Scott Swanson of Golden Valley caught the biggest eelpout, an 11.98-pound dandy. With him is Jason Freed, a guide with Leisure Outdoor Adventures, which runs the contest.
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Cold weather reduced turnout but not the enthusiasm at the International Eelpout Festival last weekend on Leech Lake.
An estimated 9,000 to 10,000 folks showed up for the 35th annual event at Walker. Anglers registered 340 eelpout that weighed a total of 1,134 pounds. Scott Swanson of Golden Valley caught the biggest eelpout, an 11.98-pounder.
Chelsea Brunklow of Sartell caught the second largest, a 11.29-pounder.
But perhaps the most excitement occurred Friday night, when a fire destroyed a fish house and nearby pickup truck on the ice. No one was injured. Here's YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw2HUkeVHB8
Here's a photo, below, of Chelsea Brunklow and her fish.
