Recap of the Event 

Over $4.3 Million Raised in Funding the Fight Against ALS

June 4, 2023  / Duluth, MN 

Never Surrender Inc announced the 28th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament raised $284,000, bringing the total raised to $4.3 million in the Fight Against ALS.

Organizers are happy with the tournament results and excited about the continuous growth. They appreciate support from anglers, sponsors, volunteers and donors. Tournament chair Blake Kolquist said, “The continued growth of this tournament is humbling. We started the event in 1996 not knowing where it would go. In twenty-eight years, we've had literally thousands of anglers making a huge impact in the lives of people living with ALS. Thank you to everyone that supports Never Surrender Inc, as it’s truly making a difference in the lives of those living with ALS.”

Andy Jonas of Cloquet, MN and Allison Jonas of Superior, WI took first place in the walleye category on Island Lake with 106.50 inches. The single longest walleye was caught by Adam Steinberg of Waseca with a 20.5 inch walleye.

Doug Pirila (Proctor, MN) and Greg Poetz (Winsted, MN) caught the longest stringer of five bass for a total of 96.75 inches. Pirila also pulled in the day’s longest bass at 20.25 inches. 

This event again hosted a virtual tournament for anglers not able to come to Duluth. Brian Buermann of Richmond, MN had the longest bass (18.0 inches). Scott Monson of Perham caught the longest crappie (12.5 inches). Charlene Kowarsch, of Hibbing, MN snagged the longest northern pike (35.5 inches) as well as the longest walleye (23.5 inches)

Former UMD hockey star Jim Johnson, two-time Minnesota Twins world champion Kent Hrbek, and three-time All-Star player plus the 1988 All-Star Game MVP, Terry Steinbach again hosted the event. All three men were participants in the tournament and helped with the awards ceremony and live auction. Most importantly, all three have been personally touched by ALS.

Over the tournament’s 28 years, the event has raised $4.3 million in the quest to Fund the Fight Against ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Kolar Toyota became title sponsor of the event in 2007 and the dealership is actively involved with the year-round planning of the tournament. 

Tournament Results

2023 Raffle Winners

2023 Door Prize Winners

Event Photos