spectr17
04-06-2006, 02:32 PM
For Immediate Release
Walker, Minnesota
April 4, 2006
For more information regarding this release, please contact Fishing the WildSide at 218 547-4714 or info@fishingthewildside.com.
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LEECH LAKE IN WALKER, MINNESOTA, WALLEYE TOURNAMENT POSTPONED
Fishing the WildSide, host of the $100,000.00 Evinrude Walleye Classic, announced Friday that it is postponing the June fishing tournament on Leech Lake for one year. This is due to changes in the sponsors' marketing direction and strategies for this year. It will also relieve pressure on an already sensitive, but resurging fishery.
"The event is not going away. It just needs some massaging to be beneficial to the participants," said Chip Leer, Tournament Director.
The $100,000 Evinrude Walleye Classic is one of the largest independent walleye events in the country and has drawn over 450 anglers in years past. The 2005 participation dropped to a 10 year low with only 99 teams, or 198 anglers, taking part in the two day event.
Even though the 1st place prize in 2005 was the largest in the tournament's history, including two new Evinrude E TEC engines, Lund Boats on EZ Loader Trailers; angler interest was less than 50% of previous years. Event organizers believe the major reason for decline in interest was angler uncertainty of the newly imposed walleye "slot" limit on Leech Lake.
"After what we saw happened to participation and payback to anglers in 2005, we knew we had to rebuild the tournament. The tournament grew to its monumental size because of a unique divisional format giving anglers of any ability a solid chance to win prizes. The Fishing the WildSide staff has re-structured the tournament in new ways to level the playing field for all anglers and work within the walleye regulations on Leech Lake. Unfortunately, at this point in time all of the pieces necessary for a successful event in 2006 are not in place. The Fishing the WildSide staff unanimously agrees not to move forward until we can provide anglers, the community and sponsors an event that is bigger and better than anything we have ever done before," states Leer.
"We are disappointed to see this event not held this year as it generates tremendous revenue for the Walker area, and Walker is home for Fishing the WildSide. However, by giving Leech Lake a rest during the prime bite, we will alleviate pressure on our emerging walleye population. And re-establishing the Leech Lake walleye fishery is vital to our long-term fiscal stability of this community," said Fishing the WildSide's General Manager, Mike Finé.
Fishing the WildSide would like to express a sincere "thank you" to anglers who have fished the event in previous years while apologizing for any inconvenience the postponement may have caused. However, you may want to keep in mind Leer's closing statement "When you see what we have planned, there is no question the long wait was worth it!"
Fishing the WildSide will reveal the upcoming details on their website as they become available. You will want to check the website, www.fishingthewildside.com (http://www.fishingthewildside.com/), often for updates on the 2007 tournament and further Fishing the WildSide happenings.
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Sandee Edelman-Karl
Fishing the WildSide
PO Box 517
Walker, MN 56484
218 547-4714
www.fishingthewildside.com (http://www.fishingthewildside.com/)
Walker, Minnesota
April 4, 2006
For more information regarding this release, please contact Fishing the WildSide at 218 547-4714 or info@fishingthewildside.com.
<div align='center'>####</div>
LEECH LAKE IN WALKER, MINNESOTA, WALLEYE TOURNAMENT POSTPONED
Fishing the WildSide, host of the $100,000.00 Evinrude Walleye Classic, announced Friday that it is postponing the June fishing tournament on Leech Lake for one year. This is due to changes in the sponsors' marketing direction and strategies for this year. It will also relieve pressure on an already sensitive, but resurging fishery.
"The event is not going away. It just needs some massaging to be beneficial to the participants," said Chip Leer, Tournament Director.
The $100,000 Evinrude Walleye Classic is one of the largest independent walleye events in the country and has drawn over 450 anglers in years past. The 2005 participation dropped to a 10 year low with only 99 teams, or 198 anglers, taking part in the two day event.
Even though the 1st place prize in 2005 was the largest in the tournament's history, including two new Evinrude E TEC engines, Lund Boats on EZ Loader Trailers; angler interest was less than 50% of previous years. Event organizers believe the major reason for decline in interest was angler uncertainty of the newly imposed walleye "slot" limit on Leech Lake.
"After what we saw happened to participation and payback to anglers in 2005, we knew we had to rebuild the tournament. The tournament grew to its monumental size because of a unique divisional format giving anglers of any ability a solid chance to win prizes. The Fishing the WildSide staff has re-structured the tournament in new ways to level the playing field for all anglers and work within the walleye regulations on Leech Lake. Unfortunately, at this point in time all of the pieces necessary for a successful event in 2006 are not in place. The Fishing the WildSide staff unanimously agrees not to move forward until we can provide anglers, the community and sponsors an event that is bigger and better than anything we have ever done before," states Leer.
"We are disappointed to see this event not held this year as it generates tremendous revenue for the Walker area, and Walker is home for Fishing the WildSide. However, by giving Leech Lake a rest during the prime bite, we will alleviate pressure on our emerging walleye population. And re-establishing the Leech Lake walleye fishery is vital to our long-term fiscal stability of this community," said Fishing the WildSide's General Manager, Mike Finé.
Fishing the WildSide would like to express a sincere "thank you" to anglers who have fished the event in previous years while apologizing for any inconvenience the postponement may have caused. However, you may want to keep in mind Leer's closing statement "When you see what we have planned, there is no question the long wait was worth it!"
Fishing the WildSide will reveal the upcoming details on their website as they become available. You will want to check the website, www.fishingthewildside.com (http://www.fishingthewildside.com/), often for updates on the 2007 tournament and further Fishing the WildSide happenings.
<div align='center'> </div> <div align='center'>###</div> <div align='center'> </div>
Sandee Edelman-Karl
Fishing the WildSide
PO Box 517
Walker, MN 56484
218 547-4714
www.fishingthewildside.com (http://www.fishingthewildside.com/)