First off I’d like to personally thank Andrew Higgins for bringing his group of 14 up here to Rainy Lake. Though we often run personal guide trips of 3-6 guys we also love the larger groups utilizing our permanent fish houses. Drew put a lot of work into lining up the boys for a trip that would allow them a good shot at landing a true tanker. Yesterday was the last day of the 2 day trip. We had some close calls, but hadn’t landed that trophy fish. I took Drew and a couple other boys to another spot to hopefully find that big walleye. We immediately were marking numerous big fish, but simply couldn’t get them juiced up. Though I felt we had pinned down the fish time was simply not on our side. We caught a couple smaller fish and both missed a larger fish when I needed to start organizing the transport back to the lodge for the entire crew. The Fishing Queen came out, and I asked that she stay with these boys until I returned from getting some other fisherman. As I was about 1/4 mile away I heard some hollering. Then MORE hollering and a faint sound of “SUPER TANKER” LOL!!
Drew in my absence and with the assistance of the “Fishing Queen” landed his PB 28.5 inch Rainy Lake Walleye!! As the story goes Drew put the barbs to this special fish and said “This feels like a good one!!” The Queen raced….SLID over to the hole and calmy spun the line out of the Marcum Showdown transducer. The fish fought with long and heavy head shakes until it was just below the ice. The Queen like a seasoned pro proceeded to wet a sleeve bringing this true trophy topside!! Then the knuckle bumps and high fives were abound. It looked like some sort of Ice dance was taking place from a distance!!
I couldn’t be more happy for Drew landing his personal best 28.5 inch Walleye, and I’m very proud of Cheryl for risking a digit for the team. I’m clearly aware our customer often seek our services for the chance at a trophy. Reality is we won’t always fulfill the dreams of every fisherman on a trip, but sometimes good things happen to good people.
Drew….THAT my friend was a SUPER TANKER!! Both Cheryl and I are both thrilled for your success.
As I was away from my post pics will have to come from Drew’s crew and my wifes Ipod. I’m not sure my wife is fired up about waking up at 4 to load those for me!! 
Awesome fish Drew!! Later on that evening the pics and stories rolled through the Thunderbird Lodge as Drew was awarded his own Rainydaze “Fishing Team” sweatshirt and Conservations series cap by Thunderbird Lodge. Drew elected without hesitation to release the fish to keep on growing. He said the fish was an easy 9lbs with tremendous girth.
Atta boy Drew!! THAT is what keeps lines in the water!! We certainly look forward to raising the bar again next January!! 
I believe Drew was using a 1/8 oz. Lightning spoon in the clown pattern……Imagine that. 
Sounds like a great trip was had
