It's usually "up north" for the Minnesota fishing opener, but not this year.
In fact, if this year's Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener were held any further south, it would be the Iowa fishing opener.
Albert Lea hosts the event this year, which will be the first for Governor Tim Walz.
"I would be remiss as the former member of Congress from Southern Minnesota (to mention that) this is the southernmost fishing opener in Minnesota history, for the Governor. So I'm proud of that."
Susie Petersen is sure proud. She's executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors bureau.
"We have over 18 committees, over 600 volunteers that have stepped up. They are really excited to showcase our area lakes and communities in Southern Minnesota."
This is the 72nd Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener in one form or another.
This is my 19th straight year of covering the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener. And Tim Walz makes the fourth Minnesota Governor I've covered. (If you're keeping score, that's Ventura, Pawlenty, Dayton, and now Walz)
And yes, while it 'technically' is a work assignment, it is a fishing trip. Which means plenty of play to go with the work. I have quite a few stories from Governor's Fishing Openers of the past that could fill a book. From stories of former governor's guides, to some very blue comments by a Lieutenant Governor at a celebration dinner.