Recap of the Event
Press Release
Local Fishing Tournament Raised Record Amount in 30th Year
The Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament
Island Lake— The 30th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament broke a new record on Saturday night by raising over $315,650. This brings the all-time amount raised to $4.9 million to fund the fight against ALS! This event is the event that started the legacy of Never Surrender, Inc, a non-profit based in Duluth, MN.
Just ahead of the awards dinner, Never Surrender Inc hosted its second Light of Hope ALS Panel Discussion in two years. Four leading neurologists shared an overview of the work they are doing to help people living with ALS as well as what is happening on the forefront of ALS research, including artificial intelligence and how it is changing medicine. Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSC and Eric Rosenthal, MD came from Massachusetts General Hospital. They were joined by David Walk, MD from the University of Minnesota and Amber Erickson, MD from Essentia Health. All questions from attendees were answered by the guest panelists.
There were 109 two-person teams fishing on Island Lake, while 5 people fished in the virtual tournament. Top finishers include first time walleye stringer champions, John Yankowiak of Duluth and teammate Cory Nelson of Barnum. This duo caught six fish, totaling 122.50 inches of walleye. The single longest walleye was also caught by Yankowiak and Nelson. Kraig and Hayden Anderson of Superior kept their crown from last year for catching the longest stringer of 5 bass. Their tally was 97.0 inches of fish. This father - son duo also caught the longest single bass which was 20.25 inches long.
Anglers fundraise throughout the year in support of those who are living with ALS. The event’s silent and live auctions as well as crucial support from sponsors contributed to the event’s success.
Event organizers extend their gratitude to the community and surrounding areas. With the funds raised, Never Surrender Inc will be able to continue to fund first-class ALS treatment trials, research and direct care support to individuals and families.
About the organization:
The Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament is one of the premiere events that raises money for Never Surrender Inc, the organization that donates the fundraising dollars to the medical community and individuals living with ALS. ALS is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS usually strikes people between the ages of 40 – 70, but it can strike anyone at any time. Although there is no cure or treatment yet, we are committed to helping these families in need. Together, we will Never Surrender to ALS.
Tournament Results
| Island Lake Walleye Stringer Placement |
| Island Lake Single Longest Walleye |
| Island Lake Bass Stringer Placement |
| Island Lake Single Longest Bass |
Awards Program
2025 Raffle Winners
- The winners of the Honda raffle are posted.
Lund Boat package with a Mercury Marine outboard and trailer
- For every $1,500 raised by anglers, their name was in a drawing for the Lund boat package
- Wayne Reynolds, of Hermantown, MN, won the boat, having raised $23,948. Congratulations Wayne!
2025 Door Prize Winners
- Corey Conkins
- Carter Bellefeuille
- Shawn Ziells
- Matt Erjavec
- Connor Houle
- Joel Anderson
- Ann Johnson
- Jill Gaffke
- Brian Marek
- Troy Skorich
2025 Top Fundraiser
Event Photos
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