A number of Northern Ontario Walleye Anglers received some very interesting news back in October 2011.   They were invited to fish for Team Canada in 2012 at the Can-Am Walleye Championship hosted by Bay Mills Casino in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan on May 30, June 1 and June 2.  Total weight after three days takes the win.  This event is part of the AIM series and Team USA will feature some top notch Walleye anglers known in the world and hall of famers.  Team Canada looks to defend their title which was won in Dryden, ON a few years back.  A total of 15 NOWT anglers will be participating in this very much hyped Country vs Country event.  Not all 15 anglers are fulltime regulars on the NOWT but all are known in certain circles.   This tournament will be a challenge for most NOWT anglers due to the fact this system is not like systems they fish on their own circuit.  The tournament waters include Lake Superior and the St Marys River system that feeds into Lake Huron.  Big water walleye fishing is not something most anglers are familiar with and their adaptive skills will be tested on all levels.  Each Team has 31 pros that will fish three solid days with a different co-angler each day.

Some of the differences are: AIM is a “catch”, “record”and “release” format no live wells are used, 2 to 3 lines per angler can be used depending on Canada/USA waters, a different co-angler each day in the boat and no live bait.  That being said, the NOWT has some very accomplished anglers that will figure things out quickly and compete at the highest level.  Team Canada plans to work as a Team and share information.  This is an individual tournament that pays the winner $40,000 but Team Canada is focused on keeping the title as overall Champions.  This is the big stage and a chance to represent your country is a huge honour that comes with lots of responsibility as a professional.  Below is a list of Anglers who compete full time and part-time on the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail.  Good Luck Team Canada!   For a complete list of Team Canada http://www.thenextbite.com/node/21035  For a complete list of Team USA http://www.thenextbite.com/node/20936

by Shane Turcotte

NOWT anglers representing Team Canada

Angler                                Home Town                       Boat Brand

 Shane Turcotte  Sault Ste Marie, ON  Crestliner
 Sandro Fragale  Thunder Bay, On  KingFisher
 Craig Santala  Moonbeam, ON  Lund
 Norm Thorkilson  Sault Ste Marie, ON  Lund
 Jamie Robinson  Wawa, ON  Mirocraft
 Dennis Martin  Hearst, ON  Princecraft
 Luc Audet  Kapuskasing, ON  Princecraft
 Dan Hein  Thornloe, ON  Princecraft
 DJ Germain  Earlton, ON  Princecraft
 Terry Bernath  Wawa, ON  Princecraft
 Denis Perrier  Timmins, ON  Princecraft
 Joe Giuliani  Sault Ste Marie, ON  Starcraft
 Matt Guacci  Porcupine, ON  Tracker
 Sheldon Hatch  Perth, ON  Tracker
 Gord Schultz  Smith Falls, ON  Tracker