Changes made to Emo Walleye Classic to attract west-end anglers

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The Emo Walleye Classic (EWC) has two big changes in store for anglers this May.
Event co-chair Lincoln Dunn said, “We would like to attract more anglers from the Rainy River-Baudette area!”
To do that the committee has decided to expand the western boundary for the competition. In the previous 11 years anglers could not fish any further west than the Pinewood River. Now they will be allowed to fish all the way to the mouth of the Rainy River. The move comes from feedback from past participants on how to improve the tournament.
While they had 58 teams compete last year, Dunn said they can handle up to 65 and would like to see the tourney max out this year! “We have also changed the entry fee this year! It will go down from $600 to $500 per boat!”
That, plus the expanded fishing area, hopefully will attract more teams. Since the EWC is a 100% payout tournament, if the number of teams drops the prize purse will as well. However, Dunn is confident the number will go to the max and more than compensate for less entry fees coming in. If they get 65 teams the top team will win $7,800 and 2nd place will receive $3,600. They pay out the top 16 teams and total prize purse would be $32,500.
The three day event is May 23-25th this year. The first day involves a boat parade. Friday and Saturday is the actual fishing competition. Other than the fishing on the river, the bulk of the other activities for the tournament will be centralized at the Emo arena. There will be a casino night, a car show and a live band plus many other activities.
Dunn said anyone wishing to register to compete in EWC can do so at www.EmoWalleye.com. So far they have about 35 teams registered with that number growing weekly.
“We are looking forward to the tournament this year and will again be live streaming it on the internet for those who can’t make it to the arena.”