Exciting Take a Kid Fishing 2023

Article Courtesy of the Northern Light Region authored by Shawna Wendler

More than 100 area youth enjoyed a day of fishing fun and prizes on Wednesday June 21, as they participated in the annual Take a Kid Fishing event at Lake of the Woods near Baudette, MN.

“Thanks to all of the sponsors, volunteers, captains, and first-mates for everything they do; this event wouldn’t be successful without them. Thanks to their dedication, their time, and their boats, the Take a kid Fishing helps to ensure area youth have the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy some fishing. I think it was a great day for all” said Brian Peterson.

Among the pries awarded to participants included four Minnesota Lifetime Fishing Licenses. As a qualification for entry to win a Minnesota Lifetime License 14 year-olds submit an essay on “What a Lifetime License Would Mean To Me”.

Among this year’s entries were responses like “I will fish every year until the day I die no matter what shape I am in,” and “When I am older I would like to take my kids fishing and teach them how to respect the lake.”, “When I think about fishing, I think about spending time with my family and friends, fishing brings people together,” and “I go fishing with my grandpa all the time, and fishing is really run. Whether I’m fishing with my grandpa my dad, or my mom, it’s always fun and gives me memorable moments.”

Participants each received a bag with a t-shirt and other goodies, enjoyed a lunch on the  boat, paced in part with help from residents at LakeWood Care Center, and, together with their families enjoyed a fish fry afterward at a local resort.

Jason Vanderlinden won a kayak as part of the early bird drawing, and among other prizes awarded were a paddle board, depth finder specialty rod, handmade quilt, and more.

Mike Hirst gave a presentation on the Keep It Clean Initiative at the Guide’s dinner prior to the Take a Kid Fishing event, where other prizes were also awarded.

Volunteers of the Year, an honor awarded by the are Take a Kid Fishing organization each year goes to Seth Putz, Teresa Humeniuk, Brian Peterson and Jenni Smith.

It is never too early to begin planning for next year. If you are interested in volunteering or supporting this event in 2024 contact Brian Peterson at bspet74@gmail.com.

Lake of the Woods is a first class fishery known as the Walleye Capital of the World™. The fishery itself is very healthy with an abundance of many varieties of fish. The area has been proud to participate with the Take a Kid Fishing program that the MN DNR started many years ago. It especially reaches out to young people who might not otherwise have a chance to experience the sport of fishing, or just get to enjoy this enormous lake.

Lake of the Woods is the largest fresh water lake next to the great lakes and hosts 65,000 miles of shoreline and 14,000 islands. The lake is shared with the two countries of the United States and Canada. The border crossing is actually located right in the city of Baudette. Both sides of the border is completely open to travel and is encouraged. The only qualification is that you have an updated passport or passport card or enhanced MN driver’s License.

The US side of the lake features the biggest body of water called Big Traverse. Resorts line the Rainy River which flows into the lake and resorts are also located along the south shore of the lake. Don’t forget at the Northwest corner of the lake which forms a “chimney” on the map of Minnesota is the home of the Northwest Angle and Islands. The town of Angle Inlet hosts great resorts there and Oak Island and Flag Island feature incredible places to stay as well. The experience of being on that part of the lake is awesome in itself.

The northern part of Lake of the Woods residing in Canada features more rock and islands but both sides provide incredible fishing experiences. You can see why Take a Kid Fishing introduces young people to the many features they can enjoy as well as learning the sport of fishing. Hats off to all those who participated.

For more information see our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

For lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

See our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn