IBEW Local 38 hosts 29th Walleye tournament

IBEW Local 38 Tournament Images: LEFT: IBEW Local 38 Walleye Tournament Committee Director Carl Scheutzow with one of his catches of the day. Scheutzow and his team came in second place.  RIGHT: IBEW Local 38 members with their family and friends at the cookout, where they enjoyed food and raffle prizes after the tournament.

IBEW Local 38 held its 29th annual walleye fishing tournament, with 25 boats participating in the friendly competition.

On a warm, sunny Saturday, Lake Erie was calm, providing good boating conditions for the competition, which included members, family and friends.

For eight hours on June 22, the boats were cruising Lake Erie, trolling for walleye before they had to return to the check-in station at the E. 55th Street Marina at 3 p.m.

The crews were judged on the length of their five biggest catches, with prizes for the participants who caught the biggest walleye, sheepshead and steelhead.

Once all the fish were measured, Local 38 Brother Dave Lee and his team were named the Grand Champions.

Lee’s crew returned to the marina with their top five catches adding up to a total of 127.5 inches.

According to Tournament Committee Director Carl Scheutzow, everyone went home with a prize. The first-place prize was $600, and even last place went home with $50.

“Everybody who entered the tournament caught a fish,” Scheutzow said. “There have been several tournaments where some boats go home without catching a single fish.”

One of the reasons the annual walleye tournament remains a highlight of the summer is because of the bonds it creates and the fun the members have reeling in their catches. But there remains a competitive aspect.

“One of the best parts about this tournament is having bragging rights over your Brothers and friends for the rest of the year,” Scheutzow said.

He explained how the tournament started with just a few electricians and their small kids who loved to fish. Today, it has grown into a major event for the whole family.

Nearly 30 years after the first official walleye tournament, event organizers counted a total of 100 fishing participants among the 25 boats.

According to Mark Hanna, tournament treasurer, only one person on the boat must be an IBEW member. The rest of the crew can be family, friends or other tradesmen.

After all boats were in, there was a cookout for all participants and their families. This year, 200 people attended the cookout.

Not only did the cookout include delicious food, but it featured a raffle for prizes like TVs, Yeti coolers, fishing equipment, grills and gift cards. Children and female prizes were also raffled off.

Hanna said prizes are purchased with the entry fee money, and a donation from Local 38’s labor-management committee. NECA contractors and supply houses also donated prizes for the raffle.

“We could not do the tournament without the support from our Hall and contractors,” Hanna said.