Tourney Fishermen
True Sportsmen and Conservationists

by Gary Engberg

July 10, 2001

We all have opinions on fishing tournaments be it good or bad. But, the truth is most serious tourney fishermen are true sportsman and conservationists. These anglers want to keep their fish alive, since most tourneys subtract for dead fish. Plus these anglers spend plenty of money while staying in the local area. The Wilderness Fish and Game at Ace Hardware in Sauk City is sponsoring a different kind of event that is aimed at family fishing and getting children and adults together on the water.

The tournament is called "Take An Adult Fishing" and will be held July 28, 2001. Entry forms may be picked up at the Wilderness Fish and Game store prior to the event or it will be possible to register the day of the event. My opinion is that this is a great way to get family members out fishing. Fishing is a great family event; it gives members a chance to get together in the outdoors doing a fun thing that they can do for the rest of their lives. It's good quality time and can be done most of the year.

Here are some of the general rules of the event. First, this is a tobacco and alcohol free event. One adult and child under the age of sixteen years per boat. Participants are required to register and attend the rules briefing Saturday morning. The event will start at sunrise and contestants must be checked in for weigh-in by 3:30 P.M. Anyone checking in after will be disqualified. This is a big fish tournament with no more than one fish of any listed species is to be entered by any one team. There will be prizes and trophies for 1st and 2nd place as well as participant prizes for special categories. Contest will be measured by weight for single fish per species category. The qualifying species are; panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch, whitebass), roughfish (carp, sucker, sheepshead, gar, bowfin), bass (large and smallmouth), walleye (sauger, saugeye), catfish (flathead, channel), and musky and pike.

The nice thing about this tournament is that you may choose where you would like to fish. Any body of water is open as long as you can get back to the Wilderness Fish and Game by the 3:30 P.M. that day. You are expected to abide by all state rules and regulations. The overall concept is fishing by the honor system. Getting out and fishing with your children and enjoying the outdoors is what this event is all about. Prizes are nice, but participation is the key. Be a true sportsman, be courteous, safe, and fish in a ethical manner.

This should be a great event for all who enter and the best part is that it is free. Also, this is a rain or shine tournament, so pick up those entry forms and be part of the fun. For more info, contact Wally at (608) 643-2433. Have a good time.