Mother's Day weekend is approaching and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has special things planned for moms across the state.

First, Take A Mom Fishing Weekend will take place throughout Mother's Day weekend, when all Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license. It's a great way to get the family outside and for mom, there's another opportunity.

The DNR invites all moms who live in Minnesota to join a free virtual fishing challenge from Saturday, May 13, through Sunday, May 14.

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 from the Student Anglers Organization, including SCHEELS gift cards.

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Student Anglers Organization to organize the challenge and anyone submitting a photo can win prizes, regardless of the size of the fish they catch.

“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.”

The DNR notes 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 the fishing opener, which begins on Saturday, May 13, for walleye, northern pike, bass, and trout in lakes.

Additionally, the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener event is taking place May 12-14 in Mankato to celebrate the fishing season, and on May 13, several anglers with the Student Anglers Organization will be fishing with their moms on Madison Lake. Of course, the moms will be taking part in the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge.

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