- Smelt fishing season began on Monday at Lake Abashiri in Hokkaido, Japan, with ice over 30 centimeters thick.
- Anglers drill holes in the ice to catch smelt, with some, like a sixth-grade boy, catching multiple fish at once.
- This year's smelt fishing season is shorter than usual, lasting until February 11, due to concerns about dwindling fish populations.

A: Hey! Did you hear about Lake Abashiri?

B: No, what’s going on there?

A: It’s frozen! People are going to fish for smelt!

B: Really? Hokkaido is so cold! Is the ice thick enough?

A: Apparently, it is! About 30 centimeters! They’re drilling holes in it.

B: Wow! That’s pretty cool. Do people actually catch anything?

A: Totally! A little boy even caught *four* smelt at once! He wants to catch 200!

B: That’s awesome! I bet it's exciting. Is it for everyone?

A: Yep! Even a high school student from Tokyo went! He said it was his first time.

B: So, how long does the season last?

A: It's shorter this year. Only until February 11th.

B: Oh, why? Is something wrong?

A: They’re worried about the smelt numbers. They want to protect them.

B: That makes sense. I hope lots of people still go and have fun!

A: Me too! The tourism people want everyone to enjoy it.