If you know the difference between a fly-rod popper and a Hula Popper, then you know that, hereabouts, interest in bass fishing is increasing steadily. Accordingly, Charlie Kelley, Ellsworth’s “head guide,” has been casting diligently at organizing the Maine B.A.S.S. Federation’s 1994 Open Bass Tournament scheduled for Sept. 11 at Graham Lake.

You may know the sprawling Hancock County lake long has been regarded as a bastion for smallmouth bass. Rimmed with rocky shorelines, weedy shelves dropping to deeper water, and stump-studded coves the lake offers angling opportunities that would bring tears to a bass fisherman’s eyes.

In a recent report, Charlie said the tournament committee was in the process of finalizing sponsors from the local business community. Hooking onto the many details of organizing the event are: Steve Chafin, public relations director for the Maine B.A.S.S. Federation; Dale Libby, tournament director; Chris Larsen, a federation officer; Jan Griffin, Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce; Scott Connor of Kids Peace on Graham Lake, where the live weigh-ins will be held; and Rob Grant of Willey’s of Ellsworth.

The Graham Lake tournament is a 100-percent payback event. That means that all money taken in will be paid back in prizes. Based on a $100 entry fee per boat – two-person teams – and registration of 50 boats, that translates to a prize of $1,500, plus a trophy, to the first-place team. And wouldn’t that be a hefty net profit for a day of casting and cranking?

Following are the additional prizes based on 50 entries: second place, $1,000, plus trophy; third place, $725, plus trophy; foue, $475; fifth place, $375; sixth place, $275; seventh place, $175; eighth place, $125; ninth place, $125; 10th place, $125. Also, the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce will present a $500 Lunker Award for the largest live bass registered.

But don’t reel in yet. By entering the tournament you also could land valuable door prizes, not to mention a pretournament dinner and breakfast. Offhand, I’d say Graham Lake and the Maine B.A.S.S. Federation’s Open Tournament would be a good place to be on Sept. 11.

Tournament hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration begins at 6 a.m. There will be a mandatory meeting of all teams at 7:15 a.m. For entry forms and further information contact: Maine State B.A.S.S. Federation, P.O. Box 343, Waterboro 04061 or phone Steve Chafin at 793-2806; Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce at 667-5584; Dale Libby at 642-4070. As for Charlie Kelley, the best chance to cut his trail at this time of year would be on a bank of New Brunswick’s Miramichi River.

While the focus is on forthcoming outdoors events, here’s one that has tremendous meaning and importance. On July 10-16, the Third Annual Wilderness Rendezvous will be held at the Border Riders Snowmobile Club in Jackman. According to Gary Anderson, safety officer for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, anyone who is disabled in any way can compete. The rendezvous is sponsored by Disabled Outdoor Experiences, a non-profit organization.

“We’ve added more events this year,” said Anderson. “Archery, golf, blackpowder shoots, pistol and rifle shooting, sporting clays, and tomahawk throwing will be among the competitive events.” Guided fishing trips, horseback riding, and river trips to observe moose will also be available.

Hunter education and DIFW personnel will conduct all of the shooting events and exhibitors will display a variety of adaptive equipment to assist in hunting, fishing, and other outdoors activities. Topping off the awarding of trophies to winners of the competitive events will be campfire gatherings, cookouts and a special barbeque. Adding to the rendezvous’ week of activities is the participation of Mickey Boutilier and Mark Frank of Maine Special Olympics.

Because of its magnificent mountainous surroundings, Jackman often is referred to as “The Switzerland of Maine.” In reference to the town being 85 percent wheelchair accessible, Anderson remarked, “I don’t think there’s another town in the world that can say that.”

Anyone interested in participating in or supporting the rendezvous may contact Pat Friedman, executive director, DOE., P.O. Box 554, Jackman 04945. Phone: 465-3064 weekdays or 668-4837 weekends.

Thanks to the concern and dedication of the people involved in DOE, many disabled persons are discovering and enjoying the magnificence of Maine’s outdoors.