Mn ice fishing free this wekend with kids

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By Dave Orrick, ST Paul Pioneer Press
dorrick@pioneerpress.com
Posted: 01/17/2014 12:01:00 AM CST | Updated: 99 min. ago


Ice fishing is free this three-day weekend for Minnesotans taking their kids out.

Take-A-Kid-Ice-Fishing Weekend is Saturday through Monday. Minnesota residents older than 16 can fish without a license if they're fishing with anglers younger than 16.

Temperatures are forecast to be moderate, with a warmup predicted for Sunday -- excellent weather for those who don't have access to a fishing shelter.

For those who have little experience or equipment ice fishing, the simplest way to get started is to mooch off a friend or colleague who is heading out.

But if you're a true neophyte and all alone with your kids, here are some basic tips:

-- Dress warm anyway, and wear waterproof snow boots; you never know about weather, and expect snowdrifts and slush.

-- Safe ice is all over the state, but beware of areas near roads, bridges or current. If in doubt, ask a local bait shop or other anglers.

-- Ice is thick right now. If you don't have a power auger, try going to a popular lake and asking other anglers if they can drill you a hole. A hand auger or chisel will wear most people out these days.

-- The easiest fish to catch are sunfish, crappies and perch, which can still be found in waters shallower than 10 feet in many lakes -- the same places you'll find them in the spring.

-- Basic ice fishing rods and lures are fairly inexpensive, but you can get by without them.

-- If action is what you want, use the smallest jigs you have, or a fly, tipped with a waxworm or maggot, which are available at bait shops. Redworms or night crawlers are too big for most winter panfish.

-- Start fishing just off the bottom. Move the jig only a little compared to open-water fishing; fish are cold-blooded and slower in the winter.

-- Don't use a summer red-and-white bobber for panfish; it's too big.

-- Yes, you can ice fish with a regular fishing rod, although the shorter it is, the easier it will be to use. The more sensitive the rod, and the lighter the line, the better it will work on the ice.

Dave Orrick can be reached at 651-228-5512. Follow him at twitter.com/OutdoorsNow.