ST. PAUL, MN, May 11, 2008 - Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that White Bear Lake will be the site of 2009 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. The sixty-first annual kickoff of the fishing season will be held May 8 & 9. Governor Pawlenty made the announcement at this year’s event at Breezy Point.
White Bear Lake, often called the “first” Minnesota resort community, is a popular fishing destination for Minnesota’s most sought-after fish, the walleye. The lake is also known for its abundant supply of Northern Pike, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and Black Crappie.
The community of White Bear Lake is planning numerous activities for the 2009 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, including a community picnic with live music, historic tours, a children’s fishing clinic, and a golf outing.
White Bear Lake covers 2,416 acres with a maximum depth of 83 feet. The crystal clear water allows boaters and anglers to easily see to a depth of more than 15 feet. White Bear Lake is conveniently located 12 miles northeast of St. Paul along the I-694 and I-35E corridor.
“White Bear Lake is a great location for the Opener because it highlights the many water resources that are available in and around the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state agency that coordinates the event. “This event is about fishing, but, it is also highlights our host community and the start of our summer travel season.”
This is the first time the event has been held in the Metro region.
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. It provides the host community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities, attractions and other points of interest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well I'm excited. We had the Boat put away since last November, and the Boat cover has ripped due to no gutters underneath our garage over the cold winter. My Uncle is supposed to be a Guide in his boat this year, and because of that we may need to find a new fishing spot!
That's our boat on May 16 2008. (A day before I left for D.C.) My Dad picked it up on his way home from work for just 1300 Bucks. Wile I was gone, He took away the Ores, the Bench and the Anchor winch, took out GPS, Sold it for 250$, and added 3 seats, Lights, another anchor winch including anchor, and a trolling motor. We took her out next saturday. Before we went we tested the Engine under a Garbage can full of water. The engine (Dispite the Blue smoke) Worked like a charm. We knew we were ready.
Or so it seemed.
To make a Very long story short, here is a outline of what went wrong.
Boat couldn't get off trailer without Momentum
Engine could not start after 14 tries.
Anchor stuck under Concrete boat landing. (Had to cut)
Radio on-board made Huge screaming sound (Had to disconnect from battery to stop it)
Used trolling motor to travel 60 feet away from landing to make room for Unhappy Impatient Bass Boaters.
Battery quit
Trolling motor quit working
No Anchor.
Hit 3 Sailboats with no control of boat
Drifted 100 feet to shore.
Had to push boat out of sand in 45 Degree water
So despite all the problems I award my dad with lots of Gratitude for never giving up to take his kids fishing.
We fixed the Motor, Got a new battery and Threw away the radio, Bought a new Anchor, and a new rod for my brother.
-------------------------------------
TRIP 2.
Fathers day we had her ready and this time she went into the water perfectly. Here is another outline.
Boat went into water Fine.
Engine Started.
Drove 20 Knots to Fishing spot.
2 min Before arriving we herd A very loud KA-KLUNK Sound.
Engine quit.
Drifted into a mans dock.
Dad explained to man why we were at his dock.
Used phone.
Uncle Tim and Grandpa Arrive.
Tim Gives Dad a 2hp 1950 Johnson Motor.
Dad uses motor to drive back to landing
Arives 2 and a half hours later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
So it looks like we're about to give up on this boat. we've spent way more than we needed to, and its starting to get a lot more Frustrating then ever.
Then We won the Lottery (In dads opinion)
Dad got a raise, and won a 1000 Dollar Gift Certificate to Cabellas. He spent the money on a All new 30HP Yamaha Motor that Purrs like a Ferrari.
We took her out every night for 3 Weeks over the summer. No Problems Except...
We havent caught a Single Fish yet.
Wish me luck this Saturday and Post Pictures of your Watercraft and/or Stories and Problems you have had too!
<S>
Barko Edwards, The Fisherman Without a paddle.
