About 2,000 anglers expected to compete in annual Lake Minnetonka crappie contest Saturday

Saturday will mark the 49th year Lake Minnetonka has hosted the same spring crappie contest — albeit under various organizers during that time — and if past tournaments are an indication, some 2,000 anglers will participate.

Headquartered at Lord Fletcher's, the crappie extravaganza again will be sponsored by the "Minnesota Bound" television program, hosted by Ron Schara.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Fishing for Life (www.fishingforlife.org), which pairs boat guides with kids during various fishing events in the metro throughout the year. The goal is to teach youngsters how to fish, while introducing them to adult partners.

Fishing hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Entered crappies must be caught on Minnetonka during that time.

All anglers who register crappies are eligible for prize drawings. Grand prize is a 2017 Tracker boat, motor and trailer.

Advance registration can be made through Thursday at www.mnbound.com/crappie-contest. Tickets also can be purchased at metro Fleet Farm stores through Thursday. On site registration will be available at Lord Fletchers beginning at 7 Saturday morning.

Advance registration is $5 per angler. On-site registration is $10.

Vieth was chosen from hundreds of Orvis-endorsed guides throughout the U.S.

"It's an enormous honor to be named Guide of the Year by Orvis," Vieth said.

Founded in 1856, Orvis holds its Guide Rendezvous annually in Missoula.

Vieth started Wildwood Float trips in 2005 when his wife convinced him to quit his corporate job to follow his dream of being a professional fishing guide.

"I guess it worked out," he said.