Blaine, Minn. — The Minnesota B.A.S.S. Nation lost a longtime supporter when Ted Capra died Aug. 2.
The Minnesota angler became a sales representative for Humminbird and opened Capra’s Marine Electronics in 1980. The repair shop changed to Capra’s Sporting Goods in 1986 when Capra decided to start selling fishing tackle and hunting gear.
Capra’s store became a strong supporter of the Minnesota B.A.S.S. Nation throughout the years and his sons, Tony and Dean, both fished in Minnesota B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. Dean Capra owns the business now and has kept up the store’s support for the Minnesota Nation.
“We have always gone out of our way to take care of the club guys,” said Dean Capra, a 10,000 Lakes Bassmasters club member. “We always donated silent auction items for the (Minnesota Nation) banquet to help them raise money for the youth program. We also offered all B.A.S.S. club members a 10 percent discount off on tackle. Even the guys who don’t make the state team we offer special deals on electronics and rods and reels.”
The store also includes a seminar area where Capra allowed Nation clubs to hold meetings free of charge.
The 80-year-old Capra was a bass fishing legend in Minnesota and was enshrined in the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame. He competed in 23 Bassmaster tournaments from 1977 to 2005 and recorded four Top 10 finishes.
