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The International Falls Bass Championship is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting bass fishing, tourism and economic development in the International Falls area. One-hundred percent of our fees collected from tournament anglers as tournament entry fees are paid back to the anglers in the prize board. Money from sponsors, vendors, activities and from our raffle support events for the entire community at Smokey Bear Park during the tournament. Additional money from our event is also used to support other not-for-profit community organizations. The following is a list of organizations we have supported.

International Falls Rotary $4,000.00
United Way of North East Minnesota $2,000.00
Ten nonprofits $1,000.00
Bronco Swim Team $500.00
Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship $500.00
 

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Cann, Olson win IFBC, By LAUREL BEAGER, Editor

Submitted by Laurel Beager on August 31, 2009 - 10:40am.
» Read similar stories filed under: Outdoors

Ted Olson and John Cann brought in 16.52 pounds of smallmouth from Rainy Lake Saturday giving them the weight they needed to become the first local team to win the International Falls Bass Championship.

The pair, Team 26, had a two-day total of 28.10 pounds.

While most teams told emcee Chip Leer that fishing on Rainy River and Rainy Lake was tough, with high winds, cool water temperatures, and fluctuating river levels, Cann and Olson got their first five fish in 15 minutes on the lake Saturday.

Team 36, Kyle Potter of International Falls and Tyler Kocon, Duluth, took second place with 25.58 pounds.

The team left Saturday morning in 11th place and said it was a long day, but added that their pre-fishing paid off.

“We were running and gunning,” Potter said, “looking for the active fish.”

Third place went to Team 48 David Hartig, Big Lake, and Eric Kielb, Medina with 25.06 pounds.

The two-day catch and release tournament saw 372 bass caught.

Many of the anglers complimented the IFBC organizers for the smooth-running tournament, which took more than 300 volunteers to carry out.

The fishing went on while many other events were offered, including the Mike Budak Memorial Bike Ride, the Backus Arts & Crafts Festival, the Early Iron Car Club Show and a lot of entertainment for children and adults.

Meanwhile, the champions Saturday already have plans for their share of the $10,000 top prize.

Olson said he would use his share to replace a lower unit on his motor that was damaged Friday fishing the river.

Cann said his money will go to his wife, Stacey, who is leaving for a trip to New York this week.

Olson said five-foot rollers on Rainy Lake Saturday challenged the anglers.

“The river was tough, we came up with 11 1/2 pounds (Friday) on the river; it was not the best, but kept us going,” Olson said. “Today it worked out good for us.”

Olson said fishing tournaments can be humbling. “You can go to the top and then go to the bottom,” he said. “Even if this is the first year you do it, you’ve got a chance. The kids starting out have an advantage over us old-timers.”

Olson said he volunteered at the first IFBC, with plans to fish the tournament the next years.

“I had never fished the American side of Rainy Lake,” he said. “I know the river good. We put it together this year. It’s nice to have something work out for you. Usually you go pre-fishing and somebody throws you a curve ball. It all worked out good this year.”

Asked whether a win this year makes the 2010 tournament more daunting, Olson smiled broadly. “Nah, you just go fishing.”

Cann said he was thankful the team was fishing in his walleye boat on the lake Saturday, instead of Olson’s bass boat because of the big waves.

“We fished the rough water all day today,” he said. “We didn’t go behind islands. We stayed out in the big water.”

The flurry of the first five fish caught “was unbelievable,” Cann said.

Cann said the best part of the tournament was being the first International Falls team to win top honors.

“When we left this morning, I said I don’t care who wins, but to have a local International Falls team win is really good for the tournament.”

A special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and participants for making this a successful event, and thanks to the community for your support. We truly appreciate it.