The mother of guiding experiences - and happy Mother's Day

Here we are, just before opening day (as of this writing), making last-minute preparations.

The Minnow Master system is being installed as I write, Bruce is rigging up some rods for the KFAN fishing outing, Animal just pulled up with his shark boat and I am slowly scratching things off my to-do list before I hook up with Tom Whitehead at 5:30 p.m. for the dinner at Breezy Point with the rest of the gang.

Tomorrow (Friday) is media day, but it's already begun. I've done a number of interviews already, but that's going to be even crazier. It's a good crazy, though.

The minnow tank is up and operating. Now we need to get some test shiners to see how they are going to do in the new system. Let's hope it's like home to them.

It's now 3 p.m. Thursday and I'm starting to feel the crunch - way too many things yet to do.

I just got off the phone with Scott at GLS Promotions and he is going to deliver my fancy, new shirt. That's good. It will give me a little more time.

I have a few rods rigged and ready now and I am starting to feel like things are coming together. Maybe if I stop drinking coffee I will be able to chill out a bit. Maybe.

Also, a happy Mother's Day to the mothers. And a special thank you to my mother for putting up with my "stuff" over the years and another special thank you to my wife and mother of my three little munchkins for being so supportive. I will celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, but I plan on witnessing my 11-year-old daughter bag her first gobbler in the early morning hours Sunday.

(Editor's note: Dan "Walleyedan" Eigen served as guide/host to Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Saturday in the 60th annual Governor's Fishing Opener at Pelican Lake and Breezy Point Resort).

WALLEYEDAN Eigen may be reached at (218) 839-5598, walleyedan@brainerd.com or www.walleyedan.com