Canada US Walleye Tournament is On
Submitted by Donna Wood, President, Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce
The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that they are excited to move forward with the 39th Annual Canada US Walleye Tournament, along with the full support of the community and the professional services of the Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL).
Bobcaygeon has been home to the Canada US Walleye Tournament for 38 years, an event that has and continues to attract US competitors with a sold out field of 150 teams and a prize purse exceeding $30,000 representing a 100 percent payback.
Andy Letham, Mayor City of Kawartha Lakes said, “Congratulations to all who continue to work toward keeping this exciting event in our community. Well done!” Kathleen Seymour-Fagan, Councillor Ward 2 said, “Once again, we are very pleased to welcome the anglers from near and far, to the town of Bobcaygeon, and the 39th Canada US Walleye Tournament. The Canada US Walleye Tournament benefits everyone!”
The CSFL was also pleased with the announcement. Andrew Pallotta said, “We are proud to once again be a part of this great event as it represents more than just a full field, it represents a unity of community and anglers. We are happy to provide our expertise and services to preserve, manage and develop the future of the oldest walleye tournament in Ontario.”
There will be some changes to the event for 2019.
The event will take place on May 18 and 19 at the Beach Park, with blast off at 6am and weigh in at 2pm each day.
The orientation meeting takes place on Friday, May 17 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 239. At this meeting the discussions will include day time fish care and the use of minimal fish handling for efficient weigh in procedures, keeping the resource the number one priority. The topics of discussion will also include the reduction of the field size going forward however all 2019 team captains will be grandfathered.
The Chamber welcomes Northstar Marine Insurance as a sponsor to the Canada US Walleye Tournament. Northstar will be sponsoring the cost of polygraph tests to the 1st and 2nd place teams and will also award the top finishing Northstar team with their entry fee for the 2020 event.
Registrants may seek a full refund if they are not available for the new date and we regret any inconveniences. Please contact Andrew Pallotta, Tournament Director, at 416-802-2277.
For more information, to book a team, or book a room, become a VIP volunteer, to donate or advertise, please check out the Chamber website at www.bobcaygeon.org, or the Chamber's Facebook page!