ST. PAUL, Minn. (May 2, 2014) - A pair of accomplished anglers from the Brainerd Lakes Area will host Governor Mark Dayton and Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon for the 2014 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 10. Ray Gildow will fish with Gov. Dayton, and Toby Kvalevog will fish with Lt. Gov. Prettner Solon.

A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, Ray Gildow has been a professional fishing guide in the Brainerd Lakes area for 25 years. His love of fishing dates back to his toddler years, when he learned the sport from his father and grandfathers. He calls Gull Lake his second home after fishing there in every season since junior high. Additional contributions to the Minnesota fishing industry include his book, Legends and Legacies: A History of the Nisswa Guide League ; his Lakeland Public Television show Lakeland Currents ; and his weekly fishing report on the Brainerd Outdoors radio show.

It is a distinct honor to be chosen as the governor's fishing host for the 2014 Fishing Opener, Ray says. This is one of Minnesota's richest historical traditions, and I am extremely humbled to be a part of it.

Beyond fishing, Ray keeps himself busy as the chair of the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation, board member for Lakeland Public Television, drummer and singer with his part-time band, and husband, father and grandfather.

Toby Kvalevog, a fisherman for 35 years, has called the Brainerd Lakes area home since 1999. He considers the area a multispecies mecca thanks to the diversity of fish that can be caught there, including walleye, bass, perch, northern pike, muskie and crappie. He enjoys the strategy that fishing requires, as well as the memories and long-lasting relationships he has built over the last 12 years as a fishing guide on Gull Lake.

It is an honor and privilege to have been selected to fish with Lt. Gov. Prettner Solon for the 2014 Minnesota Fishing Opener, says Toby. Fishing is all about making memories, and for me, this will be one that lasts a lifetime.

Toby is an eighth grade physical education teacher at Forestview Middle School in Brainerd, and enjoys hunting and playing and coaching hockey. He lives with his wife, son and two daughters.

The Governor's Fishing Opener has been a treasured tradition in Minnesota since 1948, while fishing is a key part of one of the largest sectors of our economy, tourism. The Opener is also a kick-off celebration for the statewide summer tourism season. Travel and tourism generate $12.5 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota annually. The annual Governor's Fishing Opener is an opportunity to spotlight Minnesota fishing and the Brainerd Lakes Area. For more information, high-res images and fishing host contact information, please visit www.mngovernorsopener.com.