It was back in 1993 that a fisherman brought up the idea of holding a bass fishing tournament on Rainy Lake. It was kind of a far-fetched idea because no one really fished for that species. Kenora had already established the Kenora Bass International, and it was attracting professionals from across North America. The idea was put forward to the Ministry of Natural Resources, and their fish biologist let it be known that Rainy Lake was a great bass fishery.
A committee was formed, and the planning went forward to host such a tournament. Lionel Roberts, who had organized several tournaments, came on board and suggested that the title of the tournament be “The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship”.
Marketing materials were produced. A webpage was developed, and anglers and committee members in 1994 began attending tournaments across Minnesota and encouraging Minnesota anglers to come to Fort Frances in 1995. Bill Boulton was the chair. Volunteers came out to raise the tent owned by the Rainy River Future Development Corp. Lionel became the first emcee. Local boaters volunteered to be spotters on the lake, watching the anglers to ensure that there was no cheating.
A pair of brothers, Dave and Norm Lindsay, won that first tournament. The field was not filled, but by the end of Sunday of that first tournament, more anglers had already committed for the next tournament. The tournament was not a financial success, but the community spirit that it built was too important to disregard. A new committee was created, and roles were clearly laid out. Major sponsors were found, and Pinewood Sports, Lund Marine and Mercury came on board promoting the tournament.
Other local businesses joined in. The tournament expanded, bringing in a fish tank so spectators could see species of fish found in Rainy Lake. Children’s programs were expanded. In that second year, on the final day, the Top 10 finishers came through the tent with all the pageantry, music and noise that could be found in Fort Frances.
The tournament grew roots. By year four, 125 teams were registered before the start of the tournament, and a waiting list to compete was established in 1999. By then, an American Team, Randy Amenrude, had discovered that being the Canadian Bass Champion had marketing value and increased his fees at sports shows throughout Minnesota.
It is a gruelling physical and mental test against wind, sun, rain and changing conditions. It has seen aluminum boats crack and trolling motors break off into the lake. It has seen anglers tossed overboard and boats run up on reefs. It has also generated thousands of stories and created goodwill between district residents and all the visitors who have attended over time.
There is a lot of pride in being able to say you are a volunteer, and there are many veteran volunteers in the district. Good luck, fishers!
