Joey Payeur
The kick-off to a busy summer of tournament fishing in Rainy River District arrives this weekend.
Lake Despair Lodge, located at the end of Highway 613 North, once again will host the 17th-annual “Castin’ For Cash” bass tournament, which will see anglers take off Friday at 7:30 a.m. to begin what should be two days of closely-contested fishing.
Weigh-ins are set for at 4 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, with the first-place team winning $5,000.
Lodge owner and tournament organizer Bill Godin said about 55 teams are registered at this point, compared to the 62 that participated last year.
“We can still take people right up to the Day 1 launch on Friday,” Godin noted
Three-time winners and defending champs Bryan Gustafson and Brian White of Fort Frances will look to retain their crown in a field that will be without notable names such as 2015 winners Nathan Brigham and Brett Meyers of Emo and Keewatin’s Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson.
Godin said anglers will be glad to hear water levels on the lake should be favourable for good fishing, and also for getting around with little hassle.
“The pull-through is flat between Jackfish and Footprint [lakes] at that narrow spot that everyone is usually worried about passing through,” he confirmed.
“Usually, the water rushes through there pretty good, but there should be no concerns for anyone to pass right through there,” added Godin, though he noted everyone will be required to go through that portion at idle speed.
Fish quantities have been down somewhat through the spring due to what Godin believed to be an extensive hatch of mayflies over the last couple of weeks.
“The fish feed on the mayflies and get filled up on them, so that they’re less likely to bite,” he explained.
“But the hatch should be over now.”
Forecasts of sunny weather Friday and Saturday should keep anglers in good spirits, as well as shine on the various activities planned around the tournament.
A pork supper will be served Friday, which is free for anglers and for which the public can purchase tickets, while a food booth will operate both days.
Party Rock DJ Services will supply the music for Saturday’s post-tournament social.
Anyone wanting more information can call Lake Despair Lodge at 486-0532.
