ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Gov. Mark Dayton and a crew of staff and Minnesota lawmakers went out on the Mississippi River in St. Cloud Saturday for the annual Governor's Fishing Opener.
"I'm a conservationist," Dayton said as he came back to shore after the expedition. "I got one fish."
The governor's fish was a big one – a 3-pound, 17.5-inch bass – but the ladies in the other boat had him beat.
Governor Dayton reels in his first catch at #MNGFO2017! A 17.5-inch smallmouth bass. #OnlyinMN 🐟 pic.twitter.com/FXFSmbmXg6
— Governor Mark Dayton (@GovMarkDayton) May 13, 2017
Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and her crew of female lawmakers caught 35 fish in total.
"She's got bragging rights," Dayton said of Smith.
Lt. Governor Tina Smith reels in a big one at #MNGFO2017! #OnlyinMN pic.twitter.com/Biqm76HWUO
— Governor Mark Dayton (@GovMarkDayton) May 13, 2017
The overall winner, though, appeared to be Rep. Ilhan Omar, who caught 13 fish.
Caught 11 so far and we have another hour to go #MNGFO2017 https://t.co/JhD3Gbo34q
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 13, 2017
Dayton said no one discussed the budget, which was left stalled while the Legislature adjourned for the weekend.
"We sort of set that aside so we could all stay in the same boat," he said. "Never came up."
Dayton said they would return to the budget work Monday.
"We don't interfere with Mother's Day."
House Speaker Rep. Kurt Daudt said Saturday was the best weather they've had for the event since he's been a part of it. "Last year we woke up in the morning and there was snow on the grass," he said.
"We had great fun," Dayton said. "What a gorgeous day, just incredible day, and just perfect, Minnesota perfect."