Al Lindner, host of the popular TV show, “In-Fisherman,” was a guest on local radio station CFOB last Thursday morning to talk about the upcoming Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
He spoke very highly of the annual tournament, the community, and the smallmouth bass fishery on Rainy Lake.
“This is probably . . . actually it is the tournament I most look forward to fishing every year,” Lindner told Doug Cain, marketing director of the FFCBC.
He also was quick to praise the organizers, volunteers, and the community spirit, which all combine to make the tournament such a great event.
“It is one of the finest run tournaments I have been involved in,” added Lindner.
Denis Barnard, a local angler and last year’s winner, also was on hand to talk about pre-fishing, preparing for, and participating in fishing tournaments.
“There is nothing like the feeling I get during a tournament,” he enthused.
He and his partner, Clint Barton, will be defending their championship this year but will be up against stiff competition, including past winners Jim Moynagh and Joe Thrun.
“Lindner is always in the running as well and this could be his year,” noted Cain. “You never know. That’s what makes it so much fun to come out and watch and weigh-ins each day.”
Both Lindner and Barnard gave tips on pre-fishing and explained the various patterns they are looking at. They both spoke about the high water and weather patterns that could have an effect on the location of the bass this year.
As well as the high calibre of anglers at the tournament, plenty of entertainment has been lined-up for the week, starting with the popular “Parade of Boats” tomorrow (July 24) at 5 p.m.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and welcome the teams and their boats, and maybe pick up a few “treasures.”
“The anglers are very generous and often distribute candy, baseball caps, and other merchandise,” noted organizer Kelly Olson, but stressing parents are asked keep their children well back from the curb for safety reasons.
“The fisherman always throw the prizes into the crowd so it’s probably better off to stand back anyway,” added Olson.
The first day of fishing will start Thursday (July 26) from the government dock at Pither’s Point. The public is encouraged to come out and watch the boats take off at 7 a.m.
“It’s worth watching,” noted Cain. “There are some nice rigs jetting off to get to their hot spots and you can really feel the excitement.”
For more information about the FFCBC or to volunteer during the tournament, call 274-0316 or log onto www.canadianbass.com.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
