The 2nd Annual Minot 5/6 Fishing Tournament brought anglers together for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and outdoor fun on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Lake Darling, located within the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge.
The tournament ran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., welcoming teams of two to four competitors, as well as individual participants. This year, 23 teams and approximately 45 fishermen competed in the event.
Upon registration, each team received a tournament clipboard complete with a scorecard and rules, a commemorative Minot 5/6 Numbered Coin, and an Ozark Trail Portable Dial Fish Scale.
Participants spent the day casting lines and enjoying the beautiful surroundings while competing for top honors. The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community within the Minot 5/6, bringing members together both on and off the water.
In addition to the competition itself, the tournament featured more than $1,500 in cash and prize giveaways, thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners. Prize packages included cash payouts, trophies, fishing gear, gift cards, service vouchers, and other outdoor-themed items
Tournament Prize Winners Received:
1st Place
1st Place Trophy
$120 Cash Payout
Four Zebco Fishing Poles
$100 Scheels Gift Card
$150 Voucher from Paws North Dakota
$25 Kroll’s Diner Gift Card
BBQ Caddy
2nd Place
2nd Place Trophy
$80 Cash Payout
Two Zebco Fishing Poles
$100 Gift Card from Minot Automotive
$150 Voucher from CornerStone Chiropractic
$20 Gift Card for Noodles & Company
Wood Smoking Chips
3rd Place
3rd Place Trophy
$40 Cash Payout
Two Zebco Fishing Poles
$100 Gift Card from Minot Automotive
Biggest Catch Category
Winners (Three Awards)
$40 Cash Payout
$15 Jimmy John’s Gift Card
Zebco Fishing Pole
A special congratulations goes out to all of this year’s winners, whose patience, skill, and determination earned them well-deserved bragging rights for the year.
One of the most exciting moments of the tournament came with the catch of the day—a massive 37-inch, 12-pound northern pike, which earned the distinction of the tournament’s biggest catch.
Tournament organizers extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated prizes, and supported the event. The enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and teamwork displayed throughout the day were instrumental in making the tournament another great success. From early morning casts to the final weigh-in, participants showcased not only their fishing skills but also the camaraderie and community spirit that continue to make this event so special.
As the lines are reeled in and memories are shared, planning is already underway for next year’s event. Organizers are looking forward to making the 3rd Annual Minot 5/6 Fishing Tournament even bigger and better.
Until then, tight lines and see you on the water next year!
Minot 5/6 Tournament Winners
1st Place:
Team: A-aron
514 points
Pike: 30.5 inches, 6lbs
Walleye: 26 inches, 5lbs 6oz
Bass: 17.5 inches, 3lbs 11oz
2nd Place:
Team: Always First Anglers
482 Points
Pike: 35.5 inches, 12lbs
Bass: 19.75, 4lbs 7oz
3rd Place:
Team: The Fish and the Furious
462 Points
Pike: 37 inches, 11lbs 14oz
Bass: 17.75 inches, 3lbs 5 oz
Biggest Pike:
Kyle McNeil
(Team: The Fish and the Furious)
37 inches, 11lbs 14oz
Biggest Walleye:
Kevin Beaton
(Team No Tan Lines)
25 inches, 6lbs 11oz
Biggest Bass:
Jason Seaborn
Team Always First Anglers)
19.75 inches, 4lbs 7oz
