Fishing Opener Torch Passed to Brainerd Lakes Area

BRAINERD (AP) - Minnesota tourism officials say a longtime tradition promoting one of the state's most popular pastimes will be hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber in 2014.

The 67th annual Governor's Fishing Opener will be on Gull Lake next year with the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa serving as the event's headquarters.

The fishing opener has been around since 1948 and promotes the state's travel and tourism industry, which is estimated to generate nearly $12 billion in annual gross sales in Minnesota.

The fishing opener in Park Rapids this year was a chilly one. Because of the record-setting ice-out dates this spring, the plan to open the season on Fish Hook Lake was moved to the open water of Fish Hook River.