Behind the Lens at the SJR500: A Trip I’ll Never Forget

There are trips you plan for, and there are trips that happen because the right people, the right place, and the right time align perfectly. My recent adventure to the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods for the SJR500 Sturgeon Tournament was exactly that — a one-of-a-kind experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

An Invitation I Couldn’t Pass Up

When Pat Kalmerton reached out with an invite to come along as his cameraman for the SJR500, I didn’t hesitate. Not only would I get to document some of the most passionate anglers braving unpredictable northern spring weather, but I’d also have the opportunity to start interviewing the legends and unsung heroes of the fishing world. It wasn’t just about fishing — it was about stories, connections, and capturing a tradition that lives deep in the soul of the outdoor community.

For over 17 years, I’ve made my living behind the lens and a screen — building and telling stories for brands, companies, hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. But this trip was different. It marked the beginning of a new chapter with Pat as we started building content for his upcoming platform, PatKalmertonOutdoors.com. It’s going to be a home for his interviews, his sponsors, his partners, and his show schedule — a living, breathing showcase of what drives him and the people who help shape his journey.

The Magic of Lake of the Woods

If you grew up in the Midwest, you probably heard whispers of Lake of the Woods — the “Walleye Capital of the World.” I’d dreamt of fishing these waters, and now, not only was I there, but I was capturing it all through my camera, shoulder to shoulder, with legends.

We stayed at River Bend Resort, run by the kind-hearted Paul and Brandi Johnson. The kind of folks who greet you like you’ve known them for years and make sure you leave as family. Between the hospitality, the river-front beauty of the resort, and waking up to those legendary lake sunrises, it was nothing short of perfect.

The SJR500 Experience

The SJR500, hosted by Bret and Dan Amundson of Fish Hunt Forever, is unlike any other tournament. Anglers from both sides of the Minnesota-Canada border converge on the Rainy River in pursuit of monster sturgeon and elusive walleyes, battling cold fronts, rain, and even snow squalls. Fish are caught, documented, and shared through the Fish Donkey app, creating a digital record of the adventure in real-time.

I broke in my new Blackfish Gale rain suit against some of the nastiest weather northern Minnesota could throw at us and loved every second of it. I also managed to catch my first-ever sturgeon — on a 2-foot ice rod, no less. Add that one to the highlight reel of life.

An unexpected highlight of the trip was getting hands-on with some killer new gear and emerging brands. Pat Kalmerton and Jim Stevenson rolled in with RLVNT sunglasses and Mad Scientist Tackle lures for the crew to put through the wringer. Between the relentless wind, rain, snow, and sudden bursts of sun, those RLVNT shades quickly became essential, cutting glare and saving our eyes during long days on the water. And the tea-stained water of the Rainy River was the perfect proving ground for Mad Scientist’s UV-reflective jigs. After making the switch, the bites came fast and steady. Beyond that, I was introduced to other standout gear like WhiteWater performance apparel, Turtlebox speakers keeping the good vibes rolling, and a lineup of new rods, nets, and boats that I’m itching to test more in the seasons ahead. The innovation and passion behind these brands added another layer to an already unforgettable trip.

Legends, Stories & Core Memories

One of the biggest highlights was meeting iconic names like Billy Lindner and Jim Edlund, guys whose work has been on the covers and in spreads of outdoor publications for years. I also might have accidentally unplugged Billy’s CPAP machine while looking for a power outlet late at night. The mistake was quickly rectified, and it became one of many stories we shared in the morning. Sorry Billy! Even more surreal? Being featured on the SJR Fish Hunt Forever podcast — and yes, my mustache played a starring role in that appearance.

I also had the privilege of interviewing Chanda Gebhardt and Sarah Greene, diving into the world of competitive female angling and the importance of organizations like Women Anglers of Minnesota (WAM). Their passion, insight, and determination to carve out space for women in this sport are inspiring, and I’m grateful to help share their message, especially since I am a girl dad.

A Trip Like No Other

I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some incredible trips over the years, but this one was special. Sure, there might be other tournaments, other adventures on Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, but this trip will always have a unique place in my heart. The friendships, the laughs, the monster fish, and the moments of pure outdoor magic — they’ll live with me forever.

Thank you, Pat, for the invite. Thank you, Bret and Dan, for featuring me. Thank you Paul and Brandi, for your hospitality. And thank you to everyone who made this trip one for the books. Until next time — tight lines, friends.