The 24^th annual IBEW fishing tournament was held on Saturday, February 22 at Woodlands Resort Devils Lake ND. There were nearly one hundred participants, with representation from many IBEW Locals including 31, 160, 231,242, 292, 343, 387, 714, 949, 1426, and 1593. A sincere thanks to the business managers from 714 and 1426 for planning and coordinating this event and all of its success. The spouses and children who attended are also very much appreciated as this makes for a great family time enjoyed by everyone.

The overall winner of the tournament this year ended up a tie with Local 160 and 1426 acquiring the same number of points. The individual winners are as follows. First place perch went to Cody Peterson at 1.54 lbs. from 714. Second place perch was Jeremy Schmaltz with a 1.41 from 292 and Luke Burt 1.36 from 1426. First place Walleye went to Tammey Koppang at 4.14 lbs. from 1426. Second place was Matt Hodges from 949 with a 3.88 pounder and third place went to Owen Burnt of 1426 with a 2.88 lb. fish. In the northern category the Minnesota folks did well with the biggest northern being caught by Brian Gefrey of Local 160 with a 14.92 lb. northern. Second place went to Tim Broll also 160, with a 14.02 pounder and Jason Gill from 292 in third position with an 8.57 lb. fish. Congratulations to all of the winners.

The raffle was a huge success this year. The winner of the 243 Winchester Model 70 was Mark Thorson from 1426. The second prize went to Don Thom of 714 which was a $250 Gift certificate from Scheels.  All in all it was a great time with family and friends old and new. The weather has been better, but it also has been much worse. So come next February plan to attend and bring a brother or sister that has not come yet and let’s have an even bigger and better event next year.