Up North: Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament breaks fundraising record

Another Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament has come and pass, with this installment boasting over 100 boats for the in-person competition and 19 teams that competed virtually.

Making the 28th year of the event one of the largest there has ever been registration wise on record.

“Preparations were smooth, I would say. It’s a lot of work, but we have a lot of volunteers that help with a lot of things that go on behind the scenes that help put on this great event,” said event organizer Blake Kolquist.

This year was also extra special due to the fact it brought together other adaptive programs here in the Northland. Showing that anyone can fish no matter what your ability or age.

“Our focus has been on getting anglers together that have some need for a mechanical solution to participate. Some are avid anglers; some are maybe not able to fish anymore. So, this is a day on the water, and it became clear about a year ago that it made sense for us to come together on this. To lift individuals that happen to have ALS as well in terms of having those folks out on the water for a good day of fishing,” added Courage Kenny Director Eric Larson.

Not only was Courage Kenny present, but also the Catch Your Moment Foundation, a group of dedicated anglers who even through the pandemic worked with families touched by cancer through the therapeutic sport of fishing.

“Through Covid it was kind of tough, but there’s such a strong participation with Never Surrendering Inc. that they made it through and raised record numbers and it just keeps on going strong,” said representative Timmon Lund.

The goal for the tournament is to always strive to raise more than the year prior. The 2022 event raised a new record of $265,000 however this year’s total wasn’t even close, breaking the record yet again by reaching $284,000.

A perfect capstone for another successful year at the Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament.