Gorilla Cup - Quenching Thirsts for the 5th Year!!!

I was hoping the smell of our new puppy Berkley would help put Dog Lake fish in the boat but alas, although the fish didn't want to come see us and spend time in our live well, we caught some decent bass and had a blast. Sure, placing is what we're all hoping for but really, I feel that if we don't have any break downs, my partner doesn't want to throw me out of the boat and vice-versa with cooperating weather, I call that a successful day in my world. ...Oh yeah, winning a $100 gift cert. for the Keg and 2 x $50 gift cards for Solar Bat sunglasses on draw prizes did help too. I don't know the Dog, Cranberry, Whitefish lakes and when my Dad was a guide on Dog, I seemed to always be fishing Lakers with him. He spent too much time fishing bass and pike with clients and liked the change. So it's always interesting and fun to fish newer water with different techniques and focus. I must admit...it's been a long, long time since I've spent time flipping for largies. I now realize that I think I've been spoiled fishing smallies on Lake O. Wow am I ever rusty with the big sticks! :-) What I thoroughly enjoy most of this tournament is the fun and comradely of those fishing. Marco and his family spend an incredible amount of time preparing for the event that this year helped raise over $4,000 for the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre and honors his Father . Having lost mine last year, I can't think of a better way that Marco and his family can do that. Watching them smiling and laughing with everyone, and his little girl running around having fun, makes it even that more special. This event is the one I look forward to the most and am always amazed on how smoothly the process is from start to finish. I will say however, and this is a good thing, Seeley's Bay has become a bit small for the event in my opinion with over 60 teams having competed. This event is a perfect opportunity to fish on all levels and I can't think of a better venue to get young people involved in tournament fishing. From the very well-run and exciting weigh-in process with 100% successfully live released fish, the time and opportunity to teach young people about proper fish management, spending time with our future anglers and of course, the free hotdogs and burgers, this is the type of event that's needed to continue growing our sport. I'm sure that's a huge consideration for Marco and family and I will say, they hit it out of the park! I'd like to thank my fishing partner and friend Wayne Shorrock. He's not only one of the most knowledgeable people I know on lakes around our area and amazing largemouth fishers, but an awesome and fun guy to fish with. We're already looking forward to next year. Marco - I'm sure you once again made your Dad very proud buddy and hope you get some well deserved rest and relaxation. Congratulations to the winners but more so, to Marco, his family and those that volunteer to help. Cheers, Paul