MN-FISH

10/14/2026

MN-FISH Expands Board to 20
Three New Board Members Expand Organizational Strengths

Rogers, MN—At its October 8 board meeting, MN-FISH directors voted to add three new members, a move that expands the nonprofit organization’s expertise in key areas, including social media, content development and retailer relations.

“These are key areas of focus for us going forward,” said MN-FISH president Ron Schara, especially with all the changes in St. Paul following this fall’s election.”

New board members include:

Joe Rassat, founder/president of Rassat Outdoor Group rep firm
Bret Amundson, award-winning content creator, TV/Radio host and podcaster
Brad Novak, digital strategist and data analytics expert

Nonprofit MN-FISH was launched by leaders of the Minnesota fishing community to give anglers a stronger voice in St. Paul. The all-volunteer board includes hall of fame anglers, tackle manufacturers, leaders in the outdoor tourism industry and legislative arenas, fishing guides and media personalities.

Since 2022, nonpartisan MN-FISH has helped secure more than $100 million in state investment in fishing and boating infrastructure, including updating or replacing fish hatcheries and public boat access sites statewide, funding key fisheries studies, increasing shore fishing opportunities for urban anglers and much more.

09/30/2026

Ken Pucel enjoyed a day of bass fishing with Ron Schara and John Peterson. Ken had the winning bid during the “World’s Greatest Fishing Auction” presented by MN-FISH.
Stay tuned for the “World’s Greatest Ice Fishing Auction” coming soon!

09/28/2026

MN Northern Pike Management

09/24/2026

Wm Buck Manley and his son, Will from Illinois enjoyed bass fishing with Larry Hanson during a trip they purchased during the “World’s Greatest Fishing Auction” presented by MN-FISH. WM caught his personal best largemouth at 19 1/2-inches during the trip.
Stay tuned for the “World’s Greatest Ice Fishing Auction” coming soon!

09/21/2026

Brad Parsons talks about funding for the DNR

09/16/2026

MN-FISH Minute
Thoughts from Brad Parsons

09/15/2026

Congratulations on Retirement
MN DNR Fisheries Chief Brad Parsons
Fisheries section chief Brad Parsons is retiring after 40 years of service with the MN DNR. He started his career as a research scientist in 1986.

MN-FISH would like to thank him for his dedication to the anglers of Minnesota. 

In his final interview as MN DNR fisheries chief, Parsons discusses a range of topics from walleye to muskies. He touches on the challenges facing Minnesota fisheries and shares his insights on the state of Minnesota’s fishing. 

This is an interview you don’t want to miss! Here’s the link to the Fish Hunt Forever podcast: https://youtu.be/aYOjAD8QBB0?t=961.

09/14/2026

Change is Inevitable—
Fall Elections Will Impact Fisheries Management

Since MN-FISH was founded in the fall of 2018, we have dedicated significant effort to establishing our presence, articulating our mission, building key relationships, and earning mutual trust of Minnesota anglers and state leaders.

Every four years, Minnesota elections determine our state's leadership and strategic direction. While not every election cycle results in major operational shifts, the election this November will bring significant changes across state leadership:

1. Governor: The new administration will bring a new leadership style, agenda, and team of administrators.
2. MN Senate: Control has been decided by just a single seat over the last two years.
3. MN House: The last term saw an even partisan split, along with new leadership for both parties.
4. MN DNR Commissioner: New governor typically appoints new agency leadership.
5. MN DNR Fish and Wildlife Director: Kelly Straka recently stepped down to pursue new opportunities.
6. MN DNR Fisheries Chief: Brad Parsons has retired.
7. MN DNR Director of Enforcement: Colonel Rodmen Smith has announced his retirement.

Along with these transitions comes a new group of key support staff and gatekeepers with whom we will need to establish working relationships.

Much like in 2018, MN-FISH will need to re-engage with a fresh administration, newly elected legislators, legislative leadership, and new directors across key positions at the DNR to continue our work to improve fishing in Minnesota.

As we move into this next era, MN-FISH needs your continued support. Please JOIN or RENEW your membership today to help provide a strong voice for anglers and build on our past accomplishments!

Join now:

Become a member of MN-FISH Foundation to aid fish stocking, habitat restoration, and youth fishing programs in Minnesota.

08/31/2026

Upcoming Elections: What to ask the candidates?

1. Do you and your family enjoy fishing in Minnesota?

2. Minnesota has world-class fishing resources and the state's management should reflect that. Would you support rebuilding MN DNR fisheries management back to 2005 levels?

3. Fishing has a $6.9 billion impact on Minnesota's economy. Would you support using the general fund to supplement state fisheries management (as opposed to relying on just revenue generated by fishing license sales)?

08/31/2026

Live Fish Cam from the State Fair

Each year the pond is stocked with about 40 different fish species ...