Music, laughter, smoke from a grill and a bonfire were spread across Briggs Lake, Feb. 20 as the Becker Bass Team hosted their Holes 4 Heros, Fishing for Life tournament on Briggs Lake. 

Sixteen lakes across Minnesota competed in a live fishing tournament. Each lake had an official “Lake Master” who was responsible for recording and submitting each fish for the contest onto a live app.  

Lakes were attempting to lure in Walleye, Crappie, Sunfish, Perch, Pike and Bass.  Every inch counted because the tournament was based on length. 

Jayme Doucette was the official “Lake Master” for the Briggs Lake camp. He did a great job running to different areas of the lake to quickly measure and record fish since some were catch and release, such as Bass.  Even though the Briggs camp caught a variety of fish and were in the lead for much of the day, they were unable to snag a lengthy Pike. 

In the end, Briggs Lake was unable to win the “Big Belt” for the live tournament, but prizes were still passed out for lake winners. The event was broadcasted live on the www.fishingforlife.org website.  Radio announcer Mike Kerr did a live interview with the Briggs Lake camp. 

Cold weather had caused groups to postpone prior events, which led to a variety of people attending the Briggs Lake camp. Gentlemen from Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, families from the Royal Rangers church group from Blaine and Vets along with family members were all on the ice with the Bass Team.  

When asked why people attended the event, many stated it was great to get outside, happy to get out of the house and most just loved to fish!  

Some families had never been fishing before.  Many kids learned about catching and baiting hooks with live bait, setting hooks and how to hold a fish, while a few had fun making snow sculptures and eating lots of cookies!  Food was donated by Dusty and Jenny Wright (Luke Team Real Estate) with help at the food tables from Susy Bebo and Katie Meyer.  The equipment needed for the day was supplied by the Bass Team and other volunteers.  

The groups who attended were all very grateful for the hospitality from all involved. Purple Heart recipient Peter Younger sent a thank you message to the team,  “I am just writing to say ‘thank you’ one more time. I had a great time getting to fish with Randy and getting out of the house. Keep up the great work.” 

The Becker Bass Team would like to send out a special thanks to all of the families and coaches who helped make the day a wonderful and memorable event for all!  

Briggs lake winners: Crappie: 11.0-Connor Stukenholtz, Sunfish: 8.0-Tanner Paumen, Perch: 6.75-Mark Kotzer, Walleye: 21.0-Mike Koenig, Bass: 18.75-Rylan Bushan. 

Check out the Becker High School Bass Team Facebook page for more pictures and videos from the event. 

As quoted from Dusty Wright,” Sometimes it’s much more than just fishing.”