Fishing Opener Festivities

The fishing opener starts with events in McGregor.

It’s time to reel in one of the biggest economic booms to Minnesota, the Minnesota fishing opener.

Host city McGregor even saw a little bit of snow, but even that couldn’t keep people away from  a Minnesota tradition.

While it might not be the warmest Governor’s fishing opener ever, people were still eager to cast their lines.

“People come out no matter what. This is fantastic. We love doing the governor’s fishing opener because it’s a celebration. A celebration of our culture and history and fishing in Minnesota,” said Explore Minnesota Director John Edman.

While it’s not an official holiday, some compare it to Christmas as anglers have waited for this all year.

“Could you ask Governor Dayton if he could make this an official state holiday,” said Edman.

Tourism roughly brings nearly $13 billion to the state’s economy with fishing being a huge part of it.

“It’s kinds of the unofficial start of summer,” said Governor’s fishing host Bob Staska.

Governor Dayton bought his license early on Friday and is ready to go out on Big Sandy bright and early on Saturday.

“Whether you catch them or not, it’s still fun. Hopefully we’ll get some fish,” said Staska.

The opener in McGregor brought a festival like atmosphere and a catch of memories some will never throw back.

“We had a field trip for the fishing opener and got to go fishing,” said Madison of McGregor.

While everyone was eager for more sun, they all were ready to go fishing.