Baudette, Minn. (October 19, 2023) – The 13th Annual Chili Bowl Walleye Tournament at Border View Lodge was met with perfect weather and a gorgeous sunrise over the Rainy River at Lake of the Woods. With 150 anglers and sponsors in attendance, the event was kicked off with a prime rib dinner, followed by the walleye tournament and chili dinner celebration. This yearly event was again filled to capacity, with over $20,000 awarded in cash and prizes. And a new tradition was started with the presentation of the Chili Bowl Cup!
With many of the anglers returning from last year, the title for first place went to last year’s winners…a father and daughter team that claimed an 18-pound bag!
The top place finishing teams were:
First Place – Olivia Olson & Chad Olson with 18.17 pounds;
Second Place – Dave Anderson & Scott Widor with 15.15 pounds.
Third Place – Scott Ballard & Rory Ballard with 12.70 pounds
With the maximum capacity of 75 boats registered, over 140 anglers competed to register the best of five walleyes or sauger in this catch-and-release format tournament. And the Chili Bowl reinforced its name with a free chili dinner after a day on the water for the anglers, as well as the public. “We have a lot of great anglers that compete, and anything can happen in a fishing tournament,” notes Vince Ojard, Tournament Director. “But we were pleasantly surprised that last year’s winners captured a repeat victory!”
In addition to the tournament payouts, over 30 anglers walked away with some great prizes including Clam walleye nets, Flofast fuel systems, fishing gear from Outdoors Again Sports, Blackfish gear, and Scheels gift certificates. In addition to sponsor prizes, everyone received a goodie bag that included a custom Chili Bowl Beanie. “Our goal is to make this all about the participants.” Notes General Manager Jeff Anderson, “The team here at Border View works really hard to make this a great event. And thanks to our sponsors, we made sure that all anglers walked away with something, not just the winners.” With the presentation of the Chili Bowl Cup, a new tradition has begun…the winners get to eat chili from the trophy, and keep the custom engraved event spoons.