The Minnesota fishing opener is coming up Saturday, May 12 and here's 4 helpful things to know, courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

  1. Remember to get a fishing license:  Anglers from the ages of 16 to 89 are required to have a valid fishing license.  There are several ways to purchase your license, such as DNR licensed agents, online here with a mobile or desktop device, or call 888-665-4236.  Also, remember to have your valid license with you whenever you're out fishing this season.
  2. Wear a life jacket:  Don't just make sure you have enough life jackets in the boat, put it on.  According to the DNR, thirty percent of boating fatalities take place in cold water defined as generally below 70 degrees. In spring, this is typically from ice-out until early summer.
  3. Check for regulations where you fish:  Before you head out, familiarize yourself with fishing regulations as different areas have varying regulations.  For example, new regulations will be in effect for catching and keeping northern pike on inland waters. The pike regulations have three zones to address the different characteristics of pike populations in Minnesota.  You can click here for northern pike zones, and follow the link below to see all regulations.
  4. Take you mom fishing for the opener:  The Minnesota fishing opener just so happens to fall on Mother's Day weekend, so the DNR has Take A Mom Fishing Weekend.  That means that mothers who are residents of Minnesota can fish without a license from Saturday, May 12, to Sunday, May 13 for species that have open fishing seasons.

Good luck out there for the Minnesota fishing opener and be sure to send of photos of your success!

 

 

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