What better way to spend a summer day in Minnesota than getting out on the water? That is exactly what several Holy Family Catholic High School students are up to as they participate in club-fishing tournaments across the state. Bass fishing is one of the fastest-growing competitive outdoor activities among high schoolers. This summer, 20 Holy Family students are participating in the sport.
The Minnesota Junior B.A.S.S. Nation tournament season takes place during the summer months, giving students the perfect opportunity to stay connected with their community when school is no longer in session. These young anglers practice teamwork and camaraderie as they compete against several different schools in the surrounding area. Fishing gives students who love the outdoors a chance to interact with peers, have fun and learn the value of patience and hard work. The team supports one another and coaches encourage students to continue learning and strengthening their skills.
This year, Holy Family angler Grady Schneck received the Thorne Bros Elite Angler Academy scholarship. This is a full-tuition scholarship that provides individualized fishing coaching to help students strengthen their skill sets and achieve consistent success in competition.
The team’s first tournament of the 2026 season, the Southwest Metro Open 1, took place on June 10 on Lake Waconia. Students Archer Vig and William Bryan scored 83 points and placed 18th out of 40 as a team. Their second tournament, Southwest Metro Open 2, took place on Lake Koronis on June 17. Holy Family’s duo, Landon Wallace and Charlie Ripple, scored 86 points, coming in at 15th place out of 37.
Holy Family’s largest catch of the season so far was reeled in at the second tournament by Ryker Mortensen and Daniel Niemela. This fish weighed in at 4.25 pounds. The team will continue to participate in fishing tournaments throughout the summer, honing their skills and strategy while forming meaningful bonds with their teammates out on the water. The next tournament takes place in mid-July on Clearwater Lake near Annandale.
