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Minnesota Governor Lands Walleye in Fishing Opener
by JJ Murray
KIMT News 3
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Breezy Point, MN - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty didn't get his limit, but did catch a walleye in Saturday's fishing Opener. Pawlenty and several dozen fisherman from around the state boated across Pelican Lake about 7:00am searching for walleye and northern Pike.
"There's no bad day on a lake in Minnesota. This was a great day, the rain held off and we got some fish" the Governor told reporters at a noon shore lunch.
"I have to eat some humble pie. The Lieutenant Governor got a bigger fish, she got the first fish, we tied for the most at one a piece" Pawlenty said.
About 100 people crowded around the Governor after he docked from the morning fish. Pawlenty says the first lady is sick, cut her had, but hung in there the whole time.
Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman fished with Pawlenty and won the fight for biggest fish.
"The Senator got the biggest fish, but you know those east coast politicians use stink bait" Pawlenty joked.
Minnesota Vikings Steve Hutchinson and Jim Kleinsauser also caught fish. They're at Breezy Point to promote youth fishing.
Die-hard fishermen were out on the lake at Midnight. KIMT News 3 found Al Stein and Howard Hackett of the Twin Cities braving 40-degree temps to be one of the first casting their lines this season.
"There's hardly any wind, the lake is calm and I'm ready to catch fish. I hope to have the kind of luck I had on Clear Lake this past winter" said Al Stein who also visits north Iowa to fish.
By 2:00am, the two hadn't caught a fish and decided to head back to shore.
"It's early. We've checked out a couple of good flats where we think the fish are and we'll hit it hard again in the morning" said Howard Hackett.
The water temperature is about 48-degrees. That's a little cool for this time of year. The ice went out on Pelican Lake just a week ago.
The Governor spent most of Friday participating in ceremonial events. Pawlenty did his radio show from Breezy Point. There were events for golfing, sporting clays, tours of trails and fisheries. Hundreds of people met in Pequot Lakes Friday night for a community picnic.
If you have any big catches you would like to share with KIMT News 3, just email the pictures along with your name, the fish size & weight and where you caught it to news@kimt.com.
See how the Governor did on his first day on the lake this season tonight on KIMT News 3 at 6 & 10.
To see pictures of the first day at Pelican Lake click here.
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