DNR Workshop Helps Bring Women To The Outdoors

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- I grew up fishing at the cabin on North Long Lake, and Grandpa loved to take me trolling on Leech Lake for walleyes.

But it's been too long since I've gone fishin'. It's time to change that. And who better to re-introduce me than Mandy Uhrich, a pro-bass angler who also volunteers with a DNR program called "Becoming an Outdoors Woman."

They are workshops for women, taught by women.

I asked Uhrich what her best advice is for someone who hasn't fished in a long time.

"Patience," Uhrich said. "There's a reason they call it fishing and not catching."

She reminded me to look around and soak in the beauty of my home state.

"We live in the most beautiful state I think in the United States," she said.

As I tried my best to have patience despite my deadline, I remembered what my Grandpa always said: good things come to those who bait.

My patience paid off, kind of. I caught a little perch. It was pretty enough to kiss, but too small for lunch.

The DNR's "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" classes are held throughout the summer all around the state.