Gavin Moen, 7, Cohasset.

40-inch northern Upper Red Lake (As told by dad, Derreck)

"Gavin wanted to catch a "monster northern," so we headed to Upper Red Lake. I let him choose the rod and lure. While I was explaining what it feels like when a monster pike hits, I heard him grunt and looked to see his rod doubled over — and the fight was on. His mom wanted to help, but she didn't, and he got the fish to the boat unassisted. When I went to land it, my net broke into three pieces and I had to land it by hand. The fish was 11inches shorter than he is. ''

JACKPOT WINNER

Jack Adolfson, 8, of Oak Grove, caught this 29-inch walleye on Lake of the Woods."We had daily fishing contests for the largest fish, which he won each day," reported his family. "The day before he had a 24-inch then a 27-inch walleye. He had a great fishing weekend!"

DAY OF FIRSTS

Dml -, Star Tribune

Maddie Brandt, 12, of St. Bonifacious had a day of firsts recently on a west metro lake: The first time she used spinning gear (which she mastered quickly), first time using artificial bait, first time fishing for bass and first time catching a bass. She and her grandpa and his fishing student friend caught seven bass, all released to be caught again.

To be considered for Trophy Tales, e-mail your photo and story to fishphoto@startribune.com. Identify anglers and where they live, and include details about the fish and where and how it was caught. You also can upload photos of your trophies to startribune.com/outdoors.