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LEECH LAKE MERCURY WALLEYE CLASSIC FISHING TOURNAMENT
Contact: Chip Leer 218-547-4714 chipleer@djam.com
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WALKER, Minn. -- Big fish and a strong contingent of local anglers will give spectators plenty to cheer about at the daily weigh-ins for the 2002 Mercury Walleye Classic on Leech Lake. 2002 In-Fisherman PWT Leech Lake Champion, Reggie Thiel will be among many other noted local anglers competing for the record purse June 1 & 2, 2002.
Tournament organizers want fans to get involved, too, and have developed a handful of additional activities that will encourage spectators to share the excitement that fishing can generate.
"By their nature, fishing tournaments aren't exactly the world's greatest spectator sports," notes Classic director Chip Leer of Walker. "You just don't get to see a lot of the action that takes place out on the lake.
"That's one of the reasons the event is being filmed for national television. It's also a reason why we've come up with some other activities that we think people will enjoy." A number of fishing-related exhibits will give fans something to do while they wait for the 2-4 p.m. weigh-ins at Cochran's Marina in Walker. Sunday, anglers of all ages can take a turn at a fishing simulator that provides virtual battles with several species of fish.
Young anglers can enjoy another unique experience aboard the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame launch. From noon-3 p.m., the launch will take young anglers out on Leech Lake for a combination of perch fishing and underwater viewing courtesy of AquaVu cameras. Northland Fishing Tackle of Bemidji is providing fishing tackle with rods and reels from Berkley.
"That should be a great experience," said Leer. "People can fish for perch and see what it looks like down where they live. If they can't catch one, they can at least see one up close and personal.
"Hopefully, we'll be giving some future Hall of Famer a ride on Leech Lake."
The Classic itself will be the largest walleye tournament ever contested on Leech over a two-day period with an expected field of 225 teams and $90,000.00 up for grabs. For more information, visit the Classic's web site at www.walleyeclassic.com.