Pickford Area To Host Walleye Jamboree

If weather continues to cooperate, there should be plenty of ice for the annual Walleye Jamboree on Munuscong Bay January 24 through January 27. Organizer Carley Ball said Monday, January 14, that ice is good in the bay, but people should still avoid ice near land, especially around islands and points.

The mild weather, a period of thawing, and rain over the past month have caused unstable ice conditions in some areas, and people should avoid driving on the ice with automobiles. They should also avoid the east side of the bay closest to the St. Marys River, she said.

"As of right now," Mrs. Ball said, "we won't be able to fish in the [shipping] channel or over deep water."

The Pickford community will again host the contest, which take place about seven miles northeast of town.

This year's grand prize is $600 for the adult who catches the largest walleye. The biggest walleye in a separate youth contest could win $50 for the lucky angler.

Other prizes include an eightfoot by eight-foot storage shed for second prize, and cash prizes for the largest fish in third through 10th places. The contest will also award prizes for the largest fish caught each day, to the person who weighs the most walleyes, and to people entered in the drawing. The Bounty on the Bay contest will award another $100 if the largest walleye caught is larger than last year's 9.8-pound fish.

The weigh-in station on the shores of the Munuscong will be available Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Register for the contest at Wilderness Treasures and Dan's Cabins in Pickford, MMC Store in Barbeau, Petersen's Country Store in Raber, and Hank's Sport Shop in Sault Ste. Marie. The entry fee is $10 per adult and $5 per child.

Wilderness Treasures in Pickford serves as the unofficial headquarters for the contest, and more information can be obtained there by stopping in or calling Carley or Tom Ball at (906) 647- 4002. The Soo Area Sportsmen's Club will sponsor the event, with the help of nearly 20 Pickford, Cedarville, and Sault Ste. Marie area businesses that donate prizes and cash.

ASecond Chance Walleye fishing contest is being planned for the third weekend in February.