Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Tournament Benefits Take a Kid Fishing

Fishing Guide and Promoter doing it for the kids

When Brian “Beef” Sathre isn’t teaching, coaching, or firefighting, he is most likely fishing. Beef also knows how to run a sturgeon tournament. A local fishing guide and promoter, Beef has a heart for getting kids involved in fishing. For the past 14 years, he has served as the tournament director and emcee for the Sportsman’s Lodge Annual Sturgeon Tournament. You might ask, “What does a sturgeon tournament have to do with kids?” In the case of this tournament, Sportsman’s Lodge, with the help of Beef, ensures that all proceeds go toward the Lake of the Woods chapter of Take a Kid Fishing.

At Sportsman's Lodge, The Entire Team has a role in this event

Sportsman’s Lodge has been the longtime host of this event. Their entire staff works tirelessly making sure this event goes off, as they say, “without a hitch.” And they do.

It is often said, it is the little things that make the big difference.

“Here at Sportsman’s Lodge we couldn’t be more proud of this event. We open up our facility at no charge. So much planning takes place behind the scenes from the front staff, to food service, to fishing guides and the entire staff working together as team.

The impacts this event makes on the entire Lake of the Woods community and certainly Take a Kid Fishing makes us so proud.” explain Jeff Andersen, General Manager, Sportsman’s lodge.

Beef Has A Long History with Take a Kid Fishing

Beef was actually active in the Take a Kid Fishing organization well before he moved to the Lake of the Woods area. Back in the day, when he was a college student at Bemidji State University, he served on the Take a Kid Fishing board of directors in Bemidji, MN. The seed was already planted.

About 14 years ago, then-owner of Sportsman’s Lodge, Gregg Hennum, asked Beef to emcee the Sportsman’s Lodge sturgeon tournament. Beef not only accepted the challenge—he had some ideas of his own. As time went on, with help from others, he took the lead and decided to build it up to what it is today.

Today, the tournament is as much a reunion for those who fish it year after year as it is a fishing tournament. “It’s one of those deals where you’re competing with everyone in the room, but there is so much more camaraderie than there is competitiveness. Competitors who come year after year become friends. You might not see one another for a year, but when that time comes, it’s like old home week,” explains Beef.

Why Take a Kid Fishing up at Lake of the Woods, don't all of the kids already fish?

“People would be surprised,” explains Beef. “Being a teacher, you hear the stories firsthand—’I wish I had the chance to go fishing.'”

The organization covers a large area, stretching from International Falls to the east and past Roseau to the west.

“It’s pretty cool. When kids reach their last year of eligibility for Take a Kid Fishing, which is based on age, they can write an essay that can actually qualify them for a Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License. This area gives away a few each year.”

About the Tournament

As you may have gathered, this event is about so much more than just the tournament.

That being said, the tournament can host up to 60 boats, with multiple anglers per boat. There is typically a waitlist of 10 to 15 boats.

The MN DNR sets boundaries, and tournament organizers actually place buoys at those boundary points.

One boundary is downstream from Sportsman’s Lodge, just into Four Mile Bay. The upstream boundary is located just a short distance upstream, within sight of the tournament headquarters.

When someone catches a sturgeon, one of three tournament boats will assist in getting length and girth measurements. The sturgeon category is the largest; however, there are also categories for kids, ladies, eelpout, and suckers.

This is an individual tournament, meaning there are no teams. Anglers are technically fishing against the others in their own boat.

Yes, some participants are competitive, but with sturgeon fishing, it’s all about soaking worms—and anyone can win!

Anglers arrive for a rules meeting and giveaways on Thursday evening. They fish the tournament on Friday and Saturday, followed by a prime rib dinner and awards banquet on Saturday night.

Take a Kid Fishing

Take a Kid Fishing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing youth to the joy and experience of fishing, especially those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

“It is so great to see so many come together for the purpose of benefitting the kids,” explains Deb Anderson of Linder’s Hideaway Cabins and volunteer for Take a Kid Fishing. “The Sturgeon Fishing tournament at Sportsman’s Lodge really helps kids involved with Take a Kid Fishing from a large area. We get 9 – 14 year old kids from all over the state and beyond. Some kids are up visiting grandma and grandpa or another relative and it’s great. The event is just wonderful.”

The Lake of the Woods chapter of Take a Kid Fishing focuses on giving kids a day they’ll never forget by pairing them with experienced anglers and volunteers for a guided fishing adventure on Lake of the Woods based out of Sportsman’s Lodge.

This event includes a day of fishing out on the big lake followed by a picnic, prizes, and plenty of smiles. The goal is not only to teach kids how to fish, but also to encourage a love for the outdoors, promote conservation, and create lasting memories with positive mentors.

The Lake of the Woods community has embraced the program, with generous support from local resorts, guides, businesses, and volunteers who come together to make this event possible each year.

A sincere “Thank You” to all involved.