Minnesotans still haven’t bought as many fishing licenses as previous spring seasons, but that’s no excuse for them to disappoint one group: the kids.

June 10 through 12 is Take a Kid Fishing Weekend, when anyone 16 or older, with or without a fishing license, can take a kid 15 or younger fishing. According to Mike Kurre, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources mentoring coordinator, the week serves as more than interaction between adults and kids, too.

“There’s really many aspects to that,” Kurre said about the benefits of getting kids fishing. “What we really need right now, we need stewards of the outdoor future.”

Kurre said it’s a good way for kids to return to the outdoors, now that the average kid spends more time indoors. He said the average kid spends only 30 minutes a week outdoors and roughly 6.5 hours per day in front of a TV or computer screen.

But fishing one or two times with a kid isn’t enough, Kurre said. According to him, it’s important to take kids fishing multiple times, so they can learn things on their own. Teaching kids to fish for small, easy-to-catch fish is a practical way to start.

But for those who don’t know how to start, the DNR offers several resources, as well. “Fishing: Get in The Habit,” is a DNR guide with multiple lessons for beginning fishermen, along with locations of every fishing pier in Minnesota and free fishing seminars throughout the state. One seminar will be held at Whitewater State Park, near St. Charles. According to Kurre, the volunteers will provide all the fishing equipment and instructions for anyone who attends.

Another program involves tin cans. A video on the DNR website shows how to make a fishing reel with nothing more than fishing line, a hook and a pop can — the pop can caster.

“That will always be a a very inexpensive if you can’t afford it,” Kurre said.

Among free fishing for kids and adults, Kurre mentioned a full-season fishing license is still $17.

“When you think about that, that’s still pretty cheap entertainment,” he said.

Beginning fishermen can find more information at dnr.state.mn.us/minnaqua.