After being in limbo for the last year and having to cancel the tournament, Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament President Wendy Heim found it surreal to be able to hold the Open Bass Fishing Tournament this year. Heim was very happy with the turnout as people came from twenty-five states and 143 boats participated. Heim added there would be approximately fifteen or twenty more if fishers would have been able to cross the Canadian border to participate. She also said she was excited to see the familiar faces.

The tournament launched from Sawyer Park, which was a popular suggestion after the SBOBT’s abbreviated Fall tournament. With the tournament’s status unclear over the last year, Heim said she fielded a lot of questions from people asking if it would come back. As it came back this year, it was also recognized as a national tournament this year, meaning one boat could be sent to the U.S. Open. For top place winners in Sturgeon Bay, they have the chance to win cash prizes or even a new boat. The tournament ends on Saturday.

One thing that Heim didn’t overlook was the economic impact on the area which extends beyond just the tournament weekend. 

With the tournament planned a year in advance, the tournament board decided not to have their annual Kids Day but Heim says next year it will be back fully.