It was a quick turnaround from Dubreuilville to Geraldton for a lot of the NOWT anglers, but they were not alone feeling a time crunch.  2023 presented a different set of challenges for tournament directors whose jobs are heavily involved with supporting the MNRF’s suppression of wildland forest fires. With an incredible group of volunteers, taking one step at a time and focusing on what was IMPORTANT at that moment the GWC once again was a success.  That is thanks in no small part to the consistency of returning volunteers. Volunteers that return year after year, many for 10 or more years, know their duties, mentor new volunteers and truly make the GWC the success it is.

And then there’s the venue!  The GWC has the perfect venue for a high caliber fishing tournament. MacLeod Park and its large beach, stage and close proximity to the community makes it easy to host 300+ people, a lot of whom even stay onsite at the campground.

Anglers enjoyed warm south west winds and high temperatures for the pre-fish, which of course, changed right as competition started on Saturday morning as things cooled down and clouds rolled in.  Sunday brought even cooler temps with heavy showers.

Unlike years past, anglers talked about a good pre-fish which gave everyone hope for those elusive overs on Kenogamisis. The weigh master was busy all day as Brian Neureuther and Ryan Piakowski had some big fish to weigh on Day 1 – landing them the Garmin Biggest Bag prize with 16.11lbs. Streamside’s Cool Under Pressure went to Cory Larocque and John Desaulnier who moved 68 spots from Day 1 to Day 2!  The Biggest Fish of the tournament was caught by Blair McGuire and David Kennedy on Day 2 weighing in at 6.98lbs – even putting them in the hot seat for a bit!

Ultimately, it was the team who had travelled the furthest who took home first place.  Robby Tremblay of Rouyn-Noranda and David Grad of Macamic Quebec got on the road BEFORE they secured a registered spot in the tournament.  Donna called them when they still had a day’s travel ahead to say a spot had opened up!  They proved that consistency is the key in tournament angling and after a 10.81 Day 1 they brought in the necessary 12.89lbs on Day 2 to beat Brian Neureuther and Ryan Piakowski by only 0.35lbs.

Registration for next year’s GWC (June 21-23, 2024) is already open – check the website for details.

http://www.gcfi.net/article/registration-142.asp

Time for a break – see you all at the Longlac Walleye Masters July 21-23!