Morson bass tourney is this weekend

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The anglers are busy pre-fishing up a storm as this weekend’s 6th Annual Morson Bass International tournament is set to get underway!
While the number of teams were down last year (from 34 in 2008 to 26 in 09), event coordinator Nancy Miller said, “We have lowered the entry this year and are hopeful we will see at least 30 this year!”
The entry fee was lowered from $500 to $400 this year. “Hopefully with the economy the way it is this will help encourage more people to get involved,” said Miller.
If the team numbers stay about the same that means there will be less prize money in the pot. “For every 10 teams we lose $1,000 in prize money,” explained Miller. Last year’s champs, Bill and Almer Godin won $3,500. However, the number of teams increase that could level out the loss in registration fees.
As of last Thursday the MBI had 15 teams paid. But as in previous years many anglers do not officially pay until Friday at the rules meeting. “We will accept registrations right up to that point,” said Miller.
The tournament gets underway early Saturday morning. There will be breakfast available at the Government Dock and boats will check in at 6:30 a.m. The anglers will then head out on Lake of the Woods at 7:30 a.m. to return at 3:30 p.m. for Day 1 weigh-ins; which are open to the public.
Concession stands, a silent auction and a beer garden open at Noon under the big tent. The auction has many unique items this year including an autographed MBI t-shirt by famous woman race car driver Danica Patrick and a wood carved Harley Davidson replica.
Back by popular demand this year is a walleye fish-fry at 5 p.m. served by the Bergland Recreation Committee.
New to the tournament is free entertainment under the tent from 6-8:30 p.m. It will feature live music by the Nite Hawks.
Day 2 the boats again leave at 7:30 a.m. and return a bit earlier for weigh-ins at 3 p.m. The top five boats from day 1 will be saved to the end of weigh-ins and then paraded in their boats through the tent.
Spruce Creek Golf Course will also be holding a golf tournament Sunday for anyone not fishing or participating in other activities Sunday morning. Tee times begin at 9 a.m. Call the course at 488-9706 for more info. or to register.
Also new to the tournament this year is their emcee. Vaughn Murray of Rainy River will be doing the honours! Miller said he should be really entertaining and has been known to do a really good Elvis impersonation. “Maybe he will sing an Elvis tune or two for the crowd!”
Before the boats return on Day 2 another fishing tournament will take place at the dock. Beginning at 12:30 p.m. is the always popular Kids Mini Tournament. It often has more participants than the adult tournament and is free to enter. Kids must be 14 and under and be able to hold a fishing pole, accompanied by an adult and wear a life jacket.
Concessions, silent auction and beer garden reopen at Noon on Sunday.
Miller said that all is in place for the weekend except they need some volunteers to help erect and take down the tent. It will be going up Wednesday at 6 p.m. and then dismantled on Monday. “If you want to volunteer call Miller at 275-5528.