the MNR
Ministry of Natural Resources enforcement staff in Red Lake District took six Grade 5 and 6 students from Red Lake-Madsen Public School out for a day of angling.
The lucky students were chosen through a class contest in which the youths were invited to create a poster on fish habitat and write an essay about why they wanted to spend a day fishing.
Each was outfitted with a brand-new fishing rod and tackle box with an assortment of tackle, which they could keep.
Conservation officers James Guise, Reg Plett, and Don Maw talked to the class about boat safety before leaving the dock.
Throughout the day, the COs shared information on conservation and fish habitat and showed the young anglers proper angling practices, such as how to measure fish properly.
The students also learned about the importance of preserving the fishery by releasing walleye over 46 cm (18 inches) in length, which are breeding stock for the lake.
The youngsters kept just enough fish for lunch, and learned the value of catch-and-release angling firsthand.
After a busy morning of angling, the conservation officers, with the help of volunteer Todd Cairns, prepared a shore lunch of freshly-caught walleye, along with fries and beans, for the hungry students.
The students were pleased to have caught more than 50 fish, most of which were released.
The largest one measured 61 cm (24 inches).
