The second annual Blue Coast Walleye Challenge will return to the area but this year, the event will be open to both the Canadian and U.S. side of the St. Clair River.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton (TSL), the Bluewater Anglers, and Angler's Atlas have once again teamed up for the walleye tournament. Carpenters Local 1256 is again the title sponsor.
The tournament will be held from June 3 until June 12 within the boundaries of Sarnia-Lambton, either in the St. Clair River or Lake Huron.
TSL Special Events and Sports Marketing Coordinator Vicky Praill said it's exciting to expand the tournament.
"Because of COVID restrictions [last year] we weren't able to allow any U.S. anglers but this year, we're very happy to say we will be allowing U.S. anglers to participate in this event," she said.
The virtual inaugural event in 2021 turned out to be a hit with nearly 80 participants.
"We didn't know if we were going to do it again because again it was virtual but we went back to all those participants and the feedback was that they really liked the concept of being able to catch the fish, take a picture of it, and send it in regardless of whether or not COVID was here or not," said Praill.
Participants used the mobile app "MyCatch" during the tournament, which records real-time data.
Praill said they're hoping this year's event will attract a couple of hundred anglers to the area.
"We're encouraging them to bring their families and visit all of the things to do and see in our area as well as our attractions, restaurants, and retail stores," she said.
Funds raised through the event will go toward the Bluewater Anglers hatchery and conservation initiatives.
“We are very fortunate to have such a resource in our backyard and we enjoy sharing and educating people about preserving this amazing fishery," said Bluewater Anglers board of directors member Paul Heckley. "Every year the club members work hard to safely raise thousands of salmon and trout in our fish culture station in Point Edward. These fish are then released into lower Lake Huron and the St. Clair River for the enjoyment of all. We raise over 130,000 fish, chinook salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout each year”.
Last year's event raised $4,000 for Bluewater Anglers.
The total prize value for this year's tournament is $4,200. A breakdown for each prize category and registration details can be found on the Angler's Atlas website.