Article and photos by Jeff Polakoff
Lake of the Woods has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most productive lakes in the world for sport fishermen and Sioux Narrows is one of the communities that anglers head for when they want to have a great fishing experience. Beginning with the arrival of tourists in the 30s and 40s and led by those looking for a great new fishing experience, Sioux Narrows has built a reputation as a fishing hotspot if you are in search of walleye, trout, bass, northern, muskie or any other species of fresh water sport fish that inhabit Lake of the Woods.
Over the years, fishing has become not only a passionate pastime for many but also a competitive sport where anglers can test their skills against one another in search of the biggest catch. The sport has also evolved as one that recognizes the importance of maintaining the sustainability of the fish population through responsible fishing while testing your fishing skills. For tournament fishing this means “Catch and Release”.
Beginning in 1996, two dedicated fishermen decided that the establishment of a bass fishing tournament for the Sioux Narrows area would be an ideal way to attract anglers to the community and create an event that would feature the incredible fishing in that area of Lake of the Woods. At the time Mel Giesbrecht and Chris Bell, well-known local anglers who had participated in and won the Kenora Bass International tournament, decided it would be great to develop a tournament based out of Sioux Narrows with a unique set of rules.
This was the beginning of Bassin’ for Bucks with Mel and Chris along with a dedicated team of volunteers launching the first Bassin’ tournament in September 1996. This new tournament would be different from others where prize money was typically awarded for the aggregate total weight at the end of the event. The Bassin’ vision would be for a tournament based on a format that awarded prize money for both daily and aggregate catches including prize money awarded for the big fish of the day. This approach provided anglers with the opportunity to be in the money each day.
The format was intended to spread the money around more evenly amongst participants and keep them in the hunt for prize money during all three days. Another innovation was how the daily flights of competitor boats were determined. While most tournaments organize the fishing flights based on the best catch each day, Bassin’ had three flights with the first flight on day one based on when teams registered. They then rotate the order of flight departure over the next two days. This approach was intended to give equal time advantages for all teams.
This format has proven to be very popular with anglers, and the popularity is shown by the tournament’s growth and the return of participants year after year. Bassin’ has also been very popular in the community as an exciting end of summer event that residents, volunteers and visitors make sure to put in their calendar every September.
After several years of the tournament being run by Mel and Chris, the reigns were handed over to Barb Salvador and Debbie Ducharme. Barb has been the long-time tournament Director and the driving force behind the organization of the tournament for more than 25 years. She is also the face of the tournament and along with other long-time volunteers such as Chloe Swenson, who took over from Debbie, has consistently welcomed repeat and new anglers while attracting new volunteers each year.
The Bassin team has consistently provided participants with a well-managed event, registration process, and annual banquet that keeps them coming back year after year. Barb always has a smile on her face and a welcoming relaxed attitude that ensures Bassin’ is a great experience for everyone. A common one-word response used by tournament participants both anglers and volunteers when asked why the tournament has remained so popular is “Barb”. From the beginning she has been joined by husband Steve and more recently by their son Mike as well as an enthusiastic team of volunteers in making sure the tournament runs smoothly.
In addition, the long-term live release boat captain Richard Mathieu has made it his business to ensure that fish brought to the weigh in are released back into the lake in good condition and as healthy as possible. Bassin’ for Bucks is truly a community driven event that showcases Sioux Narrows, its residents, and the fabulous fishing the area is known for.
Over the years Bassin’ has continued to innovate. Barb says that it has been important that the tournament has taken the approach where funds raised either through registration or sponsorship goes back into the tournament. The majority goes to the anglers through prize money for the top twenty teams, big fish and other prize categories. Along with the continuation of daily and aggregate prizes, the tournament has introduced the popular 100 plus award that recognizes the team with a combined age of 100 + with the highest aggregate weight. In addition, the Youth Award has celebrated the talent and skills of anglers 16 years of age and under who bring in a catch with the highest aggregate weight.
It is not surprising that many of the accomplished anglers who have made a name for themselves in both the local and international fishing circuit have participated in Bassin for Bucks for many years and still do. Of course, prize money is not the only feature of Bassin for Bucks that attracts anglers young and old year after year. The participants also get to spend time on the lake in the beautiful waters of Whitefish, Long and Regina Bays and other waters around Sioux Narrows. This is a prize that everyone gets to enjoy.
The tournament has grown since its beginning almost three decades ago. Starting with about 40 boats and teams in the first year the tournament has grown to a consistent registration of 120 Canadian and American teams with a waiting list every year. It has become a tournament that anglers look forward to and provides them with not only an opportunity for great fishing, but also a chance to renew acquaintances with old friends and tournament participants who have joined in the competitive fun since its beginning.
In September of 2026, Bassin’ for Bucks will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. From an idea that grew out of wanting to provide anglers with a new and fun approach to tournament fishing, Bassin’ has become a not to be missed opportunity to fish competitively with friends and an annual meeting place for anglers, volunteers and visitors to the community of Sioux Narrows. Barb Salvador is a big reason for the continued success of the tournament and its reputation as a favourite amongst anglers. While she is beginning to talk about cutting back on her responsibilities Barb is still the boss.
A new leadership team of volunteers has stepped up to learn from Barb and folks are finding out fast that replicating her past success and knowledge will take the full team. That said, there is no replacement for Barb, her enthusiasm and friendly approach to running the tight and fun ship that is Bassin’ for Bucks. We are fortunate that she will continue to provide direction for this special tournament and community event.
Happy 30th anniversary Bassin for Bucks! We are looking forward to 30 more years of great fishing and fun in Sioux Narrows on Lake of the Woods.
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Photo: Jeff Polakoff
Long-time Bassin for Bucks tournament director Barb Salvador poses with husband Steve.
Photo: Jeff Polakoff
Richard Mathieu takes his job as live release boat captain seriously.
(Reprinted from the Area News)
