New bass club starting up

Want to talk about that big bass you reeled up? Or how about learning some new techniques while out on Rainy Lake?
Whatever the case, a new bass club is starting up in Fort Frances, with its first meeting slated tomorrow (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m. at the old CN station on Fourth Street West.
The club is open to everyone, whether you’ve fished in major tournaments or are just starting out. The idea is to get people who are hooked on bass fishing together to discuss how they catch that elusive five-pounder.
The brainchild of Scott Hamilton, owner of Jackfish Hammy’s Guide Service here, the club figures to be a real hit with many anglers.
“Just word-of-mouth since November, about 50 people I’ve talked to have expressed interest,” Hamilton noted.
Hamilton said he’s also been in touch with potential club members from Emo, Rainy River, International Falls, and even as far away as Thunder Bay.
A similar bass club is up and running in Kenora, he noted, adding he’s gotten ideas on how to run the local club from that one as well as scouring the Internet to visit Web sites on others.
The club, currently slated to meet about once a month, is still in its infancy stages. Membership fees haven’t been finalized, and such things as a club president will be discussed at tomorrow’s inaugural meeting.
“Rainy Lake is one of the best bass fisheries in the world,” Hamilton enthused. “The club will be based on learning and sharing information.”
Hamilton also said he’d like to hold a series of catch-and-release tournaments for club members.
Anglers will have different partners each time, and fish weights will be determined right in the boat based on its length. Hamilton said that will help ensure the bass go back into the water as quickly and with as little stress as possible.
“It would be a lot of fun,” he enthused. “We’ll keep records and have placings, and have things like barbecues afterwards.”