Cast a Line, Change a Life
Fishing is more than just a pastime in Minnesota—it’s a tradition that brings families, friends, and communities together on the water. Each year, anglers from all walks of life gather for the Minnesota Fishing Challenge, a tournament that’s about far more than trophies and bragging rights. It’s about making a real difference in the lives of men, women, and teens overcoming addiction through the life-changing programs at Mn Adult & Teen Challenge.
A Tournament With Purpose
Tournament Director Bernie Barringer shared some important details for new and returning teams to feel confident about the big day. More than just another fishing event, this tournament is an opportunity to raise critical support for those battling drug and alcohol addiction, helping them find freedom, hope, and a brighter future through MnTC’s faith-based recovery programs.
What Anglers Can Expect
If you’re registered to fish, here are some highlights to help you prepare:
- Rules Meeting: Attendance at the rules meeting is essential. This is where you’ll turn in your fundraising and raffle tickets, review tournament divisions, and get all the details on weigh-in procedures.
- Flexible Divisions: Whether you’re fishing for walleye, panfish, or aiming for a mixed bag, you can declare your division once you’re back on the beach before weighing your catch.
- Fair Play & Conservation: The Minnesota Fishing Challenge is a live release tournament. The goal is to keep fish healthy, so weigh-ins are carefully organized with official bags and staggered timing to avoid stressing fish.
- Weigh-In Festivities: Scales open at 1:00 p.m., but everyone must be checked in by 3:00 p.m. sharp at Craig’s Beach. Expect a festive atmosphere with family, friends, and even celebrity anglers on site.
- Prizes & Celebration: Top finishers in each division get the chance to walk through the prize tent, and raffle drawings cap off the day.
Why It Matters
Every cast you make and every dollar you raise goes beyond the water. Funds from the Minnesota Fishing Challenge directly support Mn Adult & Teen Challenge’s efforts to provide addiction recovery, prevention programs for youth, and faith-based counseling that brings healing to individuals and families.
Lives are being changed because of the generosity of anglers and donors who see fishing as more than sport—it’s a way to bring hope.
Get Involved
- Register to Fish: Teams of two can sign up and begin raising support leading up to the tournament.
- Donate: Even if you can’t be on the water, you can sponsor a team or donate directly to MnTC.
- Cheer Us On: Bring your friends and family to Cragun’s Beach on tournament day to enjoy the weigh-in, festivities, and celebration of lives transformed.