Thank you to the NOWT community for submitting their nominations for the available at-large director positions with the NOWT Board of Directors.  The number of accepted nominations exceeds the 5 available positions on the board; therefore, an election process will take place.  Voting is open to all anglers who have participated in at least one NOWT sanctioned event in the past year.

Below are the candidates for the available positions.  The link to the voting page is provided at the end of the list. You will be asked to vote on the 5 members you feel would best represent the anglers and the organization.

Voting closes November 26, 2017 at 11:50 pm.

Board Member Candidates

(In no particular order)

Paul Ethier

I am a passionate person who is dedicated to growing the sport of angling for the upcoming generation to enjoy. I have been fishing in the NOWT since 2010 and I was hooked on the first “take-off”. As my children grow older and their independence grows, my time spent on the tournament trail also increases. I am a father of two teenage boys, a husband to a wonderfully supportive wife and also a professional in the community of Timmins. I have hosted one season of “FishON!” on Eastlink TV, where we promote fishing on Northern waters.

I have many years of experience as Director of Corporate Services for a not for profit organization; I look forward to contributing innovative ideas to assist the NOWT in becoming a leading tournament trail in an ever changing environment. The internet affords today’s anglers immediate access to information no matter where they are; the NOWT must adapt and continue to explore how it can leverage technology to remain current and to develop a high profile with a wide reach. NOWT tournaments should encourage the involvement of not only seasoned tournament anglers, but also anglers who are looking to start tournament fishing as a new endeavour.

Craig Salmonson

I have been self employed for the last 23 years operating an electronics store. Our operation currently employs 20 people. We operate in an ever changing dynamic market place that commands a high level of salesmanship and marketing in order to stay competitive.

From 1987 to 1994, I operated the same business for the previous owner and was in charge of both sales training and marketing for a four store chain which has lead to long relationship with our media partners throughout Northern Ontario.

I have been involved in competitive angling for 30 years and look forward to many more years of doing so. I am very fortunate to have a wife who not only supports my efforts but also has a passion for the sport as well.

My mandate has been for many years as I have established relationships in our fishing community with manufacturers and fellow anglers is to establish a mutually beneficial professional relationship that would provide support and in return offer a high level of exposure to many levels of the angling community. Education and promotion are the keys to enhance our sport.

Having been involved with as either a competitor or board member with numerous series over the last 30 years and being exposed to how series have been run and have evolved over the years I believe would be an asset to our series.

I would be very happy to see this series continue to develop and mature and takes its place as the premiere walleye circuit in Canada.

Henri Roberge

I starting fishing with my father at 2 years old and fished my first NOWT tournament at the Cache in 2004. I have fished all except 2 NOWT events the past 5 seasons with my wife, Annie.

Over the past 3 years I have been on the NOWT board during this time I have met a lot of outstanding people and anglers. As a result I have been a part of some very important discussions and decisions regarding the future of the already successful NOWT circuit. I strongly think that with continued positive attitudes and hard work that the NOWT can grow to be even better than what all of the volunteers have already made it to be today. I am looking forward to help make this happen. Together with new ideas and open minds we can make the NOWT even better.

Shane Turcotte

Full Time tournament angler on the NOWT since 2009. Vice President on the NOWT since 2010. President of The Algoma Fish and Game Club. Crestliner, Mercury and Garmin Pro Team member. Business owner and Small Business Advisor for RBC. Represented Team Canada at the Walleye Championship.

I have experience in tournament organizing as VP of NOWT and chair of the KIWT event for 3 years. Strong business and legal mind when it comes to running and growing a business.

Jody Villeneuve

I am an avid outdoorsman and tournament angler.

I have been participating in the NOWT tournament series since 2010. I always make time to talk and share knowledge with other anglers.

Other anglers have many great ideas of how to improve the trail, I would voice their opinions as a board member.

Perry Caverson

My first participation in the trail was in 2007, since the I’ve been competing in 5 out of 6 NOWT sanctioned events. I am a very humble person and I treat people with respect, the kind of person that likes to make new and old anglers to the trail feel at home. I am a team player and big promoter of the future of fishing by introducing the sport to our youth.

Participating in the NOWT sanctioned event gave me the knowledge on the importance of the NOWT for our anglers. Communication is the key, so I want to be an advocate for the anglers and supporter for the tournament organizers.

I am committed to make a difference to its continuous success of its growth.

Peter Shebagabow

Peter Shebagabow is a Anishinaabe man from Long Lake 58 First Nation who was born and raised in Northern Ontario.  He was raised amongst the land and uses his position to inspire the students that he teaches to enjoy the beautie of the land and waters and to preserve and respect the traditional ways of living and relying on the land.

As an avid fisherman and someone with experience in travelling the walleye circuit, Peter has a great amount of knowledge in the rules and regulations of the tournaments.  He can bring fresh ideas to help the growth and success of continued tournaments.  Furthermore , he will promote the conservation and protection of our fish populations in order to enjoy future tournaments. Giving the opportunity, Peter will represent the anglers in the best way possible.