10th Annual Warrior Boats David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout

Lake of the Woods – Wigwam Resort – August 16, 2025

The 10th Annual Warrior Boats David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout once again delivered an unforgettable weekend of competition, camaraderie, and world-class walleye fishing. Held at Wigwam Resort in Baudette, Minnesota, this year’s tournament drew a record 178 boats, making it the largest walleye tournament in Minnesota.

From Humble Beginnings to Minnesota’s Largest Walleye Tournament

What began with just 35 boats has now grown into a premier event that Warrior Boat owners across the Midwest and beyond look forward to each summer. Wigwam Resort owner Mark Armstrong, who has hosted the event with his wife Tina for the past eight years, reflected on the tournament’s incredible growth:

“When we were first involved, there were 35 boats. To see this event grow into what it is today is incredible. Everyone from the Warrior Boat family is so great to work with. We truly enjoy seeing everyone each year.”

The tournament’s namesake, David A. Andersen, is remembered each year through this event, and his legacy continues to inspire Warrior Boat owners and anglers who gather for the Shootout.

A Family Atmosphere and Community Support

This event is about more than just fishing—it’s about the people who make up the Warrior Boats family and the Lake of the Woods community that rallies around them. Kent Andersen, Warrior Boat’s National Sales Manager and David Andersen’s son, spoke proudly of how everything came together:

“It is truly amazing to see how well the Lake of the Woods community and Warrior Boat family came together to make this a flawless event. Everything went so well and people were very pleased.”

Newcomers echoed that sentiment, with many first-time participants remarking that this was an experience they would not only treasure but also plan to repeat in years to come.

More Than Just a Tournament

One of the special things about the Shootout is the sense of inclusiveness. While all 178 boats competed in the main tournament, additional categories allowed more anglers to be recognized. These included:

Adult/Child Division – Encouraging youth participation and passing down the tradition of fishing.
Mixed Couple Division – Highlighting the fun of fishing together as partners.
Conventional Angling Division (New in 2025) – For anglers choosing to fish without forward-facing sonar technology.

Prizes and drawings were generous, creating opportunities for everyone to win and celebrate. The event also serves as a reunion of sorts—some Warrior Boat owners traveled up not to fish, but simply to enjoy the camaraderie and community.

Historic Results on the Leaderboard

The competition on Lake of the Woods was nothing short of remarkable. For the first time in tournament history, there was a tie for first place.

Jake Caughey and Jared Erickson
Isaac Lakich and Hunter Nitti

Both teams brought in 54.47 pounds for five walleyes—an astonishing 10-pound average per fish. These weights reflect not only the skill of the anglers but also the incredible walleye fishery that Lake of the Woods provides. Other teams also posted impressive numbers, making the leaderboard one of the most competitive in memory.

Why You Should Consider 2026

If you are a Warrior Boat owner, this is an event you won’t want to miss in 2026. The Shootout is part fishing tournament, part family reunion, and part celebration of the Warrior brand and the people who represent it. Whether competing for top honors or simply enjoying the gathering of friends, the event offers something for everyone.

In fact, a number of Warrior owners chose not to compete this year but still made the trip to Lake of the Woods just to be part of the atmosphere. That alone speaks volumes about the strong sense of community the Shootout fosters.

Looking Ahead

As the Shootout celebrated its 10th anniversary, it’s clear that this event has cemented its place as a highlight of the Minnesota fishing calendar. With the continued support of Wigwam Resort, Warrior Boats, Lake of the Woods Tourism, many other sponsors and the anglers who make the journey, the future looks bright for the David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout.

It’s more than just a fishing tournament—it’s about honoring legacy, strengthening friendships, and celebrating one of the best walleye fisheries in North America. For Warrior Boat owners, it’s a can’t-miss weekend that keeps growing in size, stature, and significance.

Mark your calendar now for August 2026, and consider joining the Warrior Boat family at Lake of the Woods for another incredible Shootout.