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• duluthcharterfishingguides.com said they were planning to have the fish mounted.

Some of Nelson’s favorite “big fish” stories also involve young children. He recalled an 8-year-old out with his grandfather who “fair and square” caught a 28.5-inch walleye.

“My goal is always to make it educational and enjoyable,” Nelson said. “I kind of tailor the whole day to what they want to do and what they would like to see.”

Nelson books days for four-hour or eight-hour blocks. He doesn’t doublebook days, which he said makes things more casual. “I’m not staring at my watch,” he said.

Bambenek said people get nostalgic out of the big lake: “Lake Superior is kind of awe-inspiring.” to go fishing,” he said. “You sit in Duluth and think, ‘Man that looks like fun to be out there.’”

Parker Bambenek of Superior Pursuits Charter Fishing said having patience and a good attitude are key to having a fun day. He has seen it all when it comes to levels of experience, from people who have never held a fishing rod to tournament pros. His youngest angler was 3.

“There’s really nothing to be nervous about,” Bambenek said. “I’m a nice guy. I’ll answer any questions, be honest, tell you what’s going on with the fishing on the lake.”

He said he had a young boy catch a 15-pound lake trout last summer. “Everybody got really silent when the fish got in the boat,” he said. “They were flabbergasted how big this fish was.”

After the shock wore off, the boat exploded with excitement. Bambenek