The Rainy River Walleye Tournament is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary with more cash, prizes and fun than ever before.
According to committee member Richard Trenchard, the tournament was expanded to 112 teams, up from the usual 100, and the grand prize was increased to a guaranteed payout of $25,000 to commemorate the milestone.
“It’s made it pretty exciting for people. They’re eager to get out there,” he said.
And not everything is on the prize board – there are lots of secret surprise prizes, which will be brought out throughout the tournament, for both anglers and the public, said Trenchard.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’ll be great tournament for everyone out there,” he said.
The committee has invited back Kings of None, who will be playing the tournament for the third time, to close out the weekend. New for this year will be Bingo under the Big Tent.
For Trenchard, the secret to the RRWT’s success has been the community, and their commitment to running a world class tournament.
“It takes a lot of people to run this tournament, and we’re grateful to everyone who comes out,” he said. “Some come out for a short shift, others for long ones, but like they say, many hands make light work.”
The tournament started with the Rainy River Chamber of Commerce. A few ideas were floated around, to create a major fishing event. Ideas included tagged prize fish, and a “million dollar fish”, which could be caught at any time, but a weekend-long live release tournament captured enough excitement to move ahead.
Since then, the tournament has grown to be its own entity, with its own organizing committee, separate from the Chamber. It positions itself uniquely as the final major tournament of the year, drawing anglers from northern Ontario, Manitoba and the U.S., from as far as Wisconsin.
“People appreciate the tournament we run. They come from all over the region, Manitoba, Minnesota, and they tell us we’re a really well-run, classy tournament4,” said Trenchard.
Keeping the rules firm and fair, and not being afraid to enforce them is a big part of running a great tournament, he said. Participants can take part knowing the playing field is level.
The committee also prides itself on a unique experience for anglers and fans alike. The Big Tent sets it apart from many other events, and gives the event a party atmosphere.
“I know Fort Frances uses it too, but for us, that tent really makes our tournament. It’s so special to have it up, and be able to have everything come inside it,” he said. “Without the Big Tent, I’m not sure there would be a Rainy River Walleye Tournament.”
Over the last 25 years, the RRWT has become an important part of community life, with residents, businesses and service clubs all pitching in to make it amazing.
“This is our festival. Other than Railroad Daze, this is our biggest event of the year. It brings a lot of people and a lot of commerce,” said Trenchard. “It’s very important to our community.”
