Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
Lake Erie Slated for ’05 Gander Mountain GNWC National Championship
By Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
Walleye anglers know that Lake Erie in October means trophy walleyes!
For the Gander Mountain Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) teams, October
6-8, 2005 means the National Championship and a date with Lake Erie ‘eyes.
That’s right; the 2005 GNWC National Championship presented by Skeeter
Boats and Yamaha Outboards will bring the top 120 teams on the GNWC circuit
to Vermilion, OH and the formidable waters of Lake Erie.
On the line will be a first place prize of two fully rigged WX 1880
Skeeter boats rigged with Yamaha outboards, Minnkota electric trolling
motors and Lowrance Electronics. With a retail value of $35,000 per rig,
this brings the first place purse to $70,000.
In addition, a third fully rigged WX 1880 will be given away in a
drawing at the National Championship. Each angler who fishes in the National
Championship will have a chance to win this boat. It will be given away at
the tournament in a random drawing, and all contestants that meet
eligibility guidelines will have one chance to win.
“We are excited to bring the National Championship to Lake Erie,” said
Gander Mountain GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer. “The folks in
Vermilion are really looking forward to our championship teams coming to
their town. This is a tremendous fishery, and I know that October and Lake
Erie mean big, big walleyes!”
John Hammer, Chairman of the Vermilion Port Authority, shared his
excitement about hosting the event. “As Chairman of the VPA and on behalf of
the city of Vermilion, I would like to thank Gander Mountain GNWC for giving
us the opportunity to host this event. I can assure you that our city will
welcome your anglers with open arms. The waters of Lake Erie just outside of
the Vermilion Harbor attract large schools of walleye during the month of
October.”
Hammer continued, “We believe that the city of Vermilion, is the Best
Kept Secret on the southern shores of Lake Erie. We boast a population of
approximately 12,000 residents. Vermilion harbors over 9,000 vessels with an
abundance of transient docks, and our downtown wraps around these docks so
no transportation is required. All the little shops, motels, bed and
breakfast, grocery stores, liquor stores, hardware and marine stores are
within short walking distance.”
With four different ramps for launching vessels, the launching of 120
GNWC tournament boats will be easy. Just the South St. Ramp itself can
accommodate approximately 100 rigs for parking.
Hammer added one piece of fishing advice, “Bring the biggest net you
own! Good luck to all the anglers and Vermilion looks forward to seeing you
in October. Fish on!”
Joe Rini, an avid Lake Erie walleye angler who helps out at Den’s
Sportsman’s Outpost, echoed those remarks. “There are big fish to be had. I
really believe you could make a life out of fishing this lake!”
Where will the walleyes be located at that time of year? It comes down
to weather conditions. “There are three areas that I am sure the teams will
look at first,” noted Rini. “The first is the sand bar about seven miles
north of Vermilion, then there is the reef off of Cranberry Creek and
finally the reef off of the Lorain Sandbar.”
Of course, with a body of water this huge, pre-fishing will play a huge
role. “As time gets closer, we hope that the GNWC teams will come in to
Den’s and visit with us. We will help them with tackle and give them as much
up-to-date fishing information as we can,” added Rini.
One thing is for certain. There are big ‘eyes out there for the taking
and a first place purse worth $70,000! As Barringer said, “”The Vermilion
area of Lake Erie is a great opportunity for anglers even in smaller boats
to access this terrific fall fishery. Some locals tell me that it will take
40-plus pounds a day to win this event. And there is the distinct
possibility that it will take a fish in the teens to win the overall big
fish award. To have that kind of a big fish bite within reach of any angler
is the reason we have accepted the invitation to hold the national
championship at Vermilion, Ohio.”
The Gander Mountain GNWC is an eight Region team/partner walleye circuit
covering the East (Pennsylvania, New York), Great Plains (Nebraska-Kansas),
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
With four qualifiers in each region, a Regional Championship in each
region, and a National Championship rotated through each of the regions on
the circuit, the Grand National Walleye Cup is rapidly becoming the most
widespread team walleye fishing circuit in the country.
Those interested in learning more about the GNWC circuit can call
1-800-890-FISH (3474) or access the Gander Mountain GNWC website at
http://www.walleyecup.com. For those wanting to take a look at the Vermilion area,
check out their website at vermilionohio.com.