Moms who live in Minnesota are invited to join a free virtual fishing challenge Saturday, May 13, through Sunday, May 14, during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, when all Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license.
To participate in the Mother’s Day weekend fishing challenge, moms simply need to join the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge Facebook group and submit one photo of each fish they catch. All participants who submit a fish will be entered in a random drawing for prizes provided by the Student Anglers Organization, including SCHEELS gift cards. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Student Anglers Organization to organize the challenge.
“I am excited to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend by fishing and join this fun fishing challenge,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “Fishing has always been one of the ways my son and I spend time together. I invite all Minnesota moms to get outdoors and spend some time with family and friends enjoying our state’s beautiful waters and making memories.”
Contest details are available on the Student Anglers Association website. In the contest, no fish is too small and all fish species count.
“What better way to show appreciation for moms on Mother’s Day weekend than sharing time on Minnesota’s waters,” said Jimmy Bell, president of the Student Anglers Organization. “In this way, moms across the state can share in the legacy of the outdoor life and tradition of fishing.”
The Minnesota State Legislature established Take a Mom Fishing Weekend in 1988 to coincide with Mother’s Day. This year, the weekend also happens during fishing opener — seasons begin Saturday, May 13, for walleye, northern pike, bass, and trout in lakes.
To celebrate the fishing season, the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener event is taking place May 12-14 in Mankato. During the event on May 13, several anglers with the Student Anglers Organization will be fishing with their moms on Madison Lake and the moms will be taking part in the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge.
Fishing season dates and regulations are available on the DNR fishing page. Find out how and where to fish, learn about fishing equipment, read about ways to catch different kinds of fish and get acquainted with fishing ethics, and being stewards of Minnesota’s natural resources, on the DNR learn to fish page.