MN GOVERNOR’S OPENER ON LAKE WACONIA

Explore Minnesota Tourism

State of Minnesota

www.mngovernorsopener.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2012

FISHING OPENER HOSTS SELECTED FOR GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR

A pair of  accomplished anglers from Waconia will host Governor Mark Dayton and Lt.  Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon on Lake Waconia for the 2012 Governor’s Fishing  Opener on May 12. Travis Frank will fish with Governor Dayton, and Matt Peters  will fish with Lt. Governor Prettner Solon.

Travis Frank is a  professional angler, founder of Trophy Encounters Professional Guide Service,  and a producer for Ron Schara Productions. He grew up in Waconia and began  fishing as a young boy, learning from his father and grandfather. He guided his  first client at age 16, and he has taken people from all over the country  fishing for the past twelve years. Frank’s greatest reward is watching others  land the largest trophy of their life. His obsession and specialty is the  muskellunge, but he has fished nearly every species in the upper Midwest, with  his adventures taking him all across Minnesota and neighboring states.

In addition to his  role as a producer for Ron Schara, Frank is a co-host on WCCO’s weekly radio  program, Live Outdoors, and a contributor to KFAN and several publications. Frank’s  other pursuits include spending time with friends and family, blogging about  fishing on his website, and hunting, camping, traveling, and taking photographs.

Matt Peters grew  up on Lake Waconia. Like Travis Frank, Peters has fished since he was old  enough to hold a rod and reel, and he too started his first guide service at  the age of 16. He continues to provide fishing guide services year-round, and  he shares his passion for fishing on his website, which reaches over 3,000  monthly readers. Peters has over ten years of experience on the professional  fishing circuit, including participation in over 50 bass tournaments. In 2010, he fished the FLW Tour as well  as many other national events.

When he’s not  chasing fish on Lake Waconia, Peters spends time bow hunting, giving seminars,  participating in youth and charity events, and spending time with his family.

The Governor’s  Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The Opener is an  opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities,  attractions and points of interest. The Opener is also a kick-off  celebration for the statewide summer tourism season. Travel and tourism  generate $11.3 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota  annually.

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