For decades, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge has been changing lives by helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild relationships with the people who matter most. When faith, fishing, and recovery come together, the impact reaches far beyond the water.
The 18th Annual Minnesota Fishing Challenge, presented by Millerbernd and Nor-Son Construction, has become one of the organization’s premier annual fundraisers, bringing anglers from across the state together in support of this mission. This year, passionate anglers stepped up in a big way, generating more than $627,000 to support MnTC’s drug and alcohol programs across Minnesota.
Since the tournament began in 2008, it has raised more than $6.6 million to support hope, healing, and lasting transformation. Leading the way this year were longtime supporters Neil Erickson and Bob Evelsizer, whose outstanding fundraising efforts brought in an unbelievable $55,735!
With near-perfect fishing weather on Gull Lake, nearly 200 spectators gathered on the beach at Cragun’s Resort to enjoy the live weigh-in. The crowd cheered on the anglers while enjoying tasty treats served by Brainerd native Chris Dunmire and the Mama D’s Food Truck.
Al Lindner, Honorary Host of the event since the beginning, said, “The weather was fantastic this year, probably the best we’ve ever had, and the fishing was outstanding. But what really amazes me is seeing how God continues to bless this event. Every year, anglers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters come together to help raise funds that bring hope and healing to people struggling with addiction across Minnesota. What happens here doesn’t end at the boat landing. The lives changed through Teen Challenge are the real success stories, and that’s what makes this event so special.”
When longtime tournament director Bernie Barringer retired at the end of 2025 after 11 years at the helm, organizers turned to a familiar face to lead the Minnesota Fishing Challenge into its next chapter.
Chris Philen, a 2013 Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge honor graduate and Nisswa resident, took over leadership of one of the nation’s largest charity fishing tournaments. Philen, who also serves as Director of Advertising for Target Walleye, said the opportunity carries special meaning. “It’s truly an honor to give back to the program that led me to Jesus and helped me find freedom from alcohol,” Philen said.
Philen acknowledged the strong foundation built by former directors Jim Kalkofen and Bernie Barringer. “This event is a big deal, and I have big shoes to fill,” he said. “JK and Bernie built something really special. I look forward to continuing to grow this event as it helps save lives and restore families across Minnesota.”
Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge honored Barringer during Friday evening’s rules meeting, presenting him with its Legacy Award in recognition of his years of service, leadership, and dedication to the ministry.
The Navillus Land Company Walleye Division produced many walleyes of all sizes this year including a few large ones. Taking honors and the first-place trophy was Greg Endres with 16.37 pounds for their best three fish.
The Nisswa Lions Panfish Division featured some outstanding catches this year, with numerous trophy-sized crappies brought to the scales. Brothers Tony and Steve Ward of Zimmerman successfully defended their title, weighing in three crappies totaling 7.15 pounds to earn their second consecutive division championship.
The Lindner Media Bass Division showcased the top three bass from each team, and with fish biting throughout the day, many impressive catches were brought to the scales. Mike Reiner and Mark Steinieks emerged as champions, weighing in the heaviest three-fish limit of the tournament at 13.95 pounds.
The Cannon River Tree Care Pike Division winners, father-son duo Bruce Meinz and Jeff Matt, came in with two that weighed 10.67 pounds. The Fishing Challenge pike limit is two northern pike, both of which must be under 30 inches.
The challenging Hastings/Northfield Auto Mixed Bag Division consists of one pike, one walleye, one bass, and one panfish. Only 18 teams managed to get all four species. Bill Anderson and Jeff Sprecher weighed one of each for a total of 15.04 pounds.
The Navigate North Big Walleye Award went to Team Brewer Agre 4 for a solid 7.45-pound walleye. The McDonald’s Big Bass Award went to Team Luke 5 Fishing for a huge bigmouth weighing 5.09 pounds. As prizes, the winners of these two awards received a giant 3-foot-long Rapala Lure autographed by Al Lindner.
The “Ugliest Fish” Award went to Josh Morgan from Louisiana. Josh won a plaque, bragging rights for the year for the _____ fish he brought in, and an Ugly Stik.
Prizes, including guided fishing trips, plus rods, reels, electronics, trolling motors, quality tackle, and gear, were awarded Friday and Saturday.
Additionally, every team that raised at least $500 earned an entry into the drawing for a brand-new Lund boat sponsored by Millerbernd, powered by Mercury, and fully outfitted with Humminbird and MinnKota electronics and Powerhouse Lithium batteries. The grand prize was awarded to Tim and Luke Evavold of Nerstrand, Minnesota. The father-son team had plenty to celebrate, having raised more than $45,000 before hearing their name called as the boat winners.
Mn Adult & Teen Challenge would like to thank the following organizations that were supporting sponsors of the tournament: Bay & Bay, Fleet Farm, MEI, and Minnesota Truck Headquarters.
Mn Adult & Teen Challenge offers effective and affordable programs throughout Minnesota with campuses in Minneapolis, Brainerd, Duluth, Mankato, Alexandria, Rochester and Buffalo. MnTC has a broad spectrum of treatment and recovery programs: Outpatient (Telehealth and In-person), Licensed Residential (45-90 days), Life Renewal Recovery Program (12 months), Teen Residential (6-12 months) and Ongoing Recovery and Alumni Services, allowing them to effectively serve individuals with a broad spectrum of addiction issues… from those seeking treatment for the first time to those who have been struggling with addiction for many years.
The 2027 fundraising tournament event will be held on Saturday, June 5.
For more information, additional details and photos, go to
www.fishingchallenge.org or https://www.facebook.com/mnfishingchallenge/
Pic #1 – Current Director Chris Philen flanked by past Director Bernie Barringer on the left, Jim Kalkofen on the right, and Al Lindner
Pic #2 Al Lindner with top fundraisers Neil Erickson and Bob Evelsizer, whose outstanding fundraising efforts brought in an unbelievable $55,735!
