With the 2018 Minnesota fishing opener here! We ask all our LOA guides where they will be, favorite thing about the opener, and what advice they have for fishermen on this opener.
Jason Freed
What are your plans for Opener?
I am one of the guides in our huge MN Fishing Opener group. It is an awesome group to take fishing on opener. There is friendly competition, good laughs, and hooksets. I will be on the water by 5:00 or 5:30 and can’t wait to catch my first walleye of the season.
What is your favorite thing about Opener?
The anticipation is by far my favorite. I just love prepping, thinking about things, but also knowing the unknown is facing us. As much as you think you might have it figured out, Opener is a puzzle that you have to put together throughout the day. I love getting my rods all rigged up and the excitement every person has on that lake that morning.
One piece of advice for people?
Be prepared to have lulls in the day and times where you catch them quickly. Opener is about figuring out a pattern and what is working and where. So many variables, so be flexible, willing to try different things, but don’t get too worked up about things. I think a big thing is making sure you are switching up your jigging cadence and don’t be afraid to go fast!
Jim Ernster
What are your plans for Opener?
Fish Leech Lake; walleyes in the morning, crappies in the afternoon.
What is your favorite thing about Opener?
I enjoy seeing the diversity of fisherman out there. You will see everything from a 25 foot larson to a 14 foot Lund boat; so great to see so many people enjoying the opener.
One piece of advice for people?
Be patient and offer help to someone if you see them struggling at the landing; excitement and nerves may lead to mistakes. Lend a hand to someone in need!
Tim Hanske
What are your plans for Opener?
Saturday, I will be guiding an annual group on Leech Lake. I look forward to our opening day group as it is fun to see the same guys every year. It is also a blast to get back on the water chasing walleyes with the Leisure Outdoor Adventures Guide crew! My dad and I have a tradition that dates back to when I was probably around 8 or 9 years old. We always fish Mille Lacs on opening weekend. So Sunday, I will be heading to Mille Lacs with my old man to catch walleyes and smallmouth on both spinning tackle and fly rods. Anytime I get to spend fishing with my dad is a good time!
What is your favorite thing about Opener?
I have always enjoyed the anticipation for the big day. As a small kid, I remember sitting with my dad "helping" him get the rods ready and not being able to sleep the night before. I still don't sleep well the night before! I also look forward to working with our guide group and I enjoy the camaraderie, and opener is the kickoff to another busy season with some fantastic friends and fisherman.
One piece of advice for people?
Have fun and enjoy the weekend! Some people get way to serious about the opener. Be nice at the landing, say hi to the people in the boat fishing by you, cheer when you see someone else catch a fish, and enjoy the time on the water. Don't forget to put your plugin!
Chuck Hasse
Plan for opener is to fish Leech Lake as part of the Minke Cup for the 3rd year.
Opener to me is the signal of a fresh season full of adventures, experiences and memories that will be made for the next 5 months. There's not a day I look more forward too than the MN fishing opener!
One piece of advice I would offer is to keep grinding. Opener can be a tough day as you are literally starting out from scratch. On a late spring like this year, you can throw away (for the most part) your early morning and evening time frames as most productive hours, as often times your most productive fishing times will be during the warmest periods of the day as water temps start to creep up.
Aaron Murphy
Fish cutfoot. In the shallows. My favorite thing about opener is watching my boys catch walleyes. And the fish fry Saturday night.
Jeff Andersen
What are your plans for Opener?
Fishing Leech Lake with a large group that has fished LOA Guide Service for a few years.
Looking forward to seeing the crew and setting hook on soft water!!!
What is your favorite thing about Opener?
The indescribable excitement in the air and camaraderie of our guide group. We truly love what we do and enjoy working as a team of Fishing Guides.
One piece of advice for people?
Crowds on the lake are fun to be apart of but not the best strategy for catching lots of fish! Get away from the masses and you will set the hook more!!!
Toby Kvalevog
What are your Opener Plans?
Fishing Leech lake with friends at the Minke Cup
What is your favorite thing about Opener?
Celebrating the “Opener” and kicking off the open water Walleye fishing season
One piece of advice for people?
Make sure your trailer/ boat / safety equipment / and gear are all ready to go before you head to the lake. Preparation goes a long long ways to an enjoyable weekend.
