Feeding the Shellrock River once again

I have been a little slow to start my annual fishing season. Fear not, for I will soon be wetting a line in the “North Country.” My son Brad and I should be heading to the cabin in about two weeks. In the meantime, I have slowly been adding to my arsenal of fishing lures.

 

I will wait an extra week before wetting a line in 2024. Heading north with Brad will give me a chance to do some serious fishing. He loves to fish about as much as I do and so does his son, Dylan. I hope that Dylan can make it up for a couple of days as well.

 

For many years, I would fish on Memorial Day weekend when we would camp with a group of friends. At some point, my wife grew tired of going on that weekend as it always was cold and rainy, especially when tenting. After we purchased our pickup camper, it became more fun because bad weather no longer put a damper on the weekend.

 

We had purchased a pickup camper, so that we could trailer a boat behind it. Backing a boat into the water was no easy task because, by the time you would see the boat in the mirror, it was too late. For some reason, my wife took pleasure in telling me how bad I was at backing that boat up. When my wife gave me grief about my backing, our boys would start laughing which only irritated me more. I became pretty good about ignoring the comments after a few utterances.

 

It was all good though, and I really enjoyed the trips that we took in that camper. I really enjoyed the vacation that we took to the Black Hills when we stayed at Custer State Park. Our trip to the Ozarks was also a good one.

 

The Minnesota Fishing Opener, as in past years, coincides with Mother’s Day. Moms who live in Minnesota are invited to join a free virtual fishing challenge Saturday, May 11 through Sunday, May 12 during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend when all Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license.

 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Student Angler Organization and Women Anglers of Minnesota to host the challenge.

 

To participate in the Mother’s Day weekend fishing challenge, moms simply need to join the Facebook group called “Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge 2024” and post one photo of each fish they catch.

 

All participants who submit one or more fish photos will have their name entered in a random drawing for prizes provided by the Student Angler Organization and their partners, including gift cards for SCHEELS and Lund. Additionally, participants are invited to tune in for a pre-challenge virtual Fishing 101 class, hosted by Women Anglers of Minnesota in the challenge Facebook group which opens on May 7.

 

Challenge details are available on the Minnesota DNR website. All fish species and sizes are welcome in the challenge. Participants can snap a photo and let their fish go or keep it if it’s in season.

 

“This year’s event follows the successful inaugural Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge in 2023. Last year, more than 2,400 moms joined the challenge,” said Cara Hanson, DNR marketing coordinator. “This year, we hope even more people will join in the fun!”

 

Until next time: In looking back at past Mother’s Day adventures, I recall the time that I outsmarted myself. I figured that my wife needed a new fishing pole, so what better Mother’s Day Gift could she get than a new rod & reel. Boy was I wrong. It was the gift that kept on giving, but not in a good way.

 

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