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Bright Spot: Bemidji group teaches kids the joy of fishing

Two adults and two teenagers stand in a boat on a lake with a tall building in the background
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Bemidji Area Take a Kid Fishing
Children are led by Take a Kid Fishing guides on Lake Bemidji during a previous year's event.

Bemidji Area Take a Kid Fishing hosts a day of fishing for children ages 10-15 June 10, 2026. Beginners and those with experience are welcome to take part.

BEMIDJI — Most of us in Northern Minnesota live within five minutes of a lake. But that doesn't mean everyone gets the opportunity to actually be on a lake.

Fishing guide Dave Brettschneider participates each year in Bemidji Area Take a Kid Fishing to introduce younger generations to the joy of being on the water. He and committee member Joy Barclay were recent Bright Spot guests on the KAXE Morning Show.

Barclay is involved in fundraising for the organization and is a big fan of fishing herself.

"Fishing is fun. It's a life skill. It teaches patience," she said. "You're outdoors ... seeing things in nature, be it ducks or turtles ... It's just a wonderful way to be outdoors."

Bemidji Area Take a Kid Fishing is Wednesday, June 10, with most fishing at beginning at 10 a.m. Each participating guide will work out a schedule with their assigned child. The event culminates with a fish fry at 5 p.m. at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Registration is required and is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.

Listen to our full conversation above to hear how Take a Kid Fishing got started in Bemidji and one girl's story of her first time on a boat and landing a lunker walleye!


Is there a Bright Spot in your community? Let us know!

The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.

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Jennifer has worked at Northern Community Radio since 2006 and spent 17 years as Membership Manager. She shifted to a host/producer position in 2023. She hosts the Monday Morning Show and is the local host of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" a few days a week. She also writes public services announcements and creates web stories.
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