ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has updated rules for ice anglers, now permitting the use of non-motorized automatic hook-setting devices.

These changes will take effect in the upcoming ice fishing season.

John Dunn, the DNR's fisheries rules and regulations coordinator, emphasized the importance of these changes. "We want to make sure anglers are aware of these recent rule changes as they enjoy the last days of open water and prepare for ice fishing season," Dunn said.

The new rule allows non-motorized devices that use a spring or bent fishing pole to set hooks. Motorized jigging devices are legal if they don't set the hook or reel in the line automatically. These devices work with "tip-up" systems and aim to reduce the number of swallowed hooks, t

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