Three legendary Minnesota anglers and two storied fishing companies were inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame of Minnesota over the weekend at the Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis.

Duane Peterson, LeRoy Ras, Tom Neustrom — as well as Northland Fishing Tackle of Bemidji and Vexilar Inc. of Bloomington — were inducted for their contributions to fishing.

Peterson, 77, of Eagle Bend, a 40-year tournament angler who co-founded Northland in 1975, has been a lure innovator, product promoter and goodwill ambassador for fishing. He sat on the Minnesota Walleye Advisory Committee and Upper Red Lake Management Committee. He was inducted into the Fresh Water Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ras, 77, of Alexandria, is a longtime guide who has developed, tested and promoted many fishing tackle products. He has mentored guides and tournament anglers.

Neustrom, 66, of Grand Rapids, has guided anglers for more than 30 years. He conducts fishing seminars, hosts a radio show and has been active in statewide fishing issues. He's been a member of the DNR's Fishing Roundtable, the state walleye advisory committee and the Red Lake advisory council. He was inducted into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Vexilar, a leading manufacturer of fishing electronics, has been a key player in the ice-fishing boom and is credited with revolutionizing fishing with its FL-8 color flasher. Northland Tackle, founded in 1975, has grown to become a national fishing tackle company that has developed a stream of popular tackle, including the famed Fire-Ball jig, over the years.

The class of 2012 — James Lindner, Dave Csanda, Dan Sura, Jeff Arnold, Rapala and Outdoor News — also was formally inducted into the hall.

Doug Smith • 612-673-7667