One angler has fished them all

[Spiel]

One angler has fished them all

 

 

 

December 24, 2008

Jeff Gustafson / kenoradailyminer

 

 

Northwestern Ontario’s two big bass tournaments, the Kenora Bass International and the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships, are two of the finest open bass tournaments in North America. No other team events attract the number of anglers, the media attention or the large crowds that these two events garner each year.

 

Neither of these events would be possible without all the fine support they get from sponsors, both local and national, and all the volunteers that contribute countless hours each year to make these events the successes that they are.

 

This past summer, one angler was acknowledged by both tournament organizations for being the only angler who has fished all 21 Kenora Bass Internationals and all 14 editions of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships. That angler is Frank McClymont from Kenora. McClymont has racked up a number of top ten finishes in those years and has had a lot of fun along the way. It should be noted he has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon as he is already signed up for next year’s events.

 

“I have a lot of great memories from each event and it’s tough to pick a favourite, but if I had to, my best memory from the KBI was when my partner Al Carlson and I were picked to be on Team Canada for the first time in the early years of the Can-Am challenge. In those days, the teams were handpicked and always included the Lindners, Izumis and other big name guys so it was fun to be associated with all those accomplished anglers.

 

“As for the FFCBC, my best memory there is without a doubt the first time that my son Terry and I were pulled through the tent in the boat parade on day 3. It is a rush to go through the tent there and to do it with your son makes it that much more special.”

 

The KBI started with 43 teams back in 1988 and the tournament has gone through many changes over the years. McClymont remembers the early years.

 

“That first year, we (all 40 boats) lined up and they fired a shotgun to start us off. Today we have a much safer trickle start. Both tournaments have evolved into first rate professional events that have raised the bar in tournament organizing. As well, both tournaments are led by a very committed group of volunteers with unbelievable community support.”

 

What about the future of these two events? McClymont feels the future of these tournaments is bright but they depend on community support and involvement.

 

“There will always be willing anglers, many of us old-timers and every year there are young kids that keep coming along that have the right stuff to succeed in this sport. The concern I have is the need to attract new people to help with these events. I have had the opportunity to help and fish and both are very rewarding. Sponsorship is also important, especially in these times. Right now, we have solid sponsor support, but these events would not be possible without it. If anybody wants to become involved with these events either as a volunteer or a sponsor, I encourage you to make the call ... We Need You.”

 

Few anglers that fish all the tournaments in Sunset Country have earned the respect and friendships that McClymont has over the years and he should be proud of that. McClymont also noted his success at these events would not be possible without the support from his own personal sponsors Woodlake Marine, Mercury Marine, Lund Boats, Pure Fishing and Northland Fishing Tackle. “I look forward to many more years of pure enjoyment.”