Are you ready for the Annual Minnesota Holiday, a.k.a. "The Opener"?

Some of the following thoughts may seem a bit silly, but as Jerry Carlson said during "In the Outdoors" today, these things happen a LOT.  So here is his checklist:

1.  Get a new fishing license. Your 2010 license expires on 4/30/11.

2.  Know the rules. A copy of the 2011 Minnesota Fishing Regulations is probably at your favorite bait shop.

3.  Check your boat. Where is the plug?  Have the bearings been packed lately?  How are the tires - and the spare?  Do the blinkers and tail lights work?  What IS that smell, anyway?

4.  Make sure the batteries are fully charged and ready to go.

5. You may want to make a dry run to the lake to refresh your memory on the exact routine you need to follow to not only launch your boat, but how to get it out of the water and back onto the trailer.  As you know, NOTHING is worse than watching and waiting for someone who isn't as good at the boat landing as they should be.  Don't be that person.

6.  Change your old mono filament  line out for newer, better stuff.

6.  Clean the tackle box, take inventory, and go get what you need.  My two cents:  Bring the kids and/or grandkids along.

Jerry also suggested that, if the walleye aren't biting, maybe you could think about other species to bring home, like crappies.  MM-MM GOOD!

Be sure to join us as we broadcast live from Rutger's Sugar Lake Lodge, the site for this year's Opener, on Friday and Saturday, May 13th and 14th.

And remember, Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th.

GOOD LUCK!

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