Bass derby to run ‘double dip’ draw

The draw for the final 40 berths in the 2002 Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will take place Oct. 3, with some changes being made this year.
A “double dip” has been introduced where both members of an angling duo now will be allowed to enter the draw as two separate teams in order to increase their chances of getting in.
“In the past, if a team member lost a partner, they would not be eligible to fish. We recognized this wasn’t fair,” Linda Plumridge, director of angler services, said Thursday.
“This gives people a great opportunity for them to get it.”
Another new policy this year is those not making the draw of 40 will be eligible to fish with someone looking for a partner.
“Now if someone legitimately is trying to pick up someone, it will be someone who really wants to fish the tournament,” Plumridge noted. “We just don’t want to penalize those who want to fish.”
All those teams entered that don’t make the 40-berth limit will be drawn for the waiting list.
Entry forms, and a $200 deposit of the $1,000 total registration fee, are due Sept. 30 for all anglers (including the top 90 qualifiers from this year’s derby).
Forms are available at the Fort Frances Times office, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, and the FFCBC’s booth at this weekend’s trade show at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Deposits can be paid at the Times office.
Incoming FFCBC chair Gary Rogozinski will draw team names during a live broadcast Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. on Channel 11. A highlight show will run prior to the draw.
In related news, video clips and pictures from this year’s FFCBC also will be displayed at the trade show booth, along with derby reps to answer any questions about volunteering either as a director or general helper for next year.
“There is lots to be done all year long,” said Plumridge. “It’s good to get people on board as early as possible.”