Fish On

The City of Sturgeon Bay has waived launch-pass fees for competitors and event staff working on and participating in the 2020  Fishing League Worldwide tournament in Sturgeon Bay Aug. 24-29. 

The catch, photograph and release contest will feature 50 anglers fishing in two groups on multiple days, and people can watch live on social media. 

“It works very well with a pandemic,” said Alder Gary Nault, who works to bring such tournaments to the city. The winner collects about a quarter of a million dollars, Nault said. 

“Typically hosting a national tournament comes with a steep fee, however this time, like the MLF [Major League Fishing] tournament held in July, the organizers are not asking for event-hosting fees or really any special considerations, with the exception of use of the south lot at Sawyer Park and waiving of launch fees,” said City Administrator Josh VanLieshout. 

The Sawyer Park ramp and fish-cleaning facility will be open to leisure boaters, sport fishers and the public throughout the contest period.