Anglers from across Chatham-Kent are gearing up for a busy month on the water, starting with a popular fishing tournament in Erieau.
The Great Erie Salmon and Walleye Hunt will kick the fishing tournament season off from Friday, July 1 to July 17.
The event, which features a $3,000 top prize for salmon and a $3,000 top prize for walleye, is the longest-running tournament in Chatham-Kent and is known to be one of Ontario's top fishing competitions.
Chairman Ralph McCormick says the tournament sees close to 1000 participants each year.
"The event raises a lot of money," said McCormick. "All of the proceeds stay right here in the community."
Adults will have a chance at winning seven prizes. Kids aged 16 and under will have a chance at winning six prizes.
"It's a great event that gets family together," said McCormick. "Now that the pandemic is almost over, everybody is trying to get back out and get things back to normal."
The event will start at 6 a.m. Friday morning with scales closing at 9 p.m. daily. More information about daily, single, and family rates can be found here.
A second tournament will kick off the following weekend with the Canadian Tire Mitchell's Bay Open on Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9.
According to the municipality, registration for this tournament is currently full but a waitlist is in place. The two-day live release bass tournament features a grand prize of $1,000.
The Southwest Outdoors Club will also be hosting a competition with the Big Boyz Tournament from Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 1.
Based out of the Wheatley Harbour, that event will feature a grand prize of $1,500 for salmon and $1,500 for walleye. Prize payouts will be based on the number of participants.
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Fishing license-free in Ontario starting this weekend
The province is also providing families the opportunity to fish Ontario waters for free this upcoming week.
You will be able to fish without a valid fishing license from Saturday, July 2 to Sunday, July 10.
During all other time periods, with the exception of February 19-21, May 7-8, and June 18-19, Ontario residents between the ages of 18 and 64 must purchase a valid fishing license to legally fish in Ontario.