It’s all happening May 23 - 25!
The Original Six!
The joy of fi shing in the Emo Walleye Classic never gets old for these six gentlemen. Jim Steele, left, Dennis Smith, Frank Grunewald, Frank McWhinnie, Doug McBride, and Steve Ballan all have fi shed every EWC tournament since its inception 18 years ago.
Team #1, Oliver Gibbins and Les Morrison are pictured waiting for their fl ight to take off in last year’s Emo Walleye Classic. They defended their 2017 win with a haul of 19.53 pounds to claim their second- straight title.
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Offer ends May 31, 2019. Visit yamaha-motor.ca to view deals on all Yamaha outboards. C2 FORT FRANCES TIMES Wednesday, May 22, 2019 system excluding all rivers and streams flowing into or out of Defending champs eyeing ‘three-peat’ the Rainy River and excluding the American side of the river. By Jamie Mountain ished second to Morrison and “We’ll pre-fish there [near the Staff writer Gibbins, with the latter claiming west-end] the day before the [email protected] the 2017 tourney with a total tournament, I think,” said Gib- of 22.03 pounds compared to bins. Winning the Emo Walleye their 11.22 total. “We’ll probably head down Classic even just once is a tough Morrison and Gibbins there and see what it’s like. Usu- challenge. claimed the first-flight big catch ally we’re just stuck to our area Twice in a row? The degree of prize both days last year, adding but now you got all that bound- difficulty rises. a Day 2 total of 7.90 pounds to ary, so we’ll probably head But for Oliver Gibbins and Les the 11.63 they had tallied on down that way for pre-fishing Morrison, their sights are set on Day 1. and if it doesn’t work out, we’ll an unthinkable third-straight They brought the house just keep scrambling around.” crown as they head into the down on Day 1 with a Gibbins noted that he and 18th-annual tournament that 6.09-pound lunker that ended Morrison are feeling the pres- runs tomorrow through Satur- up as the biggest fish of the day. sure ahead of this year’s tour- day. Morrison and Gibbins also ney as being the two-time de- “It was quite thrilling,” Gib- nearly had the biggest catch on fending champs, but that they’ll bins, a Morson native, said about Day 2 but their 4.09-pounder do their best to rise above any winning back-to-back titles at was just .10 of a pound shy of challenges that pressure brings. the EWC with Baudette’s Mor- Bryan Bonot and Callum McCor- “There’s definitely pressure rison. mick’s catch. there all the time, but we’ll just “We were pretty pumped Heading into tomorrow, Gib- go out and fish like we normally that we did it two years in a bins noted that the pair’s pre- do,” he noted. row, we didn’t expect that,” he fishing plans this year will be As for what he and Morrison conceded. much the same as it has been in enjoy most about competing in It didn’t take long for the de- years past. the EWC, Gibbins said that they fending champs to let the rest “I think we’re gonna go out like the central location of the of the competition know they Saturday and fish the fish derby tourney. were going to be in for a tough in Stratton, they have the open- “I like the location. It’s a great weekend at last year’s tourney. er every year,” Gibbins told the area; it’s right smack dab in the Gibbins and Morrison wowed Times last week. middle of Rainy River way. You the crowd with a Day 1 total of “And that’s just kind of like a 2017 and 2018 Emo Walleye Champs! can fish east or west and basi- 11.63 pounds and never looked fun time. You go and fish that take the kids out fishing there likely implement the same one thing], we’ll just start scram- cally cover the whole river now,” back as they claimed the EWC and then we kind of get an and we’ll be pre-fishing at the they have used for their success bling around and do our usual he noted. title for the second-straight year. idea of what’s happening on same time. We’ll pre-fish some in past years. thing—get in panic mode and “It’s a perfect spot, you know. The duo took home the the river the week before [the local [fishing] holes in the area, “We always know where start running and gunning.” Perfect spot if you want to go $7,500 winners’ cheque after tourney] and then we’ll pre-fish see how they are and take a kid we’re gonna go, so we’ll just A new rule change to this east or west and like I said, it’s topping the 31-boat field with maybe a day or two before the fishing,” he added. pre-fish the area the day be- year’s tourney will see the west- smack dab right in the middle a two-day total of 19.53 pounds, tournament. “Take a kid who may have fore and hopefully if that’s go- end boundary for the tourna- of the river system. which was 8.31 pounds more “We’ll probably do that not ever been fishing before, ing good, we’ll just go check ment be the mouth of the river “That and I love going to the than the runner-up team of Dan kids’ derby [Kids Gone Fishing] hopefully put them on a fish or it out—and even if we don’t at Lake of the Woods to the Fort arena,” he enthused. and Josh Pollard (11.22). though this year,” he revealed. two.” catch anything—we’ll probably Frances dam. “That’s another good thing. I It also was the second- “We’re gonna participate in In terms of strategy for this still go to our area there and just This change will allow teams like the way they weigh our fish straight year the Pollards fin- that. Go out for a couple hours, year’s tourney, Gibbins noted scope it out,” he noted. to fish the entire Rainy River and it’s always a good time.” that he and Morrison would “And if there [isn’t any- Plenty in store for EWC this year Get your By Jamie Mountain “If anyone is willing to do- Staff writer nate just a few hours, we could Groove On [email protected] always find a spot for you!” “ ” The competition itself gets at the Emo La Vallee Arena There will be plenty of events started on Friday with the Day in store, and no shortage of fun, 1 boat launch at 8 a.m., with a Saturday, May 25th for all who plan to attend the second flight launching at 8:30. 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. 18th-annual Emo Walleye Clas- The Day 2 launches will go at sic this week. the same times, with weigh-ins With a talented local DJ The tourney officially kicks starting at 4:30 p.m. on Day 1 $10 admission at the door / Age of Majority off tomorrow with the “Kids and then at 4 on Day 2. Above, Team 21, Taylor Harbort and Trapper Bahr, Gone Fishing” event from 1:30- Events not on the water in- 3:30 p.m. clude a fish fry hosted by the headed out with their fl ight in last year’s tournament. The event is open to all stu- Emo Legion on Friday evening The pair fi nished in eighth place. dents in Grades 5-8, who will be from 5-7 p.m. paired up with anglers that are Cost is $18/plate for adults, Below, with coffees in hand, Team #24, Shirley McQuaker fishing in the tournament. $6 for kids aged 6-12, and free and Rylan McQuaker wait for their fl ight to leave. EMO DRUGS “We have approximately 10 for those five-and-under. Front Street, Emo Welcomes you kids fishing in the ‘Kids Gone The tournament champions’ 482-2430 to attend the Fishing’ this year, that’s what we trophy presentation will take were hoping for,” said EWC di- place at 6:30 p.m., with the Emo 18th Anniversary rector of marketing and night- Legion putting on a prime rib time entertainment Leeann Ga- dinner from 5-7 p.m. of the lusha. It will be served by Emo Le- May “Just seeing kids enjoying gion members and costs $25 a Emo Walleye Classic the outdoors is always a good person. rd thing. They get to spend time DJ Party Rock—talented lo- 23 with well known local fisher- cal DJ Melanie Williams—then men who may (or may not) tell will take the stage to close out th them their secret spots,” she the tourney beginning at 9 p.m. 24 chuckled. The concert is age of majority “It’s a good thing because and tickets can be purchased at maybe it’ll get them excited for the door for $10. & when they’re old enough to be Another popular attraction able to fish in this tournament throughout the tournament th Proud Gold Sponsor of themselves.” will be the penny table, featur- 25 The angler boat parade, ing many donations from area the 2019 Emo Walleye Classic. which was brought back last merchants. Good luck to all anglers & organizers! year after a one-year hiatus, will follow at 5:30 p.m. The lineup from the west end of town will be at 5 p.m., with Your complete Husqvarna Automower the parade to start at 5:30. Ideal for up to 1.25 acre properties Volunteer check-in then will YARD & • Available options: auto passage take place at the Emo/La Vallee handling • 45% slope performance Arena from 6:30-8 p.m., with the GARDEN • large HMI display • PIN code & reading of the tournament rules also happening from 7-7:30 p.m. CARE CENTRE alarm • compact & lightweight Galusha said that the tour- • energy-saving mode (ECO) nament could use some extra • weather timer • GPS nav hands. Have a • home button • opt. headlights “We are still in need of vol- PERFECT LAWN • painted hubcaps unteers for the penny table, $ • remote start • Automower® clean-up, and to bartend,” she Hwy 11/71, Emo Ontario • 482-2580 www.northcountrytw.ca • [email protected] 24/7 Starting at 1,899 Connect app remarked. Plus install.
Proud sponsor of the Darren Blattner Enterprises Proud Sponsor Emo Walleye is announcing a change in ownership of the of its Propeller and Skeg Business in Emo, Ontario. Emo Classic Cliff Waldner, of Arc Prop Repair Congratulations on a job well in Alberton, Ontario Walleye is pleased to serve the Rainy River District and beyond by done to all volunteers and providing the same service Darren has for the past 25 years. Classic board members. It’ll be business as usual at Blattner Enterprises in Emo where May 23, 24 & 25 Cliff and Darren will be working together to ensure a smooth transition Best of luck to all anglers! of the business and services until July 2, 2019. Good luck to all participating anglers and volunteers. Following July 2nd, Cliff will be your guy for all prop and skeg repairs Special thank you to all board members, at his Alberton Township shop located on HWY 602, Fire #1810. your time does not go unnoticed. Any questions you have can be answered easily by calling Darren’s Shop: 807-482-2693 or by emailing: [email protected].
Since 1972 Darren would like to thank all those who have helped Canning Lane, Emo 482 2017 make his business a success in the past 25 years. Norlund Oil www.emofeeds.com [email protected] It’s been a pleasure serving you. 6115 Hwy. 11/71 West, Box 266, Emo, ON P0W 1E0 807-482-2680 Phone • 807-482-2014 Fax Wednesday, May 22, 2019 FORT FRANCES TIMES C3 Smallmouth shootout at Sturgeon Bay
Team 25, Jason and Dylan Tessier cruised for lunkers during the 2018 Emo Walleye Tournament.
Several anglers from North- west Ontario spent last week in Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. participat- EWC shaping up nicely ing in the annual Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament on Lake By Jamie Mountain Registration is open to all Ca- Any cancellations up until Michigan. Staff writer nadian and U.S.-born residents 30 days before the tournament It is a premier team event, [email protected] aged 12 and over. date will be refunded half of the similar to our top bass tourna- The cost is set at $500 per entry fee ($250) but any can- ments in this area, the Kenora The 18th-annual Emo Wall- team, which can be done by cellations that come within 30 Bass International and the Fort eye Classic is slated to kick off downloading the and submit- days of the start of the tourna- Frances Canadian Bass Cham- tomorrow and preparation for ting the 2019 team entry form ment will not receive a refund. pionship. this year’s tourney has been go- at www.emowalleye.com As well, each contestant must It has a long history and an- ing well. As well, there is a $100 non- be licensed according to the glers from our area have been A few changes this year has refundable entry fee deposit, Ontario Recreational Regula- fishing it for years, even winning opened the boundaries to the and payments must be made in tions. it several times. west in order to get more par- full before the rules meeting on A full set of tournament rules Dave Bennett and I fished the ticipants as well as anglers be- the evening of May 23. can be found online at www. tournament together for eight ing allowed to have more time “So far I think the preparation emowalleye.com/rules or nine years in a row and al- to fish out on the water both has been going well,” Galusha For more information, call ways had a good time but since days. enthused. Colleen Vennechenko at 482- I’ve started fishing the tourna- we have on our lakes here so it’s We decided on day two that “Like every year, our goal is to “We’ve welcomed a few new 2171. ments down south in recent like venturing out on the ocean. we would stay close to the take- see more people enter the tour- committee members this year “As I said earlier we’ve years, I have had scheduling When the wind blows, it gets off area where we felt like we nament—especially since it’s and new ideas are always a plus. opened up the boundary to the conflicts and have missed the rough and that can take the fun had the best chance to catch always the first one of the year,” We are down to [the tourna- West. We’ve also changed the Sturgeon Bay Open three of the out of fishing that big water the biggest fish and make some noted EWC director of market- ment] just being days away, so hours to return, giving the an- past four years. pretty quick because there is sort of comeback. It is no se- ing and Nighttime Entertain- we’ve been busy getting every- glers a little more fishing time,” Since our Bassmaster Elite nowhere to hide. cret that the biggest fish con- ment Leeann Galusha. thing finalized,” she added. Galusha added about what the Series event in Oklahoma got Last week we were lucky to sistently show up in that area “We’ve opened up the All contestants must sign community should know about cancelled last week at the last get nice weather during the but during the few days we had boundaries this year in hopes a liability waiver and those this year’s EWC. minute, Seth Feider, one of my days leading up to the tourna- to practice we were not able that it’ll bring more registrants younger than 18 years of age “We also have a local DJ for competitors on the Elite Series ment which made it enjoyable to find them. Fortunately for to participate in this wonderful must have a parent or guardian the dance Saturday night and who is from Minnesota and I to be out there. us, the wind moved the fish event.” sign a consent form and liability [we are] looking forward to see- teamed up and stopped at Stur- Things changed however around and they showed up Tournament boundaries will waiver. ing you all,” she enthused. geon Bay on the way home. when the tournament started. on a few places where we had be from the dam in Fort Fran- Sturgeon Bay is located on We were greeted with strong caught them in the past. We ces to the mouth of the river at the Door County Peninsula, north winds rolling right into had a much better day, with Lake of the Woods (there is a about 45 minutes north of the the takeoff area. our five fish limit weighing wind sock located at Wheeler’s city of Green Bay. When Bennett Over the years, tournament 26.98 pounds, including a 7.05 Point which will be used as the and I first visited Sturgeon Bay, days have been cancelled a few pounder that Seth caught. boundary). a four pound smallmouth was times on strong wind days, gen- It just missed winning big All creeks and rivers flowing considered a big fish, similar to erally if the area was hit with a bass of the tournament. Our into the Rainy River are out of our area but over the past ten small craft warning and we were rally gave us a two day total of bounds. years there has been an explo- really close to that happening 46.87 pounds and landed us This change will allow teams sion in the size of the fish there both days over the weekend in 16th place at the end of the to fish the entire Rainy River and now if you weigh in any but we ended up going. weekend so we made enough system excluding all rivers and four pound fish you probably This time of year, most of money to pay for the week in streams flowing into or out of aren’t going to stand a chance the bass are shallow as they Sturgeon Bay. the Rainy River and excluding at winning the two day event. prepare to spawn along the Wisconsin anglers Corey the American side of the river. Over the years, my biggest shoreline in the coming weeks Sprengel and Ryan Dempsey As of last Thursday, 28 teams Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers, smallmouth there was a 7.60 but they are constantly moving won the tournament with 52.49 had signed up to participate in participants and sponsors of the 18th Annual pound fish and I have seen a around, usually to wherever the pounds for ten bass! this year’s tourney. few other seven pound fish warmest water is and when the The big fish of the tourna- Galusha was hopeful that a Emo Walleye Classic! brought aboard as well as quite wind changes direction it alters ment was 7.13 pounds. It is full field of 30 teams could be a few six pound smallmouths. where the fish will show up. quite the fishery. reached ahead of the first fight Constituency Offi ce Thirty pound-plus limits for five The first day of the tourna- After being on the road for boat launch on Friday morning. 271 Scott Street, Fort Frances, ON P7A 1G8 fish are not that rare. It’s pretty ment we ran all over the place a few weeks I’m very excited to “We are anticipating at least (807) 274.4344 • [email protected] amazing. but it was a tough day for us get home and enjoy some of 30 [teams] but there’s still room drusnak.liberal.ca The wildcard when you fish and we just never landed on our fantastic fishing in Sunset for more for any of those last the Great Lakes, which all fea- a big school of fish. Our five Country for the next while. minute people,” she stressed. @rusnak2015 @donrusnak_mp ture excellent smallmouth fish- fish limit weighed 19.89 pounds “More people, the merrier!” ing is the weather. The water is and that landed us in 57th place big without any of the islands in the 135 team field. BEST OF LUCK Fish the TO ALL THE ANGLERS! Proud sponsor of the 2019 Clearwater, Emo Walleye Classic Congratulations May 23, 24 & 265 on your 18th Anniversary! Pipestone,
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LAKE DESPAIR LODGE Nestled in the Heart of Ontario’s Sunset Country 30 miles Northwest of the Fort Frances/International Falls Border. • Housekeeping Cabins • Full Service Campground • Boat & Motor Rentals Best Wishes & • Guide Service for Fishing & Hunting • Shore Lunch Box Service Available • Convenience Store Congratulations “Creating memorable vacations that will Hunting & Fishing Licences Available For further information please call: to all 2019 Anglers & Organizers have you returning for generations to come!” 1-807-486-0532 Call 807-482-2018 • 1-800-363-2018 www.lakedespairlodge.com of the 18th Emo Walleye Classic. www.rosscamp.com • email: fi [email protected] CASTIN’ FOR CASH July 5th & 6th C4 FORT FRANCES TIMES Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Activities for EVERYONE in the family during the Emo Walleye Classic!
Kids Gone Fishing! 2019 TEAMS 1 Les Morrison ...... Oliver Gibbons 2 Dan Pollard ...... Josh Pollard 3 Bill Godin ...... Nolan Mann 4 Riley Caul ...... Jon Barker Kids Gone Fishing is open to students in grades 5 to 8. In this event, the kids will be paired with 5 Todd Grennier ...... Kalin Grennier an angler from the championship and spend two hours fi shing with the pros. Each child will also receive a gift bag and meal voucher for Gropp’s Chip Truck located at the Arena. 6 Grant Swire ...... Leroy Wilson L-R: Maccie Gibson, Aynsley Teeple, Addison Hyatt, Mathew Fuhrer, Spencer Boles, Benjamin 7 Trapper Bahr ...... Taylor Harbort Boettcher, Malcolm Martin, McKenna McTavish, Dax Laplante, Aiyana Cochrane 8 Travis Wood ...... Erin Wood 9 Jim Steele ...... Ed Bullied Fish Fry Watch the Friday 10 Tim Blair ...... Keith Blair weigh-ins at 11 Patrick Mills ...... Greg Mills Prime Rib the arena! 12 Doug McBride ...... Steve Ballan Saturday 13 Aaron Bisson...... Chad Jack Angler 14 Dennis Smith ...... Terry Allan Parade! 15 Frank Grunewald ...... Frank McWhinnie 16 Irwin Hughes ...... Amber Hughes 17 Ed Carlson ...... Jason McQuaker 18 Cody McKinnon ...... Brian McKinnon 19 Ted Heyens ...... Kelvin Caul 20 Ryan O’Connor ...... Patrick LeMaistre 21 Darwin Thompson ...... Rick Thompson BIG Starting at 5:30pm and proceeding down Front Street, the 22 Greg Hartlin ...... Tyler Cousineau parade is a great way to see all the anglers and their boats. Many 23 Bryan Bonot ...... Callum McCormick MONEY! anglers will have some treats to share with the kids as well! 24 Travis Rob ...... Scott Lawrence 25 Keith Wilson ...... Roy Morrison Team #3 Todd Grennier 26 Billy Fedorkiw ...... Lisa Smith and Kailn Grennier 27 Dale Hartlin ...... Curtis Hartlin 28 Carter Robinson ...... Ryan Redford 29 Shirley McQuaker ...... Karsyn McQuaker
Team #18 Irwin Hughes Find out more at www.emowalleye.com and Amber Hughes SCHEDULE OF EVENTS May 23 - May 25, 2019
THURSDAY, MAY 23 DAY TWO - FRIDAY, MAY 24 DAY THREE - SATURDAY, MAY 25 Kids Gone Fishing 1:30 - 3:30 pm First Flight TakeoɈ 8:00 am First Flight TakeoɈ 8:00 am • Fish with an angler! Front St. Boat Launch Front Street Boat Launch Front Street Boat Launch • All kids will receive a gift bag including a meal voucher Second Flight TakeoɈ 8:30 am Second Flight TakeoɈ 8:30 am for Gropp’s Chip Truck at the arena Front Street Boat Launch Front Street Boat Launch • Open to any students in grades 5 to 8 • Entry/Consent forms must be received by May 15th Vendors & Bar Open 12:00 pm - 12:00 am Vendors & Bar Open 12:00 pm - 1:00 am • Penny Table Emo/LaVallee Arena • Penny Table-Draw at 7 p.m. Emo/LaVallee Arena Angler Parade • Information booth & Gropp’s Chip Truck open • Gropp’s Chip Truck open • Lineup at west end of town 5:00 pm oɈ ering a wide variety of tasty treats! oɈ ering a wide variety of tasty treats! • Parade begins 5:30 pm • 10 x $50 Participation Prizes First Flight Returns 4:30 pm First Flight Returns 3:30 pm - random draw for participating teams. Front Street Boat Launch Front Street Boat Launch 5:00 pm 4:00 pm Vendors & Bar Open 5:00 pm - 12 am Second Flight Returns Second Flight Returns Emo/LaVallee Arena Front Street Boat Launch Front Street Boat Launch Penny Table Open 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Weigh-in Begins! 4:30 pm Weigh-in Begins! 4:00 pm Emo/LaVallee Arena Emo/LaVallee Arena Emo/LaVallee Arena Fish Fry 5:00 - 7:00 pm Tournament Champions 6:30 pm Volunteer Check-In 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm • Served by Emo Legion Emo/LaVallee Arena Presentation! Emo/LaVallee Arena Emo/LaVallee Arena • Adults $18, Ages 6-12 $10, Ages 5 & under Free Prime Rib Dinner 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Reading of the Rules 7:00 - 7:30 pm • Served by Emo Legion Emo/LaVallee Arena Emo/LaVallee Arena • $25/plate Penny Table Draw 7:00 pm Emo/LaVallee Arena Get Your Groove On 9:00 pm - 1:00 am with DJ Party Rock! Emo/LaVallee Arena • Talented local DJ! SPONSORED BY: • Admission $10 at the door. Age of Majority. Fort Frances Times Times Web Design Tompkins Hardware Find out more at B93 The Border & many more! www.emowalleye.com