Masters Walleye Circuit to visit Youngstown

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, July 14, 2007

Excitement is growing in Youngstown, with preparations well under way for the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit next weekend.

“This is the first time we have ever had a major walleye circuit tournament come into the area. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase local walleye fishing,” said Bill Hilts Jr., outdoor sports specialist for the Niagara Tourism and Convention Bureau.

Helping Hilts and Cabela’s prepare for the tournament are the Village of Youngstown and the Niagara River Anglers.

“This is a great opportunity to promote the Youngstown business community and our internationally renowned Niagara River and Lake Ontario rich fishing resource,” said Youngstown Mayor Neil Riordan.

Riordan is hoping Cabela’s will make an annual stop at the village and that national coverage of the event will draw other fishing tournaments here as well. The New York State Parks has recognized the importance of the event and is granting free launch passes to tournament participants at Fort Niagara State Park, he said.

Tournament organizers are expected to arrive in the village on Wednesday. The west end of Hinman Street between Main and Second streets will be closed Wednesday evening while a stage and bleachers are put in place. The section of the street also will be closed June 21 and 22, the days of the tournament. The stage will be the site of the weigh-ins and final awards.

The participating teams will fish until 3 p.m. each day, then come to the stage. The public is invited to cheer on the anglers at the weigh-ins, which should begin sometime around 3:15 to 4 p.m., Hilts said.

Currently, 27 teams are registered for the tournament, but organizers are hoping for more by the time the tournament begins. At the Henderson Harbor tournament last month, 35 teams were registered. With 27 teams, the total prize purse will be $15,120 to the top four places.

On Saturday, June 21, immediately following the weigh-in, the National Professional Anglers Association and the Masters Walleye Circuit will host a free Youth and Family Fishing Clinic. Sign up at the event. Toyota has donated three new bicycles as prizes, and there will be rods and reels and tackle boxes for the youngsters to take home.

For more information on the Masters Walleye Circuit, check events@masterswalleyecircuit.com.