Stratton fishing derby was a great catch!

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

While there was concern low water levels in the Rainy River might put a damper on the fishing opener, anglers young and old proved on Saturday there are still lots of fish in the Rainy River.
268 purchased buttons for this annual event held on opening weekend at the Morley River Front Park. And although the weather was decidedly brisk, and low water created some launch and landing problems, everyone was in good spirits.
Many of the pro anglers in the Emo Walleye Classic slated for this coming weekend were in evidence. They use the Stratton Tournament to do a little pre-fishing and gather some current intelligence on potential hot spots and lurking low water hazards.
There were reports of some “new” rocks and the Long Sault Rapids called for some ticklish navigation. More than one prop and skag will be into the welding shop for repairs this week.
“Aw, I wanted a new motor anyways,” was Alex Anderson’s philosophical comment on his encounter with a boulder.
By weigh-in deadline at 4:00 pm a good catch was ready for the filleting knives. As usual, the hardened pro’s were put to shame by the younger anglers. Kyle Mailnot took the honour for first fish weighed in- a northern.
Todd Brannan landed the biggest walleye at just under 8 lbs, while second spot was a tie with a pair of beauties around six pounds brought in by Diane Tetley of Thunder Bay and seven year old Jeremy Haw of Stratton. Tetley landed hers without a net, having it fall off her hook when she swung in over the boat.
Bert Sequin and Jason McQuaker took the honours in the bass class, while top spot for northerns went to Tommy Anderson jr. Jock Gemmel and Aaron Keffer tied for second. Official exact weights are not a big deal at this venue as all are in it for just a good time and the evidence is disposed of at supper.
And the crowd did more than justice to the catch, along with potluck dishes everyone brought along. As usual no one went hungry.
Socializing and a host of door prizes completed the evening, along with a whole new crop of ‘the one that got away’ tales to be related for years to come. Just goes to show you as the song says, “It alright to be little bitty”