Golden Walleye Classic August 6-8

Tina Kennedy
South Peace News

This year's Golden Walleye Classic, at Shaw's Point Resort, promises to be a fantastic event.

Scheduled for Aug. 6 to 8, its popularity is very apparent this year, says Golden Walleye Classic chairperson Ken Sperling.

"Right now we have more entries in than we did last year two weeks before the tournament. Just that this year we're having better response than in other years. We do have lots of entries now. We do sort of anticipate a full field."

For more than 15 years the classic has been the focus for many anglers wanting to participate in a competitive derby while camping for a weekend in Northern Alberta. This year is no different, adds Sperling.

On the Friday evening and night, the Captain and Kid competition takes place. Following that there's a beef on a bun supper, rules meeting and live entertainment.

On the Saturday, after competitors take to the water, children's activities take place throughout the day.

Among those activities is a Casting Competition. Children take a rod and reel and cast them. The one who casts the furthest wins a prize.

As usual, says Sperling, other activities can be found throughout the day.

"It's a family event."

Over the next two days up to 150 boats, maximum size of the fleet, will compete to accumulate the biggest catch and take home the guaranteed $12,000 for first place.

This tournament has always attracted competitive anglers from throughout the province: some from other provinces and countries.

It's another big pay day for the biggest accumulated catch over the weekend.

Entry fee per team is $300 and $10 of each entry fee goes towards the Lesser Slave Lake Fishing Enhancement. On each day of the tournament there are first through 10th place prizes. Overall prizes, presented on the final day are once again awarded to 10 places of the two day total weight. Based on 150 boats, that's $45,000 in payouts, says Sperling.

Anglers are anticipating the event and registering as soon as they can. For more information call at 751-3906 or 523-7185, Martin at 751-3900, or Larry at 523-4625.