Bass bustin' in Morson

Ken Johnston

Bass fishing will get bigger in Morson this year.
Organizers for the first annual Morson Bass International live release tournament are hoping that the new event will become as big as the tournaments in the region already in existence.
Terry Gill, a committee member of MBI, said they are hoping that new format for a tournament in Morson will make for a successful event. This year the competition will be over three days instead of two like its predecessor, the Morson Bass Classic which folded after its 11th annual tournament.
The cost per boat is up from the MBC, but so are the prizes and the number of days for fishing.
Gill said they have secured the big tent that is used in Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships and the Rainy and Emo Walleye tournaments.
Another coup for the committee was to get Lionel Robert to emcee the tournament. “He is really great at firing up the crowd,” said Gill last week.
The date for the MBI is August 26-28, 2005 and it will be held at the Morson Government Dock. “There is plenty of room for the tent there and for parking,” assured Gill.
Fishing will focus on the southern portion of Lake of the Woods. “Anglers will be able to fish (Canadian waters) from the Manitou Rapids in the Rainy River to French Portage and Turtle Portage on the lake,” explained Gill.
MBI is hoping for 75 boats at $500 per team of two. “We have 11 registered so far,” said Gill on Friday. “But lots of guys here like to wait until the last week to see what the weather is going to do before signing up.”
Gill said there will be 100% payout in prizes which includes entry fees and merchandise prizes like boats and trolling motors. If they get 75 teams first prize will get $7,000 in cash. There will be payout for the top 15 teams.
The MBI will be more than a fishing tournament. “We have a craft show, fish fry and live entertainment planned already,” said Gill. “We are just nailing down all those details.” They also hope to have things going on for kids.
There will be no general admission charged to get into the weigh-ins which will take place from 3-4:30 daily.
Anyone wishing to register for the tournament can call Gill at 488-5551 or Cindy Miller at 488-5905. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor of the event can call either number.
For more information on the tournament log onto www.morson.org/bass.
“This is something new and fresh and we are going to do it no matter how many teams we get,” concluded Gill.