Free Fishing Weekend Is Here, But Beware Of Thin Ice [Video]

Michigan's Annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend has arrived (and who was the genius who made it the same weekend as Valentine's Day?) and despite the chilly temperatures, the DNR warns anglers that the ice may be thinner than it appears.

Plus -- the biggest lake trout I've ever seen pulled out of the ice.

While this wekend's icy blast brought winter back quickly in Michigan, the truth is that it's been a warm winter overall, and ice conditions aren't the best as Free Fishing Weekend dawns.

"Ice conditions really vary from lake to lake this year," Mark Hammill, DNR District 2 area law supervisor told the Associated Press. "Overall, the ice conditions are poor compared to previous years."

This weekend, fisherman can fish Michigan waters without a license or a Recreation Passport required, however, bag limits are still in effect.

Always remember to follow the common sense ice safety tips recommended by the DNR.

To get you fired up, here's video of some dudes pulling in a huge lake trout on Lake Superior a few years back.