(Arnolds Park)—Anglers are busy getting their rods and reels ready. Walleye weekend kicks off at midnight tonight (Fri.). Hundreds of anglers will be trying to snag one of several specially tagged fish. Tom Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce says they could also land some big money if they’re registered in the contest and happen to catch just the right one… (click here for comment.) “It could be $31,000 if just one is caught and it’s one of the walleyes. We’ve got some great prizes for all the other fish. Pure Fishing and Fisherman’s Factory provide a bunch of prizes for all the categories of fish and we also have cash prizes and you don’t have to be present Sunday to win a cash prize, so there’s all kinds of ways to win.”
Kuhlman says they decided to carryover the increased grand prize from last year…(click here for comment.) “It started last year. We increased the cash draw to $30,000 for celebrating our 30th year. And we thought that was so much fun we’d just keep it going, and so this year it’s 31 and next year it’s 32. It’s more fun.”
Another big winner in the event is the lakes area economy…(click here for comment.) “Last year we had about 2,500 registered. I think we’re on track to do that again this year. Lord only knows how many people they bring with them that don’t go fishing that like to go shopping or out to eat or whatever, so it’s great for the economy.”
In addition to that, the annual event also serves as a fundraiser for the Easter Seals Society of Iowa.
Entry forms are available at lakes area bait shops and online at Okoboji Chamber-dot-com.
