Load up your car with warm clothes, hot chocolate, fishing poles, and don't forget the kids if you want to enjoy a FREE weekend of fishing this weekend, Feb. 16-18, 2013.  Anglers age 16 and older do not need a license if they are accompanied by a child younger than 16 and are actively participation in the Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend.

This promotion started in 2007.  The Minnesota DNR was authorized by the legislature to provide a free fishing weekend in the winter to promote ice fishing and getting kids outside. Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing weekend is during the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday that coincides with President's Day.

This is a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, and guardians to expose their kids to the fun and beauty of winter in Minnesota.  What better way to celebrate the winter by making childhood memories and creating the next generation of anglers.

Here are several tips to making your kids first ice fishing trip a success:

1. Snacks!
-Do not leave home without them, no matter how exciting the action is your kids' attention span is short.  It is amazing how a treat or a meal can change their mood and after their snack they are ready to fish or watch again.

2. Comfort! 
-Almost as important as food, if they are cold you will be heading home quickly. You have two options: dress them warmly or fish using a shelter.  Warm clothes help, but they still may not last very long.  In most cases a shelter is your best option.  You can use either a portable structure or permanent house.  If you don't have equipment and would still like to ice fish, many larger lakes have permanent houses to rent.  These houses are ready to go and some even have beds that allow you to sleep over night! 


Many ice houses today have all the comforts of home and are great for kids.

3. Excitement
 -If possible try to fish for whatever is biting.  Bigger is not better in the eyes of a child.  Volume speaks wonders and if the bite is non-stop they might stick with it. When things slow down, switch lures, allowing your child to pick them out can increase their interest level. Have them pick out the bait and help bait the hook.  If supervised, letting them lie down and look through the hole or play with your fish finder or underwater camera is also enjoyable to them.

4. Safety
Large holes in the ice and little kids can add up to problems.  If they are really little but walking, a life jacket is essential.  If they are older remind them to be careful, leave the beer at home, and watch them.  You may also want to bring some sticks with survey ribbons tied to the top to alert the older kids where the holes are located.  Plan on bringing extra socks, boots, and snow pants because they are going to "fall in" and end up with a wet foot and leg. Extra gloves or mittens will also keep them comfortable and extend their time on the ice.

5. Bobbers
When fishing let kids jig their lures, but attach slip bobbers to keep their lures in a fishable zone.  If and when they get tired they will still watch their bobbers to see if they are getting bites.

6. Camera
Bring it and take lots of pictures. If your camera has a fill flash, use it to fill in the shadows and bring out the colors.  If you don't have a fill flash, turn on the flash and leave it on.  Snow and ice can trick your camera into thinking is brighter than it is and the flash will make your photos turn out much better.  By now almost everyone has digital cameras. Try this tip and check out the difference!

7. Games 
If fishing is slow, pull your kids around on a sled, build snowmen, or a snow-fort.  If you have a permanent house, whether yours a friends or a rental, most are like a small cabin. They usually have a table and chairs so card games, board games, or puzzles all are options.  In fact, most rental ice houses even have small kitchens, televisions, and DVD players so it will be just like home, but on the ice!

If your kids have never ice fished make it fun and your kids will cherish the experience!  Don't forget if you have never fished or don't have a license no worries, this weekend your licenses are free for the whole family (if you bring kids along to fish), thanks to the Take-a-Kid Ice Fishing promotion!

Here is a link to the MN DNR ice fishing promotional page:

  
http://images.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/education/minnaqua/icefishing/takif_logo.png
Click on me for additional information from the MN DNR!
RecordingtheOutdoors.com - Todd Koenig