Kids will get their chance to soak in a fishing 101 class on the final day of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, Friday, July 26, following the tournament’s championship round weigh-ins and prior to the award presentation.
The Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting the National Walleye Tour at Aune Osborn Campground (1225 Riverside Dr.) on July 25 and July 26. Weigh-ins are expected to begin at 3 p.m. with an estimate time of 4:30 on July 26 set for the “Future Angler” Fishing Clinic.
The “Future Angler” Fishing Clinic is put on for free by the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) and Future Angler Foundation (FAF.) The class will last roughly 30 minutes, but provide plenty of information for kids along with prizes such as a fishing rod and reel and a Future Pro T-shirt (for the first 100 kids.)
Professional angler Eric Olson will be putting on the clinic according to organizers.
“He talks about techniques that he will have used during the tournament,” said NPAA Executive Director and FAF President Pat Neu. “He will be talking about the St. Marys River and the whole system.”
Neu said the clinics take place at all of the National Walleye Tours throughout the year and do over 150 clinics per year. All classes include angler education, discussions on water safety and information on the aquatic species in the area and the harms present to them.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend with their kids as well. Neu explained some of the discussion will veer towards trolling, split-bobbers and live bait rigging, so an extra set of ears would be beneficial for youngsters to make sure they take in the whole lesson.
Neu said the event is possible thanks to volunteers from the NPAA, many of whom fish in the National Walleye Tour, and the tournament itself for letting them use the stage. He also said it was important to thank the community after successful NPAA and FAF fishing clinics in 2013 and 2016.