It had been six long years since my last visit to the annual Bassmaster fishing tourney at uncle Mark's cabin at Leggat Lake in eastern Ontario.  Seems not much has changed- the trip is still characterized by an abundance of food and beer, lots of laughs and, particularly this year, loads of fish!

For the first time ever the event host took the trophy.  Mark clobbered a massive bass, probably in the 5 to 6 pound range.  This beautiful specimen was followed up with an only slightly smaller beast caught by John Borges.  I happened to be piloting the boat at the time so can fairly attribute their success to my superior guiding abilities.  I was so focused on the guiding effort my own catch totals were somewhere between lackluster and pathetic.  The only person who caught less than me this year was brother Marty who's obviously been concentrating more on scholastic achievement than fishing dominance as of late.

I believe much of this years success was due to the abundance of fresh bait.  The frogstompers Marty and John went on a frogging blitz where they captured dozens of frogs in a single excursion to the local swamp.  We also bagged a few hundred minnows using Mark's new minnow trap.  On top of this, we also purchased a few pails of leeches and worms, giving us several hundred pounds of bait in total.  The fish didn't have a chance

The traditional Sunday fish fry was quite a spectacle this year.  Because of the abundant catch, Mark invited the neighbours to join us and they turned up with their two kids and six or eight more of their college friends, all with huge appetites.  We got the bass production line tuned up and roaring and soon the beer-battered, freshly fried fishies were being dished out to all.

Participants this year were Mark, Peter, Rick, George, John McGraw, John Borges, Marty and Kris.  Congratulations boys, another trip perfectly executed!

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The team

Some of us drink

While others sleep

Killer and his prey

Death squad

Old man and the sea

Old man and the bass

Copulating on the gas tank

A splendid supper

Fishmongers

The fish fry

Bassmaster 2008 champ