Local fishing tournament offers $15,000 first prize

The Walleye Trail is coming to Sault Ste. Marie for the first time this summer.

It's an invitational walleye tournament and it aims to give Northern Ontario's best fisherman $15,000.

Italo Labignan of TSN's Canadian Sportfishing already has a spot on the tournament roster.

An episode of the show will be shot during the tournament in the Sault.

The tournament found its way to the St. Mary's River through the guidance of Shane Turcotte, event co-chair and Thomas Brandstetter, Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore president.

They're seen with Donna Gregg of Camp Wakonda, which will be one of many recipients of funds raised through the new event.

The Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore is presenting the tournament this July.

It will be the fourth in a series of seven tournaments in different locations around Northern Ontario.

Turcotte said it's a sanctioned event with an opportunity for anglers to win points toward the grand prize and an opportunity for Saultites to learn more about a fun, family activity they can do right in their own home town.

He said the event is expected to bring in about $100,000 to $150,000 in business to local hotels and businesses as anglers from outside the area come to try their hand against locals and rack up some points.

There will also be plenty of fun activities happening in the Bondar Pavilion including a fishing simulator for everyone to try.

To register for the event, become a sponsor or just find out more, visit the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore website.

A news release from the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore follows. ************************* Kiwanis Invitational Walleye Tournament

The Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore is proud to present the first annual Kiwanis Invitational Walleye Tournament on the St. Mary's River. This event is sanctioned and marks the fourth stop of the year on the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail.

The field will include a maximum of 125 boats with two anglers per boat.

Everyone will be setting their sights on the coveted first place prize of $15,000.

Weigh-ins will take place over two days and the team with the biggest total weight will walk away as the winners.

This tournament is uniquely family friendly.

It will boast activities for spectators of all ages as well for the anglers of the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail.

A special treat to the KIWT is the chance to meet Canadian Sportfishing's Italo Labignan!

He is coming to the Sault and will be filming an episode of his show to be aired on TSN and he will be on site throughout the tournament, starting with the Parade of Boats.

Our low entrance fees, the big purse, variety of amenities and attractions in the city, activities for the entire family on site and a celebrity guest with a national television program, ensures that this inaugural event will be a keeper!

Don't miss out.

Sign up today.

Registration

We're the only tournament that boasts a friendly atmosphere and activities for everyone.

Enjoy scenic Sault Ste. Marie's downtown waterfront and all the amenities and attractions that this beautiful city has to offer including hotels, some of the best dining in Northern Ontario and fun for the whole family.

Did you know that Italo Labignan from TSN's Canadian Sportsfishing is joining us and filming an episode of this show from this tournament?

All of this and you'll enjoy our small registration fees and large purse!

Come out to Sault Ste. Marie and the inaugural KIWT.

It's a weekend away... for everyone!

KIWT early registration

May 31

Cost $300

Kiwanis Invitational Walleye Tournament

Rules meeting July 8th, at 4 p.m.

Fishing days will be July 9th & July 10th Roberta Bondar Park Tent Pavilion

50 Foster Drive Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario About the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore

The Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore supports many of the financial requests that we receive throughout the year.

We are a not-for-profit organization and work on many different community projects.

*************************