Kicking it off proper: Governor’s Fishing Opener begins tourism season | Information

The 73rd Governor’s Fishing Opener kicked off the summer tourism season in Minnesota by celebrating Otter Tail County’s many outdoor recreational opportunities, welcoming communities, and numerous lakes. Guests from across Minnesota supported local accommodations, restaurants, and shops, and fished the numerous lakes. The event drew a lot of media attention to the communities, businesses and outdoor activities.

“This event was a direct economic shot in the arm, with hundreds of thousands of dollars flowing directly into the local area

Communities, ”said Nick Leonard, assistant administrator for Otter Tail County. “It’s a great way to kick off the tourism season for our business community, which has been hard hit by the pandemic.”

Event attendees traveled through Otter Tail County to “find their inner otter” and shared the unique opportunities the region has to offer. A tour brochure took them to local attractions, restaurants and shops to capture the unique qualities of the county. Over 75 media outlets attended the event, sharing their experiences and stories about Otter Tail County.

“We had 20 accommodations to host our guests, 20 restaurants and breweries that attended 35 locations across the county so our guests could explore and find their inner otters,” said Marie Noplos, marketing director for the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association . “If they say it takes a village in our case, it took an entire county to have a fantastic weekend celebrating this time-honored tradition.”

Lund Boats was a leading supporter of the event, donating a new Lund 1875 Impact XS with a 150 horsepower Mercury engine valued at $ 50,000. The proceeds from the raffle were used on site to finance the event. Randy Owens from Dent was the lucky winner of the Lund boat.

Another new feature added to this year’s event was the #OnlyinMN online fishing derby with the Fish Donkey app. The online derby allowed competitors from Otter Tail County and across the state to compete in a friendly competition on every body of water in Minnesota. Contest winner Travis Ferrell hooked a 29-inch pikeperch in Otter Tail County and received a $ 1,000 Fleet Farm gift card. The youth category winner was Jamie Schill, who carried a 27-inch walleye and a $ 400 Blackfish gift card.

“I couldn’t be happier with the result. We have had hundreds of guests across the county enjoying the variety of outdoor recreation the area has to offer. This weekend was about sharing experiences and waking memories, ”said Erik Osberg, chairman of the committee. “I think the participants went home with a smile on their face and a good story. I am very grateful to all of the staff and volunteers who helped make this weekend an unforgettable one. ”

The goal of the Governor’s Fishing Opener event in 2021 was to promote the tourism industry in Otter Tail County, showcase the welcoming communities and highlight world-class fishing on the county’s many lakes. The event successfully promoted Otter Tail County as a great place to live, work and play.