WAM Tournament?

[walleyemkr]

Do any of you ever fish the annual Women Anglers of Minnesota tournament???

[Lisa Almquist]

No I haven't. I haven't fished any tournaments before. What lake is it on and when?

[walleyemkr]

I hadn't ever fished a tournament either until I tried it 2 years ago for the 1st time. It's on the same lake 2 years in a row and then they switch to another one. The previous 2 years it had been on Koronis down in Paynesville and this year (and next) is on Osakis. It's usually the 1st weekend in June, this year on the 7th. Multi-species (bass, northern, walleye, sunfish, and crappie categories), lots of prizes ($2000 grand prize, $600 1st prize for each category) and 'festivities' going on. It's an absolute blast, really laid back, and a great group of people to be around (everything from boats of 2 out there to pontoons of 8!). My buddy and I are probably some of the younger people (both turn 30 this summer) and the rest of the group is truly all ages. They seem to make a weekend out of it every year w/ a lot of extra things going on (seminars, cookouts, raffles, etc.) as well. From what I've gathered, in the past it's been on lakes from Minnetonka to Leech to Winni. I'd suggest it to any gal to at least try it one year, the tournament's a little pricey, but in my opinion, worth it for a once a year 'treat'. I'd suggest checking out their site for info!

Guess I was just wondering if anyone who watches this forum was involved in the group or had fished their annual tournament. It was something I happened to stumble upon a couple years ago and so far, am happy I did. Thought it might be something others might be interested in!

[Tebassco]

The wife (Sharon)(Fry Momma) says tell Ryan Hey! She works Grand Rapids (Cutfoot Hachtery) and is also in WAM as is our daughter. I do the weigh in for WAM. See ya at Osakis! Say Hi if ya get the chance.

[Woman_Angler]

I personally am a lifetime member of WAM, and L-O-V-E it!! We were not going to fish the tournament this year on Lake Osakis, but those reasons have now changed & we just got our resort confirmation today!! WOOHOO!!

My mom & I try to fish the tournament each year, and it's a great way to make memories!! Fun bunch of gals to fish with & a CLASS ACT tournament, well executed & LOADS of prizes! Am hoping to get some info from the forums on the lake this year (Osakis) from locals ~ anyone willing to share? What are ice conditions like on the lake, or is it gone now?? Any help or tips appreciated!!

[walleyemkr]

Tebassco - see you there for sure. It'd be nice to weigh a fish this year (a change from last year!), my initial goal for the tournament. I'll poke Ryan for Sharon, he needs it...it's his time of year for some harassment. Sounds like I may be making the trip up to the docks to assist w/ the egg take Friday/Saturday next week!

Woman_Angler - the ice is off Osakis, was up there yesterday working on some vegetation / development issues. I've never been out on Osakis when I wasn't working, so I'm definitely going to have to solicit for local insight as well. Pre-fishing is going to be a must in the coming weeks before the tournament!

I'm glad there are at least a few people involved and/or aware of WAM and their annual tournament on this forum. I guess I found it surprising that it hadn't come up on the forum yet. Again though, and as Woman_Angler stated in her post, what a great group and a great tournament. Try it!

[icewoman]

WAM is a great way to fish a tournament. We have made a week of it for over ten years. We are excited to fish Osakis this year. The nice thing about the WAM tournament is that it takes into account all skill levels. I highly recommend that a person give it a try.

I remember the first time we considered fishing...we were nervous and never should have been. Anywhere from 14 foot boats with oars to 21 foot bass boats with 200 hsp motors. A little tip..the people who usually fish are the pontoons filled with 20 women or the people who pan fish all day

I recommend it ladies. If anyone wants any insight I have fished since the mid 1990's

It is so much fun and a competition all in one. The banquet is a hoot and the prizes are great. Osakis proves to be a challenge and we hope to get a bunch of new locals.

[icewoman]

oh yea, we are usually the loud ones in the back...we have gotten more quite with age but still have fun!

[walleyemkr]

if you're the loud ones in the back, then i'm half of that team that has been ridiculed the past 2 years for being 3 or 4 hours LATE to the tournament...

whoops.

we have a goal to be within an hour of start time this year. gotta start somewhere!

[icewoman]

It is going to be here before we know it.

[teresa]

I'd like to try this tournament, but currently my fishing buddy (the one with the boat) is unavailable.

[icewoman]

you may want to visit the web site or call some of the board members. There are people who have boats that are looking for fishing partners at times. I also know a gal who wants to fish that does not have a boat but needs a partner, there is also the rental option....

[Woman_Angler]

Jim, you Sharon & Holly gonna be there again this year? Remind them my user name on this site is "Woman_Angler" & my mom, Nancy, and I would love to hear from them prior to tournament...it's always fun to sit w/you's at the awards dinner & we have a great time w/your gals!! Hope to hear back from one or all of you!! Tina

[Patti]

I learned about WAM several years ago but didn't have a chance to get involved then.

After I got involved in FM I looked into WAM again. I was looking forward to going to a meeting but the last meeting had just happened and they wren't having another for a couple of months. It took over 2 mos. for someone to respond to an email I sent asking about the next meeting. For someone who's out on there own, just showing up at an event isn't the easiest, especially when there's a membership fee (unlike this bunch).

[Tebassco]

Tina....i think Sharon emailed your mom last week? Seeya soon...

[Woman_Angler]

Jim, not sure if Sharon emailed mom or not, but I'll ask her ~ I'm just SO looking forward to the tourney this year!! Got my first sunburn yesterday, on Gull Lake in Brainerd. I am fishing a tournament there on May 30th, and leaving that NIGHT for the WAM tourney ~ fun, FUN!! When will you & the gals be arriving this year & where RU staying? Hope to catch up with you's before hand, maybe get some fishing in, or at LEAST see ya at the meeting before the tourney ~ happy fishin' till then!! It's always a PLEASURE to see you all each year!!

Tina

[Woman_Angler]

Patti,

Email me back & I'll get you whatever information I can ~ the organization is extremely busy this time of year with the tourney, and that's why they aren't having meeting any longer, until after it's over...

I'm not on the board, but I hope to answer any questions you may have. You also can check out www.womenanglersmn.com

I live up in northern MN, and don't get to any of the meetings, but the membership cost is low & then you receive a newsletter each month keeping you up-to-date on all the events, etc ~ very helpful!

I've met some very nice people through the organization, so please don't be put off because one person didn't get back to your email ~ there are alot of us in the membership, here to help ~ have a great fishing season!

Tina

[Woman_Angler]

Any other gals fishing the WAM Tourney this year?