Mercer fishing tournament triumphs over rain

By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

MERCER, Wis. - Despite occasional rain throughout the weekend, the Mercer Open All-Species Fishing Tournament took place on a variety of public-access lakes that are south of County Road G.

"It is the second year in this form," said Melissa Biszak, executive director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce, the primary sponsor of what is billed as a "family-friendly" event.

The event, which Biszak said had 35 participants this year, now includes two divisions: one for canoes and kayaks and the other for motorized boats.

Prior to 2021, the event was known as the Can-Yak fishing tournament, and it did not include a motorized division. The tournament began in 2015.

Biszak was waiting on Sunday for final entrants to appear for the distribution of prizes at the Liberty Way Tap House.

Although the sign-in for this year's event was held on Friday evening, the tournament took place on Saturday and Sunday.

"It is a two-day catch-and release (event)," said Biszak, who explained that fishermen took with them a measuring device that had to be included in photos of any fish caught.

According to contest rules, photos could be taken only with cell phones, in order to include a required time and date stamp.

Types of fish allowed in both divisions include pan fish (crappie, pumpkin/sunfish, bluegill, rock bass, and perch) and game fish (walleye, bass, northern, and musky). The "bag limit" was a baker's dozen - 13 fish - per day. Both live and artificial bait were acceptable.

Anglers were provided with a boat-washing kit and were asked to use it on any boat that had been in any water within 14 days of the tournament. Anyone changing lakes during the tournament also was asked to clean related boats.

Saturday evening featured a dinner, while Sunday afternoon offered more food, along with raffle drawings and awards.

The first prize was a kayak in the Can-Yak division and cash in the Open division. Second and third prizes in both divisions was fishing equipment donated by local businesses.

The chamber will announce winners of each division.