When people hear the words “Pro Bass Fishing” they probably think of high profile tournament anglers, wearing jackets covered in patches from sponsors and fishing tournaments from coast to coast in just about every body of water you can think of. Usually the main thought is of pros involved in B.A.S.S. or FLW tournaments for large sums of money and major recognition from a national TV audience. Nobody ever thinks of the great white north when it comes to big money, highly skilled anglers and national recognition... but perhaps it’s time to give Canada a little credit
What is the difference between tournament circuits like B.A.S.S. and their Canadian equivalents, like the C.F.T. (Canadian Fishing Tour)? As of right now, not much. Sure B.A.S.S. has the fancy television effects and market backing of the ESPN sports network, but maybe in the not so distant future CFT could be receiving the same recognition as they are now shown on the Global (Prime) telivision network. The fact of the matter is, that professional bass fishing in Canada has taken it’s first big steps to becoming internationally known. With the past few year’s introduction of the Canadian Fishing Tour, and all of it’s many divisions and seeming take over of Canadian bass fishing, it isn’t hard to see that they are becoming a driving force in the world of pro angling. CFT now owns “NEOBA”, which is the northeastern division and “SWOBA” which would be the south western division. These are all in Ontario, for now... but it is known that the bass species also now stretches into Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Bass tournaments are starting to be held all the way across the country. Is it only a matter of time before we see divisions of the CFT outside of Ontario?
What about high profile “celebrity” fishermen like Roland Martin, Kevin Van Dam, Hank Parker and countless others who have reached fame through professional fishing? You gotta be kidding me if you think Canada has none of these! We have national fishing stars that grew famous through fishing tournaments. Those like legendary Bob & Wayne Izumi, Reno & Angelo Viola, Pete Bowman, Rocky Crawford, and lots more high profile fishermen exist here in Canada and are attracting more and more attention to the sport. Every year, anglers from Canada, the United States, Japan and other countries come to participate in the CFT Canadian Open, which is an open Pro/Am tournament held on Lake St. Clair. They are also now holding another open Pro/Am tournament right in the heart of Ontario, Toronto called the CFT Ontario Place Open. This promises to be an interesting event on Lake Ontario, as the big water can be challenging to say the least. Toronto is not exactly known for exceptional bass fishing, although the fishing around the Toronto Islands is said to be great. Winning pros will most likely find a trophy smallmouth pattern, and let me tell you everybody in this tournament, no matter where they are from are going to be having challenges.
Bass is not the only species of choice for professional anglers in Canada. In fact, walleye tournament angling may be on a major rise as well, and there is no better walleye fishing found than right here in Canada. Walleye are found here in Ontario in great numbers, but the reason professional walleye fishing may take off is because their range is much larger than that of the bass. Walleye can be found in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, making them a very adverse species. Walleye fishing does not have the same fan following as professional bass fishing, but it’s getting there. CFT also has a walleye division, and Manitoba is host to several high profile walleye tournaments that attract international attention. Is it only a matter of time before a professional walleye tour steps up to the plate and gets it’s own television coverage? I certainly wouldn’t be surprised.
So we’ve got the TV coverage, the national following and all the trimmings.. But one question remains. Do we have the high stakes that American tournaments involve? You better believe we do! The winner of CFT’s National Classic in September takes home a huge cash prize (determined by amount of tournament entries/overall entries throughout the year) as well as a fully equipped Triton bass boat, valued at $55, 000!! And that’s just ONE tournament. For the 1-day series they win a bass boat package worth $45, 000 and a huge cash prize as well. For CFT’s Ontario Place Open tournament, the top payout for 1st place is $100, 000 CASH, plus a Triton bass boat package valued at $60, 000. This isn’t dinky amounts, this is life altering amounts of money being offered in Canadian bass tournaments. So once again, I must ask you.. What is the difference between U.S. and Canadian tournament circuits?
I think it’s about time Canada was given the credit and recognition it deserves as a nation with a definitive pro fishing following. The number of Canadian tournament anglers is on the rise. If you hit just about any large body of water in Ontario during the summer weekends, you’re probably accompanied by several tournament anglers, either in competition or pre-fish. Many Canadians are beginning to make a living at this sport and are living their dreams. The only drawback to Canadian tournament fishing is the relatively short fishing season. The U.S. has year round fishing opportunities to it’s larger circuits, while Canada has a closed season in most areas from November 30th to the last Saturday in June. While this is a definite drawback, it is not as big of a handicap as you may think. Professional fishing is still going strong, and getting stronger every year. The emergence of the CFT is a driving point that could give Canada the edge we need.
I guess the best way to put it, is that if Professional fishing was an Olympic sport, Canada would have as good a chance at the gold medal as any other country, even the mighty United States!
