July 13 saw anglers of all ages awake to an overcast morning for the Lund Angler Young Angler (AYA) tournament hosted by Guiho Saw Sales and Marine at the Cache Campground on beautiful Kenogamissi Lake.
After the rules meeting, anglers proceed to the starting line with hopes of claiming one of the top three prizes and maybe even the grand prize.
Last year’s tournament saw anglers fishing in calm winds, bright skies and hot temperatures. This year’s competitors faced scattered showers, overcast skies, hot temperatures, and windy periods throughout the day.
With all these weather changes happening, it was apparent that participants were still able to catch some nice walleye, evidenced by the bags of fish brought to the scales at the end of the day.
As the young anglers brought their fish to the scale, last year’s winners Yannick and Danny Germain came over to tell me about the two big fish they lost during the day. One, they said, came off at the boat before they could see it and the second one got caught in the main outboard, breaking off. Despite loosing these fish, they said they were happy that Taylor Klimczak was able to bring them out as their father was working night shift and unable to take part this year.
While waiting on the final weigh-ins to be announced, Meghan – a conservation officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – along with her dog Colt, put on a brief demonstration for everyone in attendance. Meghan got a huge laugh when she asked for a volunteer and then handed the lucky young angler a poop bag just in case Colt got nervous during the demonstration.
After the demonstration, Clint Chartrand announced the following top three winners of this Lund AYA Tournament:
• First Place winners taking home a 2.5 Suzuki outboard - Dan Secord, Lola Naveau, and Ameria Wesley
• Second Place winners of a MinKota trolling motor - Jeff, Joshua and Brody Vipond
• Third Place winners of a Lawrence fish finder - Jeff and Carter Lilko
Winners of the big fish replica donated by Mark Jensen were Dan Secord, Lola Naveau, and Ameria Wesley for their impressive 6.71 lb walleye. Although Dan had it on his line, Lola slid the net under it, making it a team effort.
The winner of the Lund A12 boat, trailer and Mercury 5 hp four-stroke outboard went to boat 21 – Neil, Noah and Kaithlyn Bangs.
Since this event is to encourage children to fish and have a chance to partake in tournament-style competition, each child went home with a prize.
Guhio Saw Sales and Marrine would like to thank Denis and Michelle Perrier of the Cache Campground, Lund Boats, sponsors of the tournament, and volunteers for making this another successful event.
If you haven't already entered in one the the Lund AYA Tournament, I highly recommend you give it a try next year. Not only will you be building memories, your children will thank you for the day of fishing.
