The 2008 Walleye Challenge Youth Champion, Chris Catrabone, will long remember his award winning catch.  During the one-day tournament, Lake Erie was experiencing strong, storm related winds.  Waves were 4-6 feet plus, so he and the other members of team Big Cat worked hard for every fish they boated.  It was a Dramamine day! Chris said, “I was fighting the big fish, and trying to keep from throwing up at the same time.  I just kept working the fish closer to the boat.  I wanted to land the fish, but I also wanted to avoid making a mess in the boat. I leaned over the side and heaved, while we netted the fish”.   Picture time! 

Chris’s award winning fish weighed 9.35 pounds.

A total of forty-five teams entered the Erie, Pennsylvania Sport Fishing Association [EPSFA] Walleye Challenge.  At the end of the day, thirty-five teams brought fish to the scales, and a large crowded gathered at Shade’s Beach near Harbor Creek to watch the weigh-in.  It was indeed quite a show for the spectators. 

Cooler after cooler of large walleye were measured to be sure they met the 18” tournament minimum length, and then the fish were weighed.  Each team could weigh nine fish.  The final count was 277 fish weighing more than 1000 pounds.

Pete Alex, president of EPSFA, took time to provide information about the association and the 2008 Walleye Challenge.

Click on the photos of final standing boards to see the results.

Plenty of nice fish - click to see larger view.

The association volunteers did a great job at the weigh-in and awards ceremony.  Check out the video and photos below. 

Weigh-In 

Volunteers in Action

A post tournament picnic, held immediately following the weigh-in, was attended by a large group of anglers, family members, and friends.

The Erie Pennsylvania Sport Fishing Association is dedicated to conserving the fishing resources of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.  Their projects and cooperative efforts are designed to enhance sport fishing opportunities for all.  To learn more about EPSFA, click here to visit their website.

To view the results of the New Eastern Walleye Circuit Tournament Click here.

The preceeding report was co-sponsored by The Green Roof Inn and York Marketing/Promotions.