My name is Hunter Wendt. I want to share the story surrounding Jack’s Big Bass Bash Fishing Tournament with you.  Jack Hennies and I started fishing competitively in middle school and fished our local lakes with the “Northern Lakes Jr Bass Bandits” Fishing Club. We started fishing in the MN High School fishing circuit in high school.  I can’t tell you how many hours we spent driving to tournaments, pre-fishing, and fishing the tournament. It was a lot of good times in the boat and truck. You must also know that Jack LOVED to WIN; this was always a big deal. Jack was one of the most competitive people I knew.

After Jack took his life in January of 2022, I felt I needed to do something to honor and remember Jack. Why not fish and do something that Jack loved?  Fishing has always been one of my favorite things to do with Jack, so we will fish in Jack’s honor and remember him always!!  This tournament will raise money for mental health awareness and education within our friends, family, schools, and community.  I hope we learn more about the signs of struggles of friends or family needing help.  I will be forever grateful for my friendship with Jack; he will always hold a special place in my heart and be my fishing partner!    

We are now on the 2nd annual Jack’s Big Bass Bash Fishing Tournament. The event is August 6th. Hosted at Moonlite Bay Restaurant.  We will have 50 boats competing for Big Bass and Top Bass Fisherman titles. Supporters can enjoy a beautiful day on the outdoor patio, watch the weigh-in, shop at the silent auction (Noon- 2 pm), play in the 50/50 raffle (1 pm -2 pm), and meet the REEL North Alliance kids selling their latest merchandise. For more information on this event, please follow us on Facebook.