Members of the North Metro Muskie fishing team, the Peterson brothers hauled in a 42-inch muskie and qualified for the June 24 state tournament on Lake Vermillion.

“The sky was pretty ugly. There was lightning, thunder so it took a while to get out on the water – the start was delayed by an hour and a half. Fishing was very slow, but Aaron and Logan pulled in a big one,” said Andover High School work experience coordinator and muskie fishing fan Valerie Holthus as she described the sectional tournament conditions.

State tournament muskie fishing turned out to be challenging, as well. In fact, no muskies were caught by any of the high school competitors and so the championship prize went to the team that caught the largest northern.

Landing a 29 1/2” northern pike, the Duluth East team took home first place in the state tournament.

“Muskie fishermen have a great concern for maintaining the fishery, making sure it continues on into the future. They’re about more than just catching fish,” Holthus said.

Currently eight students participate on Andover’s muskie fishing team. Other members of the North Metro Muskie team attend Blaine, Spring Lake Park and St. Francis high schools as well as St. Thomas Academy, Mounds View, Roseville, Stillwater and North Branch high schools.

Although there are no female anglers on the team at this time, they are always welcome, Holthus said.

To learn more about the North Metro Muskie fishing team visit www.nmmuskies.com.