October event a challenge for 58 participants
Muskellunge, or muskies, were hard to hook during New Brunswick’s largest ever muskie tournament held in Nackawic from Oct. 17 – 19. Participants came from Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Massachusetts.
The National “Challunge,” hosted by the Saint John River Chapter of Muskies Canada, proved to be quite a challenge for the 58 participants, with only 17 muskies measured and registered throughout the weekend.
The event started with a meet-and-greet at Big Axe Brewery on Friday evening. On Saturday, anglers fished in both the lower stretch (below the Mactaquac Dam) and the upper stretch. On Sunday, all fishing was done in the upper stretch above the Mactaquac Dam.
One of the participants, Jake Calder, said the fishing was tough but a fun way to spend the weekend with friends. He said the tournament was very well organized and well supported by sponsors.
“The organizers did a phenomenal job and the sponsors went above and beyond with their donations to create a great event and get everyone excited about the prizes.”
Calder said that Muskies Canada is a great organization full of very welcoming people who love being part of the organization.
“It was great as a newcomer to be welcomed and included as much as I was. Nackawic gave us a great launch with beautiful waterways and fall colours, along with two great places to meet and socialize. It’s a great little town and the people were very friendly. I can’t wait to participate in events like this in the future,” said Calder.
Mayor Tim Fox said he appreciated the anglers travelling to the area.
“Every time we do one of these, we gain a bunch of more friends,” said Fox.
He pointed out connections made at past fishing tournaments, such as the bass tournament and the Hook & Paddle tournament held in September.
“We recognize that we have a tremendous resource here. This is the beginning of a great partnership. Our investment for us is we showcase our community,” said Fox.
“While promoting this sport and the use of the Saint John River, we continue to look for new ideas. I think we have the best waterfront and marina in the area, actually in New Brunswick. But we are always looking for ways to improve. And you come here and spend money in our community. That’s important too,” said Fox.
Peter Levick from the Muskies Canada Ottawa Chapter agreed.
“What you have here is a destination fishery. Muskie fisherman love to travel and I’m one of the lucky ones who came from away,” said Levick.
He pointed out that Muskies Canada, with 900 members from Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, focuses on research and conservation. We are a 100% volunteer organization that raises funds to do projects. Different chapters work on various issues. Levick said that they get to know other waters by participating in tournaments like these.
“You have a great resource and it has been a privilege to come and visit you here from the Ottawa Chapter. I’m so happy to participate in this event,” he said.
‘Thanks for being here and to everyone who has helped put this event together. Thank you for the support from Destination Nackawic.”
Angelo DiDomizio, from the Muskies Canada Kawartha Lakes Chapter, spoke to the anglers during the banquet held at the Nackawic Lions Club on Sunday evening. He said he was impressed by the Saint John River and thanked those who have donated their time and experience to make the club what it is.
“We support each chapter and spend a lot of time in community involvement. Muskie Canada is making a great impression on everyone. To see the smile on the face of an 8 or 10 year old and they keep coming back. It is a great honour being here,” said DiDomizio.
He pointed out that in three years, Muskies Canada will be celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Awards were presented on Sunday evening. First place honours went to Ryan and Brooke Hipditch, who caught a 45” muskie; second place went to Sheldon Boone with a 44.75” muskie, and John Turner placed third with a 43.5” muskie.
Mayor Fox said it was a great weekend to showcase the Saint John River and Destination Nackawic.
“We were so happy to be a part of hosting this event and we look forward for Muskies Canada to return next season.”
