Tim Price of Johnson Outdoors, and a native Minnesotan, told me to expect lots of spectator boats here at Mille Lacs. Sure enough we’ve seen quite a few. In the photo that’s the Bemidji State University fishing team. Seven guys in the boat, watching Brandon Palaniuk and Matt Herren fish. The team has competed in Bassmaster college events, and two of them made it to the Bassmaster College Championship, finishing in 20th place. These boys are showing some passion for the sport, making a nearly two and a half hour drive from Bemidgi, north of here, to watch the Toyota Angler Of the Year Championship. Then again, the Elite series has never been to Minnesota, so this event is a golden opportunity for them to learn from the world’s best anglers.