The Randolph Reelers fishing team is turning heads in the Minnesota BASS SE Metro Conference this season. Made up of students from Randolph, MN, and neighboring communities, including Hastings anglers whose school does not offer the sport, the team has built a strong reputation for skill, teamwork, and determination on the water.
The Reelers field both a junior squad for elementary and middle school students and a high school team. Together, they log long hours on the water, refining their casting, tracking conditions, and strategizing for tournaments that can hinge on a single fish. It is a sport that demands patience, persistence, and a knack for knowing exactly when and where to drop a line.
This year, the team has a lot to celebrate. Two high school duos, Alex Marzen and Prestyn Reuter, along with Evan Goriesky and Owen Engesetger, have already punched their tickets to the state tournament. Their success is a testament to skill honed over months of competition, and the payoff is a chance to go head-to-head with the top anglers in Minnesota.
The season was not over yet for everyone. Cayden Hedeen and Kyle Friesen, hit the water this Sunday for the 2025 State Regional Qualifiers, aiming to secure a last-minute berth to state. Joining them are Brayden Green and Nate Quinnell who will also take their shot at advancing through the regional tournament. With only a few precious spots available, the pressure is on, but both teams are no stranger to high-stakes fishing.
Green and Quinnell finished strong and will be joining their teammates at state. Friesen and Hedeen fought hard, but came up short, ending their tournament season.
The Reelers’ accomplishments this year are stacking up. The conference is highly competitive, drawing teams from across the southeast metro, and every outing tests not just technical skill, but also adaptability. The weather, water conditions, and even the mood of the fish can change without warning, and winning often comes down to reading the environment better than the competition.
For the Reelers, it is also about camaraderie. Many of the members spend their weekends together, whether on tournament waters or in practice, sharing strategies and swapping stories about near-misses and memorable catches. That bond has translated into teamwork that shows on the leaderboards.
As the season heads toward its peak with state looming, the Randolph Reelers are proving that they belong among the top programs in Minnesota high school fishing. They may not be the loudest team in the conference, but their results speak for themselves, one catch at a time.
To learn more about the Randolph Reelers, visit www.randolphreelers.org