The first-ever “Fishing Expo,” being hosted by members of the Little Eagles and Little Thunderbird youth programs Saturday at the United Native Friendship Centre here, is hoping to catch the big one by adding a new prize package.
The lucky winner of a $1 raffle, open to kids aged six to 13, will take home a day of fishing on Lake of the Woods at Sioux Narrows (lunch included) with Norm and Dave Lindsay, winners of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship two of the past three years.
Second prize will be a fully-stocked tackle box while third prize will be a dream catcher.
For $1, the names of those in attendance will be put into a barrel to be drawn for a variety of door prizes donated by various businesses across the district. They include rods, reels, tackle, and tackle boxes.
Other raffle prizes also will be up for grabs, including a chance to win a guided fishing trip on Rainy Lake courtesy of Jackfish Hammy’s Guide Service and a fly-in fishing trip out of Nestor Falls courtesy of Tinker’s Place.
These raffle tickets cost $5 each.
The expo, organized to help raise money for the kids for camping and fishing trips this summer, is slated from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Various custom-made rods, reconditioned reels, spinner baits, jigs, bass baits, and camouflage clothing will be for sale.
The Ministry of Natural Resources also will set up an information booth on the new fishing regulations, and will be handing out pamphlets and showing videos.
Members of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship committee and the Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club also may be on hand.
Event co-organizer Brad Herbert said the response they’ve received from the community has been excellent, with people already stopping by the UNFC to purchase tackle.
The purpose of the fishing expo is to replace traditional craft and bake sales, which Herbert said only brought in minimal amounts of money in past years.