It seems every tournament series or trail has one angler that seems to stand out.

In the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail, that angler is Perry Caverson.

With his quick whit and willingness to talk and promote his sponsors, Perry has a way of making new and old anglers to the trail feel at home.

However, Perry has the unique ability to flip a switch once the tournament starts each day and turn into a fierce competitor with his tournament partner, Denis Martin, which makes them a team to reckoned with.

A couple of years ago, I asked Perry if he would be interested in having his profile done. Perry told that he would think about it.

Well, after a couple years went by, this year at the Kap. River Walleye Tournament, to my surprise Perry informed me that he would like his profile done.

Here is a little background on the angler many have came to know over the years.

Q: Who played a role in getting you started in fishing?

A: My grandfather and father.

Q: As a youth, where did you fish and for what?

A: I fished mostly in the Sudbury area for walleye, lake trout and pike. Wherever a dock was available, I would cast off of it and catch bass also.

Q: At what age did you start fishing?

A: I really can’t remember, but it was a long time ago.

Q: How did you get into walleye tournament fishing and why?

A: I happened to run into Rob Mazzuca and he told me about a spring tournament called The Marble Eye”on the Spanish river. I entered it and finished in the top 10. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and caught up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while. My addiction for tournament fishing has gotten worse ever since.

Q: What was your most memorable fishing experience and why?

A: My most memorable fishing experience has to be winning my first NOWT Walleye Tournament last year at the Fall MFN. After all the hard work that has been put in over the years and being close, finally putting together a weekend like we did was very gratifying and rewarding. Being able to get the win against the calibre of anglers that we compete against every tournament I think was a big accomplishment.

Q: List any anglers that have helped you learn more about fishing over the years.

A: I have been fortunate to have met and fished with many great anglers over the years. Without a doubt, I have to put my partner, Denis Martin, at the top of the list. He is not only a great fisherman but he has become one of my best friends. We know what each other is going to do in a boat and that makes everything easy during the day.

Q: List sponsors and tournament finishes.

A: My sponsors have a huge role and are greatly appreciated. They are Evinrude E-Tec, G2, MirroCraft Boats, Belanger Ford Lincoln Centre, Blue Moon Graphics and Signs, Harbor Vue Marina, Nick’s Sales and Service, Humminbird, Rapala, K-100 Fuel Treatment, Pickerel Perfection, Dufour Waste Disposal Inc., Pelican Coolers, Corrosion Free, Ramakko’s Source for Adventure and Bass Pro Shops.

Tournament Finishes: 1 – 1st, 1 – 2nd, 3 – 3rd, 1 – 4th, 1 – 6th, 1 – 9th, 1 – 10th, and 6 to 20’s.

Q: Who are your biggest fishing supporters over the years (example, wife, family and friends)?

A: My biggest fishing support over the years has certainly been my wife Sue. She understands what fishing means to me. I would not feel right without mentioning my sponsors again. They have been with me since I started my tournament career and, without them, it would be very difficult to have stayed on circuit for as long as I have. Thank you to all for your ongoing support. It will always be appreciated.

Q: What are some of your favorite fish you like to fish for and why?

A: Walleye is my favourite to fish for. When you think you have them figured out, they seem to humble you. I grew up fishing for lake trout with my grandfather. We would troll for hours every day. Steel line and gang trolls were the lure of choice back then. A far cry from what we have today. Lastly, I enjoy fishing for pike. I like the fight but as everyone knows I really prefer to let them go at the side of the boat rather than bringing them in and sliming up everywhere.

Q: What is/are your favourite fishing technique(s) for walleye?

A: My favourite fishing techniques for walleye are bouncing and jigging. Trying to figure out what they want is a constant battle and when you finally figure it out, it changes.

Q: Why do you fish walleye tournaments?

A: I fish walleye tournaments because of the competition. Over the years, it has greatly increased. I also have enjoyed meeting a lot of great anglers/friends over the years as it is really the only time we get to see each other because we come from different communities around Ontario.

Q:Why did you agree to have your bio done?

A: I agreed to do this bio because you are such a sweet talker Dave. But seriously, I decided to do this because I have had a lot of doors opened to me because of fishing and participating on the NOWT. If we don’t promote our sport and trail, no one will. If the trail keeps growing, we all grow.

Q: Any tips you would give to a new walleye angler looking at fishing the NOWT?

A: The one tip I would give to anyone looking to fish on the NOWT is not to give up and get frustrated. The days of just entering a tournament and thinking you are good to go out and win are gone. There are too many good anglers on the trail now. You have to put time in and practice.

Q: What would be some of your greatest accomplishes over the years of fishing? Could be anything relating to fishing. Name as many as you would like.

A: I have been lucky enough to have met and made a lot of good friends throughout the years while fishing. I hope to have many more years ahead of me to keep doing what I love to do and try to give back as much as it has given to me. The people that you meet along the trail have always been supportive. I would like to end by thanking the anglers, volunteers and organizers for making the NOWT what it has become. Without all of you great people, there would be no tournaments. Keep up the good work.

I would like to take a moment to thank Perry for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer these questions for this article.

One final note to the anglers that fished the Mattagami First Nation Pike Derby last winter and anyone that may be interested in fishing it this February, you can register on-line now here.

In a live interview on Facebook on Sept. 25, MNF Pike Derby, Board Member Crystel Vallee announced that the Canadian Fishing Network, Scottie Martin and Red Andal will be covering the Pike Derby this year.