You’ll find more than just fishing celebrities in this list. One can make a significant impact
on the lives of many without ever being well known. It is important to honor all of
those who had a great influence on the great sport of fishing, whether famous or not.
Corporate advances tend to be much more visible to us. For it’s their products that
shape the evolution of the sport of fishing.

ln 1943, Ray’s Sport and Marine began as a family-owned flour and feed store in the picturesque river
town of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Its founder, Ray Hernesman, was not only a businessman but also a visionary. Fast forward to 1962, when Grand Rapids planned to build a new hockey arena, someone had to make sure that everyone had skates and the necessary equipment to enjoy one of the state’s beloved sports.

ln the autumn of 1983, Yamaha Outboards received approval to enter the U.S., and a year and a half later, they reached out to Ray’s Sport and Marine to become one of their dealerships. With Sea Nymph boats and Yamaha Outboards, Ray’s Sport and Marine embarked on its journey in Minnesota’s favorite pastime.

The small farming town of New York Mills, Minnesota, had a gem in the making called Lund Boats. In 1987, Ray’s Sport and Marine had the opportunity to take on an adventure like no other. The store went on to become the largest Lund dealership in the nation.

Rays Sport and Marine began with one man’s dream and has since evolved into a marine industry leader, employing over 90 people each year, some of whom have been with the company for decades. They have consistently received customer service awards from nearly every manufacturer every year, ensuring that each family is satisfied and well taken care of.

With stores in cities across the state from east to west, including Moorhead, Alexandria, Perham, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Duluth, Ray’s Sport and Marine now offers a lineup like no other. With brands like Lund Boats, Crestliner, Alumacraft, Skeeter, Bennington Pontoons, Premier Pontoons, and Viaggio Pontoons, Ray’s Sport and Marine has been helping families in Minnesota create memories that will last forever. The company has been involved with more 12 high school fishing teams across northern Minnesota, helping out kids as they pursue their fishing dreams! Ray’s Sport and Marine is family-owned and four generations deep, looking forward to the future!