Few families have influenced the modern fishing industry as much as the Lindners. In this conversation, Fishing Hall of Famers Al and James Lindner share how Brainerd, Minnesota, became the foundation for a fishing legacy that would eventually include guiding, tackle development, television production and some of the most recognizable fishing media brands in North America.
Why the Lindners Chose Brainerd
Al Lindner’s journey began with a simple dream. After returning from military service, he and his brother Ron wanted to find a place in Wisconsin or Minnesota where they could purchase a small resort, operate a bait shop and make a living as fishing guides.
After exploring several areas, they narrowed their search to Alexandria, Grand Rapids and Brainerd. Brainerd ultimately stood out because of the incredible number and variety of lakes surrounding the community.
The Lindners were not interested in targeting only one species. They wanted access to walleyes, bass, northern pike, muskies, panfish and other freshwater species. The Brainerd Lakes Area offered nearly unlimited opportunities for the multi-species fishing style that would eventually become central to their careers.
From Fishing Guides to Industry Leaders
The Lindners started as fishing guides, but their work quickly expanded. Guiding led to the tackle business and the creation of Lindy Tackle. After selling the company, Al and Ron launched the In-Fisherman Communications Network in August 1975.
In-Fisherman helped change the way anglers learned about fish behavior, seasonal patterns and effective fishing techniques. The company grew across television, magazines and other forms of fishing education.
Years later, the Lindner family continued that tradition through Lindner Media Productions and Lindner’s Angling Edge. James Lindner became deeply involved in photography, videography and television production, helping carry the family’s fishing knowledge into a new generation of media.
World-Class Fishing Close to Home
Brainerd remains an ideal location for producing fishing content because of the quality and diversity of nearby fisheries. Within a few hours, anglers can target nearly every major freshwater gamefish found in the Upper Midwest.
One of the Lindners’ longtime favorites is Gull Lake. Despite heavy recreational boat traffic and regular fishing pressure, the lake continues to produce quality walleyes, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and other species.
According to the Lindners, many of the fisheries around Brainerd are now producing larger and more abundant fish than they did decades ago.
What began as a dream of guiding and running a bait shop became one of the most important stories in fishing history, and it all grew from the lakes surrounding Brainerd, Minnesota.
