| Bass Fishing
Tournaments
To Watch Bass fishing is very exciting and thrilling, especially when big Bass are being caught. Many people are involved in bass fishing, and so the more people, the heavier the competition for big bass. Some would say that tournaments are about luck. Who can say who will catch the largest bass in the lake? Conditioning and stamina are needed in competition and all fishermen will be put to the test. The most important things for an angler are the skills and experience in bass fishing. These two elements are the key to success and will determine how the competitors act and develop strategies during the tournament. There are many active tournaments all over North America. In northwestern Ontario, Canada, there are big tournaments such as the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship on Rainy Lake, and the Kenora Bass International (KBI) Tournament on Lake of the Woods. Shoal Lake Bass Classic Tournament is held the 1st weekend in July on Shoal Lake, Ontario. This is the primary fishery in the region with schools of Smallmouths that have never seen a lure before. Smallmouths usually win this tournament, but big Largemouths can be a factor. Historically, the winning weight for this two day tournament is in the 32-34 pound range. The English River Bass Challenge also occurs in mid-July, and is held on the English River in Grassy Narrows, Ontario. Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is held on the 3rd week of July. This is Canada's Largest Live Release Cash Bass Tournament, with a total of $172,500 in cash prizes. With a $50,000 first prize, this event on Rainy Lake attracts many of the best bass fishermen from all over North America. The winning weight for this three day event is usually in the 55 pound range. The tournament first ran in 1995 and has been growing in size and recognition ever since. KBI happens the 2nd week in August. This event on Lake of the Woods offers a $30,000 first prize. Anglers here have the opportunity to fish for largemouth or smallmouth bass. Largemouth have won the tournament more than smallmouth over the last few years. If the water is high, largemouth tend to win, if it is low, smallmouth will be more of a factor. The winning weight for this three day event will be in the 45-50 pound range. Ding Wang Ford Bass Tournaments is held every 2nd Sunday in August. This is a one day Bass Fishing Tournament that welcomes anglers of all ages. The tournament is held in Dryden on the Wabigoon Chain of Lakes. The smallmouth bass fishing tournament held on Dashawa, Crowrock and Turtle Lakes near Atikokan, Ontario. This chain of pristine northern waters has an abundance of big scrappy "smallies". Anyone who likes fishing can enter the competition. The Atikokan Bass Classic is known as the "funniest bass tournament in the Northwest". There are tournaments all over the world, like the Crow Lake Classic, the Last Chance Bass, the Stratton Fish Derby, the Agimak Lake Fishing Tournament, and the Whitefish Bay Fishing Derby just to name a few. Check in your local area for the next great tournament. |