Surprised our Dad today and brought him fishing at the Lake Harriet fishing pier for his birthday!  We didn't catch much, (anything) but he perfected our one handed casting technique, told us about how to select some lures and was impressed with the "crappie slayer".  We fished alongside a little boy, age 5 with his Dad and brother who caught a HUGE carp on his kiddie pole! It was an adventure getting it reeled in and fun to watch his excitement when it finally came up. 
Another fun day of fishing, Happy Birthday Dad!!  
His tip: "bring your Grandchildren fishing".....
(we questioned why he didn't say "bring your Daughters fishing", but he just shrugged and mumbled something)

Wow! Thank you to Waconia and the many people/companies/organizations involved in making the 2012 opener so fantastic!  And thank you for including Two Chicks & A Rod as we were honored to be among 110 host-boats on the lake today...and it proved to be great fishing adventure.  
6:30 AM -- We pulled the boat to Lola's Lakehouse for a delicious breakfast buffet (what was in those eggs?!)
8:00 AM -- Two Chicks & A Rod (Heidi & Heather) were interviewed by Kate Renner of Channel 5 for their live broadcast just prior to the official Governor's send-off. (thanks Kate!) 
9:00 AM -- Met fishing legend Dan Gapen, and he kindly agreed to be filmed (check out the video) 
9:30 AM -- We met up with our Guest, City Council Member Larry Millender, and headed out to do some damage. 
10:15 AM -- After riding weed line -- and lots of fishing savvy from Larry --  Heather lands a monster Crappie! 
10:45 AM -- Heidi lands an even bigger one!  (but only after letting one get away due to attention troubles) 
12:00 PM -- Arrived at Waconia Beach for a fantastic walleye shore lunch! -- Yum! 
1:00 PM -- After many photos, conversations and lots of note taking about 'best fishing tips' we headed home with a new appreciation of how fishing brings people, family & community together. 
Thank you Waconia and everyone involved in the 2012 Governor's Fishing opener!  
See you next year!