The seventh annual Walleye Classic had anglers from across the region take to Moose Lake.
The two-day fishing competition hosted by the Elk Point Lions Club, had 95 boats competing this year. It’s one of five Western Canadian Walleye Trail tournaments.
The big winners of the local event were Ryan and Edwin Johnson, a father-son team who took the winning title with a two-day total weight of 38.96lbs.
“It’s something special to win,” said Edwin. “I’ve been fishing a few times, and he’s stolen first. He and I never have pulled first together.”
While this is Edwin’s first win overall in the tournament, Ryan is a familiar face in the winner’s circle. In 2014, he won first overall with Chris Suhan.
Ryan and Edwin also picked up biggest fish from day two, and came in fifth place for day one.
“When you add it all up, it really means a lot,” expressed Edwin.
Although the Johnsons caught the grand prize for the weekend, a number of other anglers managed to walk away with some sizeable titles as well.
Harold and Karen Brown came in second overall, with a weight of 37.86lbs. They also won top mixed team for the weekend with a weight of 19.20lbs.
Third place was John Bissonette and Jim Wagg. They brought in an overall weight of 36.70lbs.
Claiming fourth, with an overall weight of 35.52lbs, was Brent Mattice and Ron Malo.
Billy and Luke Fleming took first in the youth category after weighing-in at 19.54lbs.
Organizer George Hahn said this year’s turn out was a little smaller than usual. They plan on some changes to the tournament layout for next year, in hopes of gaining more traction.
“The Moose Lake format is going to change to a measure, photo, record, and release method,” he expressed. “There will be no fish going into the live wills at all next year, and it’s going to be better for the fish.”
While hosting the competition is a lot of work for Hanh, he beleives it’s worthwhile for the Elk Point Lions Club and the Town of Bonnyville.
Up next on the Western Canadian Walleye Trail is the Golden Walleye Classic. It will be from Sept. 1 to 2 at Shaws Point Resort in High Prairie, AB.
