Noah Brock-Oxner and Jake Osmundson enjoyed the day Saturday, May 12 as part of the 71st annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in the Willmar Lakes Area.
The two youth anglers landed spots to fish Saturday's through a contest offered by Outdoor News. Each fished the opener with an adult of their choice.
For 14-year-old Jake, sharing the chance to fish in the Governor’s Fishing Opener with his mom, Kim Osmundson, was important to him. For his fishing companion, Noah picked his grandfather, Michael Brock, who the 10-year old from Janesville affectionately calls his “Pawpaw.”
According to Kim Osmundson, Jake caught 12 fish – mostly bass and northern. According to reports out of Noah's camp, no one in the boat caught a fish, but "Noah had an absolute blast."
With the support of the Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Explore Minnesota, Bob FM Radio, and the Outdoor News Junior Pro Team, the foursome enjoyed complimentary accommodations as well as fishing with an area host who provided gear and tackle (Jay Gravely guided Jake and Sig Holme guided Noah). For more photos and a recap of the activities, see the May 18 issue of Minnesota Outdoor News.
The 2018 Kids Opener Contest called for youth who reside in Minnesota to submit a 50-word essay sharing why Outdoor News should choose them to fish the official fishing opener.
