Here's what it is all about.

[Tom7227]

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/content...well-be-fishing

[DTro]

Its as if MN fishermen don't understand you can fish every day of the year.

[kfk]

It depends where you happen to fish in MN DTro and you know that. So does everyone else. On my favorite lake, if I want to fish for walleyes, it's closed right now and opens Saturday.

[MnCatGuy]

It depends where you happen to fish in MN DTro and you know that. So does everyone else. On my favorite lake, if I want to fish for walleyes, it's closed right now and opens Saturday.

He said you can fish every day, not fish for walleye every day... And he's 100% correct.

[Down Deep]

Its as if MN fishermen don't understand you can fish every day of the year.

Sam is taking a romantic nostalgic look at a Minnesota tradition.

There was a time when fishing wasn't so much of a year round activity. When I moved to MN in 1981 ice fishing was more of a early Dec and late March activity because portables, heaters, wheel houses, vexilar's and power augers didn't exist as they do today. Drilling the ice was with manpower or a spud bar. It was just too cold to sit out on the ice in January and February. Sportsman's Resort was just birthing their ice fishing business on LOW. The spring walleye fishing on the Rainy River was just getting started. River accessibility was very limited. There was no Sturgeon fishing on the Rainy. Red was dead.

So most of us, especially up here in northern MN, did what fishing was available chasing steelhead, making trips south to Redwing, but we were the hardcore. When the snow and ice melted we waited for our next opportunity which was the Opener. We got our boat and gear ready, went to the boat shows, planned trips and on the second Saturday in May we went fishing with our friends, kids and extended families.

I get what Sam is writing about.

[DTro]

Don't get me wrong, I get what he is writing about. I grew up on Lake Vermilion and started fishing when I could walk and couldn't sleep for days before the opener. It was even better than Christmas for me.

AT some point though I discovered that I love fishing more than just fishing for walleye. I guess the magic of the opener has just drifted away from me since I really never stop fishing.

[Xplorer]

Sorry to hear that....you sound alot like Tom Hanks in the Polar Express when he says that he can no longer "hear the bell".

My 11 year old and I will be out tomorrow morning fishing for gills, crappies, perch, northerns, and maybe an eye (all in one small lake near home). And we will most certainly "hear the bell" whether or not walleye is caught.......

[RumRiverRat]

The magic of opener died about 5 years ago for me.

Already have been on the water 17 times in MN and 6 days in MO this year. Targeting bass mostly.

Walleye opener is not a big deal when you can legally target walleyes year round somewhere in MN.

[Alagnak]

The magic of opener died about 5 years ago for me.

Already have been on the water 17 times in MN and 6 days in MO this year. Targeting bass mostly.

Walleye opener is not a big deal when you can legally target walleyes year round somewhere in MN.

Ditto. Lots of days on the open water so far and a 4 day trip as well. The 'opener' was even more magical last night since I was the only one at the launch and on the water. I'll stay home and miss the chit show going on there this morning with the rookies trying to launch.

Opening morning is like women going to some super sale at Kohls or something.

[Cthulhu]

Yup The Fishing Opener is like Black Friday Shopping, I can't recall ever participating in either - at least on purpose... Mind you I grew up on the Mississippi...

[Kyhl]

I'm with you guys. Been out three time already this year. This morning I made blueberry pancakes and meat candy (aka bacon). Sippin fresh ground coffee and reading the paper. I don't need to be part of today's craziness on the water.

[DARK30]

Fishing opener with the boys is a tradition with us. We fish and have fun...hopefully we catch as well. Its just like the card game I share with a few other guys...and so far theres only one empty seat.

[PurpleFloyd]

Don't get me wrong, I get what he is writing about. I grew up on Lake Vermilion and started fishing when I could walk and couldn't sleep for days before the opener. It was even better than Christmas for me.

AT some point though I discovered that I love fishing more than just fishing for walleye. I guess the magic of the opener has just drifted away from me since I really never stop fishing.

+1

[delcecchi]

The magic of opener died about 5 years ago for me.

Already have been on the water 17 times in MN and 6 days in MO this year. Targeting bass mostly.

Walleye opener is not a big deal when you can legally target walleyes year round somewhere in MN.

Isn't targeting bass during the closed season a violation? I know it is unenforcable for the most part, but still a violation? Or did some rule change?

[CAMAN]

Isn't targeting bass during the closed season a violation? I know it is unenforcable for the most part, but still a violation? Or did some rule change?

Not on the border waters, like the Mississippi

[Vitreus]

I'm with you guys. Been out three time already this year. This morning I made blueberry pancakes and meat candy (aka bacon). Sippin fresh ground coffee and reading the paper. I don't need to be part of today's craziness on the water.

You're doing it right.

[Invader440]

Isn't targeting bass during the closed season a violation? I know it is unenforcable for the most part, but still a violation? Or did some rule change?

Red River has a continuous season for most species.