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17th Minnesota Fishing Challenge at Gull Lake
May 31 @ 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
17th Minnesota Fishing Challenge to Benefit Teen Challenge is set for May 31, 2025
WHERE:
Cragun’s Resort – Gull Lake
11000 Craguns Dr.
Brainerd, MN 56401
EVENT DETAILS:
7:00am-3:00pm
Launch from any boat ramp on Gull Lake
Begin Fishing at 7:00am
Scales Open at 1:00pm
Return Deadline 3:00pm
11:00am-4:00pm
Special Chick-Fil-A food tent (open to the public)
4:00pm-5:00pm
Division Prizes
Raffle Drawing
MnTC Choir Performance
The event has raised nearly $6 million for Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge campuses across the state. It is now the largest fundraising fishing tournament in North America, and it takes place on the Gull Lake chain of lakes each year.
“We have people of every age and every skill level in this fun event.” Says tournament director Bernie Barringer. “The focus is more on helping people in need, than it is on winning.”
The event is made up of up to 150 two-person teams. Several divisions offer the anglers an opportunity to fish for what they like to catch, they can enter panfish, walleyes, bass, pike, even rock bass, into the competition.
Anglers who enter the event raise funds among their family, friends and business associates. There are great prizes for fundraisers including a brand new Lund Boat loaded with Humminbird and Minn Kota electronics. In 2024, the event raised a record $620,000.
“Drug and alcohol addiction has derailed so many lives. When an addict is ready for help, we at MNTC do not want to turn them away. This is what the tournament is all about, funding the recovery and saving lives by helping people break free from the chains of addiction,” said Barringer.
Al Lindner, Honorary Host of the event since the beginning, echoes those sentiments, “I’ve been fortunate to make my living in the fishing industry for over 50 years. There is nothing I have done that I am more proud of than the Minnesota Fishing Challenge.” He says. “It’s the largest fundraising event in the industry. All the funds go to Teen Challenge centers across Minnesota, and we need your help to continue to grow. You need to be a part of this. I hope to see you there.”
Anyone can fish in this event or support it. Donations are accepted through the website. The public is invited to attend the weigh-in at Cragun’s resort on the afternoon of Saturday, May 31.
For more information about the 2024 event visit www.fishingchallenge.org or call the Brainerd MNTC office 218-833-8752.
