Contributed to MuskieFIRST
Published May 18, 2009


What:  Minnesota Fishing Challenge, a multi-species team fishing tournament

Where:  Saturday, May 30, Gull Lake, headquartered at Ernie's on Gull

Fishermen Support Teen Challenge

The first annual fishing tournament to "reel-in" funds for Minnesota Teen Challenge is set for Gull Lake on Saturday, May 30.  Teams will be on the water, while friends and families will enjoy games and activities on shore.

Brainerd's Al Lindner will serve as honorary director of the Minnesota Fishing Challenge presented by Mills Fleet Farm.  He said, "The support for this event has been spectacular.  Fishermen are pulling together to raise money, and their day on the water will be a bonus."

Each team raised at least $500 in tax-deductible sponsorship dollars from friends, relatives and businesses.  When the tournament was first proposed, Lindner said, "I bet many teams will find more than $500 in sponsorships."  He was correct, and with more than 80 teams participating, the final tally will be impressive.

Teams will bring the fish they catch to the weigh-in stage at Ernie's on Gull. The free stage show and weigh-in ceremonies will be full of laughs, tall tales, fish stories and fun, starting at 3:30 p.m.  Trophies for the Full Throttle walleye and bass divisions and the Nor-Son panfish and northern pike divisions will be awarded along with an array of prizes.  All fish will be released.

There will be more than fish at Ernie's.  The Fishing for Life youth activities and games, and the Centershot Archery range will also be open to youngsters.  These hands-on games and shooting are free to the public starting at 1 p.m. 
   
Minnesota Teen Challenge is a faith-based organization to help people find freedom from the destructive habits of alcohol and drug abuse.  Sam Anderson, director of the Brainerd facility said, "This support from the fishing fraternity means so much. Thank you!  Our goal is to help each person who walks through our doors find true freedom from addiction.  Hope is being restored one life at a time here at Minnesota Teen Challenge."

    Schedule - 2009 Minnesota Fishing Challenge

Friday, May 29, 2009 at Heritage Assembly of God church

4 - 6 p.m.    REGISTRATION:  All team members must register; Heritage Assembly of God church on College Rd., east of Hwy 371 and College intersection, Baxter (218-829-3209).  Plenty of parking available.

6:15 p.m.    OPENING NIGHT MEAL:  Church Hall.

7 p.m.    Rules Meeting; Teen Challenge choir; Presentation by Al Lindner.

Saturday, May 30, 2009 on Gull Lake

7 a.m.    Anglers start fishing.  Note:  Launch at any ramp; proceed to fishing spot; drop lines no earlier than 7 a.m.

10 a.m.    Scales Open; Ernie's on Gull; use north docks.
    Weigh one pike, one bass, three walleyes, three panfish.

Lunch    Ernie's will be open for lunch.

1 - 4 p.m.    Fishing for Life activities and games for youngsters; FREE.

1 - 4 p.m.    CenterShot Archery shooting for youngsters; FREE.

3 p.m.    Meet Al Lindner, Honorary Minnesota Fishing Challenge Tournament Director, National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame member, BASS tournament winner, In-Fisherman founder (magazine, publishing, radio, TV company), lure innovator, TV show host of ANGLER'S EDGE, recognized multi-species fishing expert and book author.

3:30 p.m.     Stage festivities begin.  Watch and cheer your friends as they weigh their fish.  Listen for fishing tips.  Take photos.  Families - fisher folks or not - will have fun.  FREE

4 p.m.        All boats must be checked in with timekeeper (in front of Ernie's).

5 p.m.    Awards Ceremony.  Top 10 teams in all divisions win trophies and prizes.  Winners must be present to claim their prizes. 




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