"A year ago, I never thought we’d be standing on Jay Gould Lake, but it’s happening and our program is kind of expanding and growing and we’re making memories for kids. That’s the main thing," said Spartan Angling teacher Luke Adam.

Collaborating with the Northern Lakes Chapter of the Minnesota Darkhouse and Angling Association, the goal on the day was to reel kids into trying a new outdoor activity.

"I’m hoping that they realize there’s a lot more to life than video games and staying inside," said Rick Guertin the President of Northern Lakes Chapter of the Minnesota Darkhouse and Angling Association. "In the winter time, there are some really awesome sports that you can get out and do.

Seeing a fish cross a hole kind of in an aquarium type setting and using a spear was a new experience for some.

"I was hoping to see a lot of fish and spear one for the first time. I’ve never been spearing or ice fishing," explained tenth grader Marissa Morey.

However, before the students took a crack at it out on the ice, they learned the proper technique in the classroom.

"Not like throwing the spear, but gently guiding it down to make sure it won’t dart off in a certain direction," explained Adam about the proper technique.

"All I know is you’re supposed to put the spear in fast, but not too fast to where it makes it noticeable to the fish," added Morey.

The bonus on the day, was getting a fish. Ninth grader Jacob Niemi seemed to be a magnet when it came to northern pikes.

"When I looked downthis big fish was just sitting there. I kind of put my hook in front of it. It didn’t take it at first, so we speared it," explained Niemi. He said his plan was to cut it and eat it after fishing.

The hope of this course is to attract the next generation of anglers. As teachers and ambassadors in their communities, adults are realizing, as long as they continue exposing kids to outdoors opportunities, it's possible to hook the next generation for life.

"Really the future of our sport is with the youth. These high school kids, they’re not too many years from being parents. Getting them involved and then hopefully their kids in the future, makes it a really good fit," added Guertin.

Visit https://spartanangling.com/ to learn more about the class.