Countdown to opener: Family-friendly fishing

Few shorefishing spots in southern Minnesota can rival Bray Park, Duck Lake Park and Lake George Park in terms of family-friendliness. All are located in Blue Earth County and all feature amenities that cater to the attention-challenged.

First, and perhaps most importantly, all three lakes — and especially Lake George — boast terrific panfishing. (Bray Park on Madison Lake offers the best chance to tie into something more substantial.)

When I was in college, I strapped the waders on a few times to flip worms around the shorelines on Lake George. And every time, I spent hours doing little more than peeling palm-sized panfish off my hooks. A few crappies, and a few with some size.

For the youngsters, though, nothing is better. If you're taking the kids out for a little angling action on opener, tip a small hook with a waxworm and a bobber and they'll catch fish at all three parks, all day long.

But if the youngsters get tired, bored or run out of bait, there's plenty to do. Lake George Park and Duck Lake Park have playgrounds and more than enough room to burn up some energy. Bray Park has a nature trail and boat rentals (canoes and paddleboats) are available for $5 an hour at Bray and Duck Lake.

And for the truly adventurous, there is always the swimming beach.