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Tim Pugmire
ST. PAUL, Minn.

DFLers push to move up fishing opener

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Democrats in the House and Senate say they'll make a push this session to move up the start of the fishing season by one week.

The scheduled May 12 opener falls again this year on the same weekend as Mothers' Day, which can be a point of contention for some families.

DFL Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk of Cook said he thinks the 2012 legislative session has been a big disappointment with few accomplishments. Bakk said moving up the fishing opener would give Minnesotans something to feel good about.

"We have record ice outs in lakes all over this state," he said. "I've read the DNR has said that the fish spawn this year is as much as a month ahead of normal. There is absolutely no reason that this season can't be moved up by one week."

Bakk said the change would benefit state tourism after a poor winter for recreation. The proposal is expected to come up when the game and fish bills are debated.