One of the cherished traditions for the state's highest-elected official is hosting the governor's fishing opener each spring.

For nearly 70 years, the state's governor has traveled to one of the state's scenic locales on opening weekend to wet a line in one of Minnesota's cherished lakes.

This year, Marty Seifert is trying to start his own tradition, creating the Seifert For Governor 2014 Minnesota Fishing Opener.

The event will be held at Thumper Pond Resort and Rush Lake in Otter Tail County on May 9 - 10. Seifert is inviting fellow Republicans, media and supporters.

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton, who is seeking a second term, is hosting the 67th Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener on May 8 – 11 in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Grand View Lodge is serving as event headquarters.

The event is the traditional kickoff to Minnesota's summer tourism season.

Seifert and the five other GOP candidates are all clawing for any edge to break free. Seifert was the first to announce he will hold a formal response to Dayton's State of the State address Wednesday night.