By Kylie Brown

The annual Take a Kid Fishing Weekend will be this weekend across the state, allowing anyone 16 or older to take someone 15 or younger fishing without a fishing license.

The Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club will give away $350 worth of rods and reels from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Edgewater Park.

Albert Lea Anglers, a group of high school students who enjoy fishing, will also be there to teach anyone to fish.

The Sportsmen’s Club, which has been giving out rods and reels for roughly 30 years, got its start after years of cleaning Fountain Lake. After people started getting involved, they decided to do the Take a Kid Fishing event instead.

The Sportsmen’s Club encourages families to come out to this event because it is a great opportunity for adults to take children fishing.

Children under 15 can fish without a license any time of the year. During this weekend, adults can fish with their children without needing to worry about buying a license.

Fishing gear is available to borrow at state parks across the state, making it a great spot to go fishing.