Jr. Walleye fishing tournament reels in 32 teams 

Tim Brody - Editor

The sun was shining, the fish were biting, and smiles could be seen on the faces of participants in this year’s Morgan Fuels Jr. Walleye Championship presented by the Sioux Lookout Anglers and Hunters.
Thirty-two teams took part in this year’s tournament on June 22, which took place on the MAPB lakes (Minnitaki, Abram, Pelican and Botsford). Each two-person team was able to submit four fish to be weighed with the top five highest weights in both age groups winning cash prizes. 
Teams were divided into under (10 and under) or over (11 - 17) age groups.
Winning first place in the 11-17 age group was the team of Reese Sitar and Darren Sitar, with a total weight of 8.13 pounds. 
Second place went to Keith Atwood and Brooks Atwood with a total weight of 7.43 pounds.
In third place was the team of BJ Egerter and Kendall Char Egerter with a total weight of 6.34 pounds.
In fourth place was the team of Karson Coughlin and James McKay with a total weight of 5.56 pounds.
Coming in fifth was the team of Justin McClure and Tara McClure with a total weight of 4.95 pounds.
In the 10 and under category, first place went to the team of Brandon Kamm and Hayley Kamm with a total weight of 10.78 pounds.
Coming in second was the team of Travis Stromness and Archer Stromness with a total weight of 9.82 pounds.
Third place went to the team of Derrick Sawdo and Brody Courchene with a total weight of 8.89 pounds.
Fourth place went to Kaydi Kondra and Scarlett Hogan with a total weight of 8.13 pounds.
Fifth place went to the team of Jesse Gerula and Grady Gerula with a total weight of 6.94 pounds.
First place won $600, second prize won $400, third prize won $200, fourth prize won $100 and fifth prize won $50.
Dryden anglers Travis Stromness and son Archer Stromness said they had fun participating in the tournament.
“We just found out about it two days ago,” Travis Stromness shared. “He (Archer) did good in school this year, so I figured, congratulations, let’s go fish the tournament.”
Archer Stromness said he had fun fishing with his dad, something they do quite often.
Darren Sitar said it was a good day out on the water with his niece Reese Sitar.
“Got to go out. Tell stories, have a little friendly competition with my brother and her brother, so it was good,” he said.
Reese said she enjoys fishing with her uncle in the tournament each year.
The team improved upon their second place finish last year.
Morgan Fuels President Darrell Morgan said he’s been happy to be the title sponsor of the tournament right from the start.
“Just a good event for the community and to get the youth out on the lake and fishing and enjoying the outdoors and having a great time,” he said.
Morgan and other members of his staff helped volunteer during the event.
“Thanks to the Anglers and Hunters for putting it on. Good volunteer group that made it happen and everybody got to enjoy it,” Morgan said. 
Jennifer Thomas, Communications and Community Engagement Lead for First Mining Gold, said the company was happy to support the tournament.
“We jumped on a couple of weeks ago, reached out to BJ (Egerter-tournament coordinator) to see if there was any additional support we could give… First Mining are always willing, of course, to sponsor in the community,” she shared.
Jr. Walleye fishing tournament coordinator BJ Egerter said it was fantastic to have 32 teams take part in the tournament this year.
“Five more than last year. Three teams travelling from Dryden. Couldn’t ask for any better and it was a great day,” he said.
“I was little worried around 10 o’clock, clouds were rolling in, but they kept on going and brought the sun out,” he continued.
Egerter said this was the event’s 10th anniversary, not counting 2020 when the tournament was not able to run due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was meant to get families out enjoying the day, a little bit of competition between parents or families. Everyone seemed to have a good day,” he said.
Egerter thanked all of the anglers who participated in the tournament as well as all of the volunteers and sponsored who helped make the event happen.
“Morgan Fuels, they’ve been with us since the beginning and we’ve added First Mining Gold this year. They’ve stepped up this year adding to the top five prize take homes and some extra giveaways for us as well,” Egerter said.
He also thanked Al’s Sports Excellence, Clark’s Bait and Tackle, and Lac Seul Tackle - Peter Barclay, for their support of the tournament this year.