New bass tourney set for Lake Despair

A new bass tournament will be held in Rainy River District on July 7-8.
Registration for the first-annual Lake Despair Lodge “Castin’ for Cash” live-release derby is opening this Friday, with spots for 50 teams up for grabs.
“We’re going with 50 teams only this year to see how we can handle it,” said Lake Despair Lodge owner Bill Godin, who will be hosting the two-day event.
The tournament will include three lakes–Despair, Jackfish, and Footprint.
“We have 12 miles, you will see some nice catches. There’s some nice smallmouth up there,” noted Godin.
More than $10,000 in cash will be given away during the tournament, including $5,000 for first place, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, $500 for fourth, and $250 for the rest of the top 10 finishers.
There also will be a $250 prize for the biggest bass Saturday and Sunday, as well as a prize for the tournament hidden weight.
Teams can weigh in up to five fish each day.
“I think everyone will catch some fish there and you’ll see some nice weights,” said Godin.
“It’s a good opportunity for people who don’t make it into the [Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship] or who don’t want to fish the big tournaments,” he added.
“I want it to be a fun tournament and Saturday we’re going to have refreshments at the campground.”
Registration is $250 per team, with early-bird entrants (before June 2) eligible for a draw for a $500 custom rod from Richard’s Rod and Reel.
Spots for “Castin’ for Cash” will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis–and they’re expected to be snapped up quickly.
“Lots of local people have told me that we should have a tournament back there,” said Godin. “I fish five tournaments a year myself and I’m not going to fish this one . . . I’ll have enough to do.”
Godin and his wife, Nellie, have owned the Lake Despair Lodge for four years and both are avid anglers.
He has participated in numerous local tournaments, including the FFCBC and Kenora Bass International. And last year he teamed up to capture the Morson Bass Classic, followed closely by his wife’s team.
“She almost beat me,” he laughed.
Helping out Lake Despair Lodge are several sponsors, including Pinewood Sports, Richard’s Rod and Reel, Badiuk Equipment, Tompkins Hardware, Warrior Workwear, and Robin’s Donuts.
Godin will be on hand to sell registrations at Richard’s Rod and Reel Tackle Show 2001 this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous here.
The show will display the latest tackle, rods, reels, line, and accessories as well as offer discounts on a variety of fishing equipment.
It also will feature seminars throughout the day by CBC Radio fishing guru Gord Ellis, local full-time anglers Wayne Howard and Jeff Steinke, St. Croix Rods rep Bob Stirling, and Denis Barnard, who won the FFCBC last year.