For many families, fishing is more than just standing on a dock or getting in a boat. Rather, it is a way to bond and grow. After all, there are many lessons to learn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, including how to fish during a pandemic.

On Saturday, thousands of anglers cast their lines for Minnesota’s Fishing Opener. They did so following new regulations announced by the Minnesota DNR regarding COVID-19. 

One family out and about on Island Lake was the Wirz family. Eric Wirz, dad said his kids had been fishing since before they learned how to walk and were excited to make the most of opener.

“Like most folks, it’s kind of a family tradition. We like to spend time outside camping and fishing,” Wirz said.

Another family fishing on Island Lake was the Ross family. Jamie Ross said his son Grant was up at the crack of dawn and ready to go.

“We got one walleye. He caught the first fish, he got a small Northern,” Ross said. “The whole point of coming out is just giving him an opportunity to have some fun, have some father son time.”

Anglers acknowledged that this year’s fishing opener looked a little different due to the regulations put out by the Minnesota DNR, but still worked to make the most of it.

“We usually have a little contest going each year to see. Of course the son, he got the first one. Last year too. Of course, every year,” Brian Privette said of he and his kids.

The Privettes said they liked the local lakes and didn’t mind fishing close to home.

"We like the local lakes around here. We just came in and loaded without anybody around and yeah, we're find with it. Its not affected us right now. We're all family so the three of us just keep our distance and fish away," Privette said.

Other regulations put out by the Minnesota DNR included bringing along all necessary supplies, avoiding overnight stays and only traveling as far as a full tank of gas would take them.

At large, the Minnesota DNR said license sales were up this year. For many, it was a great way to get outdoors.