Do you have a passion for fishing and the lakes area?
Then organizers of the 60th Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener on Pelican Lake in Breezy Point need you.
A total of 110 fishing hosts are needed for the May 10 fishing opener to take local, state, regional and national media representatives fishing.
You don't have to be a professional fishing guide. You just need a boat, and the desire to share your love of fishing and love of the lakes area with others.
"We've had a good response up to now, but there is still plenty of room for more," said Tom Ryan, who chairs the Fishing Host Committee with John Janousek.
Ryan encourages people to submit their application to be a fishing host now, before the openings fill.
"It's hard sometimes for people to start thinking about spring fishing until we've had a few warm days. I'm starting to get that feeling now," Ryan said. "People are finishing up on their ice fishing and starting to think about the open water."
Ryan said event organizers are looking for people of all fishing styles and all walks of life. Being a fishing host is not dependent upon how often you fish or how well you fish.
"It's simply a desire to present our area in the best possible light to the media so they can go out and share that with the rest of the world," Ryan said.
"It's helping the local community both economically and otherwise."
Carol Altepeter, Governor's Fishing Opener event coordinator for Explore Minnesota Tourism, agreed.
"Fishing hosts are great ambassadors for the community," she said. "They get to spend six or eight hours in a boat with media, sponsors or invited guests and they really can make the community shine."
Fishing hosts aren't required to fish on Pelican Lake, where Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be taken out by a yet-to-be-named honorary fishing host.
"All fishermen are a little competitive, so we will have a catch-and-release contest," Ryan said.
In addition, fishing hosts will receive a complimentary dinner Thursday, May 8, at Breezy Point Resort. They are welcome at the free community picnic Friday, May 9, at Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes, after which they'll meet their fishing guests at a brief pairing meeting at Breezy Point Resort.
Breakfast will be served Saturday morning, May 10, at Breezy Point Resort, and a shore lunch will be served that afternoon at the resort.
Fishing hosts will receive a prestigious jacket, as well as a bag full of other items from sponsors.
Fishing hosts must have a boat that holds at least three people. They must carry liability insurance on their boat, as well as provide a safe and working boat, motor and safety equipment required by Minnesota laws.
Hosts also must provide life jackets, rods, bait and tackle.
"Spring is in the air and people are starting to think about fishing," Ryan said. "So get your name in and let us know you're interested. I know it's a time commitment and people have traditions, but this gives them a good chance to be at a great event and help our area."
Apply to be a fishing host
Apply to be
a fishing host
Download an application form from the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Web site, www.explorebrainerdlakes.com.
Just click on the Ő08 Governor's Fishing Opener logo, then on Fishing Host on the lefthand side. The site has an application to download, and lists contact names and e-mail addresses for questions, as well as where to send the application when completed.
Contacts include Fishing Host Committee co-chairs Tom Ryan and John Janousek. For more information, call Ryan at 568-6054 or Janousek at (320) 616-5639.
If you donŐt want to be a fishing host but want to be involved, there are other ways to volunteer as well.
