Ten year old Jason Goldamer (at right) took first place in the Kid Pro
Fishing Tournament on Sunday. Goldamer, who is a grade six student from
Robert Moore School in the Fort, teamed up with Pros Gene and Kirk
Boyer from Minnesota for a three fish one day catch of 11.44lbs. That
total was more than a full pound ahead of the second place team Garnet
Paxson and his mentors Keith and Terry Wilson of Fort Frances, while
Tanner Bell and Pros Trevor Guderyan and Guntram Keck from Keewaitin
took third. Bell landed the largest Bass of the tournament with a
5.19lb catch.
Less than ideal weather conditions greeted the anglers on the opening
day of the 11th Annual Canadian Bass Championship. Oppressive
temperatures in the mid 30’s and strong winds made for a
memorable day on the water. Goldamer, who had never been on a Bass Boat
before commented that the whole experience was “awesome”!
“The waves were wicked big,” he said, “but I want to
thank the people who provided this opportunity.”
Kirk Boyer (above left) who accompanied Goldamer to the stage
couldn’t help but get in a dig to his partner Gene. “Jason
casts better than my partner,” he chided.
Although each of the young anglers received a round of applause the
largest was reserved for the Pro anglers who took the day off from
‘pre-fishing’ the lake to work with the children. “If
you don’t think this is important,” added commentator Paul
Morrison, “take a look at the smiles on their faces.”
The Kid Pro Tournament is an opportunity for the young anglers to learn
to fish responsibly as well as successfully. Before competing in the
tournament they were required to complete a one-day classroom session
covering boating safety, the proper handing of fish and their safe
return to the water.
Each of the forty young anglers received a tackle box and fishing rod
courtesy of Rainy Lake Sports and Tackle and Richard’s Rod and
Reel. Other sponsors were: Robin’s Donuts, The Place Foodtown,
Canadian Tire and Rick Sockolotuk
