fishing with a kid don’t need a license on Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend, the stamp requirement also does not apply.
Helpful links & more fun fishing stuff.
- There is no such thing as safe ice. Find out why you can never be too careful at the MNDNR Ice Safety Webpage.
- You’ve never been ice fishing? Don’t fret. Sit down with your young anglers and learn together with this guide PDF. (6 pages | 2 MB)
- Here’s a helpful video by the MNDNR called Danger, Thin Ice! on how to do an ice self-rescue and how to rescue someone who has fallen through the ice.
- Want a guide to take with you this winter expedition? Print out MinnAqua’s Ice Fishing and Winter Safety PDF information. (30 pages | 2.2 MB)
- Need gear? Make your own ice fishing jiggle stick PDF with help from MinnAqua! (20 pages | 2.8 MB)
- Want to sure the kids stay busy on the way there? Give them their own copy of MinnAqua’s Ice Fishing Frenzy PDF. (10 pages | 3.2 MB)
The Right Clothing Keeps Anglers Warm and Dry
– Stocking Cap: May be the most important piece of winter clothing. Wear a knitted or fleece hat or cap that covers ears. In addition, a hood helps block the wind.
– Scarf or Neck Gaiter: A scarf, muffler, or neck gaiter can be pulled over the face if it gets windy.
– Mittens: Mittens trap more heat than gloves. Mittens should be thick and warm. Thin gloves worn under mittens are good when mittens need to be taken off for tying knots or taking fish off of hooks. – Connecting mittens to jacket cuffs may be a good idea for some.
– Warming Layers: Layers of clothing trap body heat between them. Most long underwear (layer next to the skin) made of polypropylene (or silk) wicks moisture away from the skin. The next layers are for insulation. Ideal insulation layer materials retain some insulating qualities, even when wet (such as a wool sweater or fleece jacket). If it’s really cold, wear more than one insulating layer. The top layer blocks the wind and may also be waterproof.
– Socks: Wear thick wool socks. Some people like to wear two pairs of socks. Be sure to avoid cotton socks.
– Boots: Boots should be insulated and rubber-soled. Make sure boots aren’t too tight — toes should have room to wiggle.
Basic Safety Gear for Your Ice Fishing Trip
– Hot chocolate & snacks: Keep anglers happy.
– Band-aids: Patch hook pricks or minor cuts.
– Hand warmers: Warm hands and feet.
– Personal flotation device on rope (seat cushion-type): To rescue someone if they fall in the water.
– Sled with attached rope: Carry gear and/or a person, if necessary.
– Wool blanket or sleeping bag: Warm anyone who gets wet or cold.
– Cell phone: Make calls for help.
– Ice rescue claws: One set per person for self-rescue in case of falling through the ice. You can even make your own.
– Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Sunburn is caused from sunlight not heat, glare from the ice and snow intensifies the sunlight and the potential for sunburn.