Money won at ‘Fish or No Fish’

By Heather Ogilvie
Fort Frances Times

FORT FRANCES—The top prizes up for grabs weren’t won during the inaugural “Fish or No Fish” game—similar to NBC’s hit show “Deal or No Deal”—held Monday night under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
But two lucky contestants did walk away with some cash.
Steve Sus, 19, of Fort Frances was selected for the first game, which had a top prize of $10,000.
After choosing a sealed tackle box from 26 containing a certain dollar value inside, ranging from $1 to the top amount, Sus began to eliminate the remaining ones.
When he received his second offer of $1,502 from “The Captain” to sell his box, after opening 11 others, he decided to take the deal.
The second round, which held the possibility of dishing out $25,000, had 20-year-old Tyler Krzoska of International Falls up on stage.
His first offer from “The Captain” was $2,562, but with the audience cheering, he pressed forward.
After opening five more tackle boxes, he was tempted with $2,469, but the top prize was still up for grabs, so he continued on.
Four more boxes were opened and he was told by “The Captain” he was “slowly sinking.” Krzoska then accepted the next offer of $2,585.
“It was awesome,” he enthused afterwards. “It’s a lot of money . . . I’ll definitely be back next year.”
The 52 “Tackle Boxes of Fortune” used in the games then were drawn as door prizes, with many audience members taking home more than $50 worth of tackle, lines, and lures.
And to wrap up the evening, a grand door prize—a trip for two to a warm, exotic locale—was won by Jaymee Martin of Waterloo, who promised to take her mom, Shelly, with her.
FFCBC festivities continue Tuesday night under the big tent when “Kiddie Quest” and “Quest for the Best” take the stage starting at 6 p.m.
Tickets cost $12 in advance (at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office on Scott Street) or $15 at the door (if there are any still left).
A “Battle of the Bands” will follow.
Then Wednesday, the annual parade of boats starts at 5 p.m. from Fourth Street West, followed by hypnotist Michael Leach at 9 p.m. under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina.
Tournament fishing gets underway Thursday morning.