BAILEYS HARBOR, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Fishing is a popular pastime in the area, and it’s part of “How WI Live” in Northeast Wisconsin, and along the Lakeshore there’s a competition that bills itself as one of the earliest fishing contests of the season.
The 34th Annual Baileys Harbor Brown Trout Tournament is underway, but wintry weather conditions are having an impact.
At the Town of Baileys Harbor Marina, a fresh coat of snow greeted those looking to launch their boats Friday morning. Those who work at the facility say it feels a lot like winter.
“It still hasn’t quit,” said Mark Jonas, Retired Harbor Master.
“We got maybe a half inch of snow this morning, and it’s supposed to maybe turn to rain. It’s just been terrible weather for spring,” he said.
Jonas says crews installed ramps at the Baileys Harbor Marina earlier in the week.
He says anglers part of the tournament troll the shallows looking for a lunker. Water on the Lake Michigan is typically open throughout the winter, but across the Door County Peninsula in Egg Harbor, it’s a different story.
“Almost all the launches are still frozen in. Sturgeon Bay they can get out of, but I don’t think too many on the bayside that they can launch. There’s open water out further, but it’s ice in close.”
Hundreds are expected to test their luck in the four-day tournament. Baileys Harbor business leaders say the event has an impact on the local economy.
“We do have a lot of businesses that stay open year round. So, like year-round restaurants we have Coyote Roadhouse, Clover & Zot, Chives, Cornerstone,” said Ellie Soderberg, Baileys Harbor Community Association Coordinator.
And Baileys 57 as well. The gas station doubles as a registration site for the tournament. Scott Scharrig entered a 10.24 pound, 28.5 inch brown trout into the contest Friday morning.
“Brown Trout is our favorite tournament to get into, because it’s a huge challenge. You never know with these fish, what turns them on, or what doesn’t turn them on. This early in the year, it’s hard to find warm water, because they do like the warmer water.”
Back at the Marina, Mark Jonas says about 15 boaters launched there on Friday.
“They’re out there. Die-hard fishermen. They’re going to go after them. And it’s fun, when you catch them,” he said.
The Baileys Harbor Brown Trout Tournament continues through Sunday.
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