“World’s Greatest Fishing Auction” Now Open

MN-FISH’s On-line auction includes include trips with legendary anglers, resort stays, world-class tackle and much more. Bidding ends May 2!

Rogers, Minn. (April 25, 2024) — MN-FISH’s popular “World’s Greatest” online auction of fishing adventures, resort vacation stays and products is now open. More than 40 items are up for bid, and new items are being added daily.

Hosted by the nonprofit MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation and Coalition, the 14-day online auction closes at 7 pm CST on Thursday May 2^nd. Auction items may be drooled over and bids placed at the MN-FISH.COM Auction page.

MN-FISH executive director Mark Holsten said the auction is one of the nonprofit’s most important fundraising efforts of the year. It allows MN-FISH to continue its mission working to protect and improve fishing in Minnesota. Last year, MN-FISH successfully pushed for more than $98 million dollars in state funding to upgrade Minnesota’s aging hatchery system, improve public boat access sites statewide, and enhance shore-fishing opportunities in key urban areas.

“This year, we are working to stop invasive carp from moving up the Mississippi River, fighting the potential loss of key public waters, and continuing our efforts to rebuild the critical St. Paul fish hatchery, which not only helps maintain fishing in key metro waters, but could also serve as a research and education center for the public. But our most important role is monitoring potential regulation changes that affect all anglers.”

“Our work has the support of state anglers, which is why so many legendary personalities have donated fishing adventures to this year’s auction,” said Ron Schara, MN-FISH president. “We have more than 30 trips from anglers including Al Lindner, Babe Winkelman, Dave Genz, Tony Roach, Jason Mitchell and many others. Who doesn’t want to share a boat with these anglers.”

“The auction includes fishing adventures or vacation stays on waters across Minnesota, as well as the Dakotas and Canada,” said MN-FISH secretary Steve Pennaz. “There’s also some great tackle from manufacturers including Abu Garcia, Rapala, DAIWA, and Zebco, as well as equipment from Milwaukee Tool.”

Fishing is big business in Minnesota, generating $4.4 billion annually in economic impact and about $300 million in state taxes. MN-FISH is working to increase reinvestment back into the state’s vital fisheries. This auction represents the outdoors industry giving back to the state’s diverse angler make-up by giving them the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime fishing experiences, besides resort stays and products.