AIM to Revisit Oconto, WI on The Bay of Green Bay
Mar 7th, 2013 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Mar 7th, 2013 at 12:00 AM
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It’s nearly impossible to find a community like Oconto, WI that’s so fishing driven and located on one of the best walleye fisheries in the country. AIM successfully did that in 2012, unveiling their Pro-Team Challenge Format for the first time. In a repeat performance, the AIM Pro Walleye Series will reinvade the phenomenal waters of Green Bay, out of Oconto, on July 18-20, 2013. Anglers can fish both Wisconsin and Michigan waters with no slot limits as no fish are transported.
With such a successful 2012 campaign, it was a simple decision to hold another event with the same angler format (now called Pro Partner Draw). This format is attractive to anglers that are used to fishing Pro/AM, or Team events, as well as giving the Co-Angler fisherman the most bang for his/her buck! With a population 4,700, the hidden gem of Oconto, a small community set off the western shore of Green Bay, gives anglers a perfect “logistical” location to explore the bay’s vast waters, in search of trophy size walleyes that can be caught using almost every technique in the book!
Dick Doeren, tournament director and Oconto City Councilman echoed the excitement of this announcement. “We are most honored that AIM has chosen Oconto to hold its only premier Walleye Tournament in this season. We will roll out the Red Carpet to make this event one to remember, to all those who attend, be it Pro’s, Co Anglers or spectators to enjoy our “Glad You Are Here Down Home Attitude.” In fact, the Oconto & Wisconsin Department of Tourism has Awarded AIM the only Travel Green Wisconsin Award to a Fishing Tournament because of its Catch Record & Release Format!”
Based off of last year’s turnout, industry representatives are upbeat, as AIM and Oconto look to garner even more great anglers this season. “We look forward to another fantastic walleye tournament in Oconto this July,” said David Ittner, Tournament and Pro Staff Manager for Yamaha Marine Group. “The support from the City of Oconto and their people make this one of the best locations, and the community’s enthusiasm and hospitality are second to none!”
Entrants will continue to fish according to the Catch, Record, Release format, a very angler-friendly venue with minimal fish mortality… a format that both the anglers, and the host communities cherish, not to mention all of those freshly released walleyes! Teams, will consist of a Pro, their partner, and a newly drawn co-angler each day, and will be able to fish for the full time allowed; they will mark each fish length down, and turn in their largest seven (7) walleyes at the end of the day which will be converted to a final weight. There are no decisions on which fish to keep, no short days, and furthermore, six lines will be permitted (three anglers in each boat), which will allow teams to experiment more than other premier events resulting in boating as many fish as possible!
Tournament entry fees will remain the same; $1,200 for each Pro/Partner and $300 for each co-angler. Pro teams are competing for one hundred percent of all Pro/Partner entries, however that percentage could rise. Actual payout schedule will be released in the near future.
With the Pro/Partner format, Pro Teams will be able to enjoy all three days fishing alongside someone they are familiar with, while co-anglers will get to experience and work with two professionals each day. This style is something that the 2012 Pro Team Challenge Champion and Yarcraft/Yamaha Pro, Joe Okada, looks back fondly on, as he prepares to try to repeat. “AIM’s Pro Team format was born last year, and I was lucky enough to win that event with my favorite tournament partner – my Dad! This event attracted some of the best new blood and veterans to ever fish Green Bay, and they all enjoyed the benefits of a CRR style event on this trophy fishery. Oconto welcomed us into their town, and after last summer, I can’t wait to give it another run once July rolls around!”
Local anglers Mike and Kevin Blanck, who were new to AIM and the CRR format last year are chomping at the bit, to go after an AIM title. “We were very impressed while fishing our first AIM event in Oconto last year. The CRR system of taking pictures of fish seemed a little intimidating at first, but actually it was very easy to do! It was unbelievable how smoothly the tournament was run and the other anglers were very helpful with any questions new teams had. Being that Green Bay is a body of water we know well and the AIM system works flawlessly, we can’t wait for this year!”
Green Bay’s walleye fishery is nothing short of amazing. With alewives and perch being the predominant forage, the walleyes have grown to be large in size and abundance. Natural reefs around the Oconto area become midsummer stops for hungry walleyes, which make the area a “walleye vacation” hot spot!
Visit AIM at www.aimfishing.com. The web site allows for online registration and payments can be made via PayPal (which includes credit card processing). The site will be updated regularly with further information on AIM and their marketing partners.
Anglers Insight Marketing, LLCâ„¢ (AIM) is a unique tournament organization which is owned by stockholders, the majority of which are Professional walleye anglers. AIM Professionals are among the All Stars of professional fishing, with cumulative HUNDREDS of years of tournament experience, including countless tournament victories, series championships, and Angler of the Year titles. This insight and knowledge is now being employed to provide the finest tournament experience for the participants, and the maximum exposure for the host tournament sites and corporate partners.
AIM Marketing Partners:
Yamaha Marine, Navionics, Power Pole, Worldwide Marine Insurance and The Judge Tournament Ruler
Contact: Email aimfishing.com or phone 920-788-2562 for more information.