Ordinary trip turns extraordinary for young angler

By ALLAN OLSON

In what started out to be just a normal fishing trip for a mixed group of anglers, things soon turned interesting.
“It looks like we’re going to eat fish tonight,” said Alex Olson, 8, shortly after landing a lunker in the boat.
Olson, along with his dad, grandpa, uncle and cousins, went out for a quick fishing trip on Lake of the Woods July 4, prior to taking in the parade in Baudette.
The young angler was using a chartreuse jig in 16-20 feet of water and pulled up a 29 1/2 inch walleye that measured more than half his height. The catcch was made near Pine Island after being on the water less than an hour from leaving the boat slip at Morris Point.
Olson, along with help from his dad and uncle, managed to land the trophy walleye after a brief struggle.
That same Friday morning fishing trip yielded little else. Although a 25 inch walleye was landed and released due to regulations.
“It weighs a ton,” Olson said as he struggled to hold his catch of a lifetime up for a photo.
The young angler may have to wait awhile for that fish dinner. His catch is currently chilling on ice and headed to a taxidermist soon. The youngster will be preparing a spot on the wall of his home in International Falls to display his prize catch.
The young angler is the son of Tony and Mia Olson, of International Falls. Grandparents are Phil and Joyce Olson of Baudette, LaVon McGuire of Williams, and Danny McGuire of Glenville, Minn.