Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglas, Publisher

As you read this, I’ll probably be trying to pull a few walleyes through a 10-inch hole in the ice up on Lake of the Woods.  It’s an annual trip I take with friends although ice conditions and other factors have limited the group in recent years.

Besides catching a few walleyes, I’m hoping to bring bragging rights to the fish house, which I will share with an avid Green Bay Packers fan.  The Minnesota Vikings, we hope, will be in possession of the Top Seed in the NFC.  It wouldn’t get any better than catching a few walleyes while bragging about the latest success of the Vikings to a Packers’ fan.

Speaking of fishing, the governor’s office on Jan. 2, announced that the 77th Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 9-10 will be held in Crosslake.

“I am thrilled to bring the longtime tradition of the Governor’s Fishing Opener to Crosslake,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a news release. “This region is known for its phenomenal fishing and outdoor recreation. It is also home to an incredible resort community, making Crosslake the perfect place to kick off summer.”

Each year, Explore Minnesota works with the governor’s office, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a Minnesota community to plan the event honoring the state’s rich tourism and fishing opportunities.

This is the first time the Governor’s Fishing Opener event will be in the Crosslake area, providing a platform to showcase the area’s natural beauty, diversity of fish species, and hospitality.

“We’re bringing the Governor’s Fishing Opener north again, and we are excited to celebrate in the Crosslake area,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota. “Along with excellent fishing and outdoor recreation, this area of Minnesota boasts a strong community of resorts, some dating back almost 100 years. These small businesses have provided unique experiences for visitors to our state for generations and continue to make Minnesota the best place to enjoy summer.”

The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry, and in recent years, it has served as a kick-off celebration for the summer tourism season.

I’ve always wondered why local groups in the Minnewaska area don’t pursue the Governor’s Fishing Opener for this area.  It would certainly be a boon to our local tourism market and provide statewide coverage of what this area has to offer.

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