Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club Hosts Walleye Fishing Tournament

“Forever Fishin” took home the jackpot and first prize for the largest walleye at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club’s annual walleye fishing derby. Pictured, from left to right: Bud Marsh, Joe Kramer and Bob Rustowicz. Photo submitted

As each summer fishing season turns into a hunting adventure, the guys and gals who fish at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club gather to host their annual Walleye Invitational Tournament.

This weekend’s beautiful weather greeted the small fleet of anglers competing for bragging rights to land the big fish in this fun club tournament. From Sunset Bay to Barcelona, most anglers found walleye ready for a “hungry meal” of specially colored stick baits and spinner/worm rigs fished near the thermocline. Anglers of all stripes enjoyed a fun day of fishing using lead core lines, dive planes and downriggers to reach the fish-laden depth of 70 to 75 feet in 80 to 100 feet of water. The calm waters allowed anglers to fill many coolers with a daily limit of walleye. The daily bag limit on Lake Erie is six fish per angler, with a minimum of 15 inches. A substantial percentage of walleyes caught in September right now are between 21 and 24 inches long, but every now and then a huge 26 to 30 inch fish is netted.

This year, the team of Captain Bob Rustowicz, Bud Marsh and Joe Kramer, nicknamed “Forever Fishin,” emerged as champions, bringing home the largest walleye and heaviest box, earning them first place. This group, led by veteran Captain Bob Rustowicz, is always willing to share his knowledge and advice with other anglers, making him a mentor to many. Their victory is a testament to their dedication and love for the sport. As Rustowicz humbly put it, “lots of fish, lots of fun.”

Attendees gave a big thank you to Captain John Forbes of Times-Two Fishing Charters. His charters, specializing in eastern Lake Erie walleye fishing out of Dunkirk, have been a big part of his clients’ local fishing enjoyment for many years.

President Dwayne Bobik, the Board of Directors, Ladies Auxiliary and the usual group of volunteers always willing to do a great job each year with ongoing activities at the Con Club. Hats off to this great outdoor community group. The club has a beautiful elevated view of Dunkirk Harbour from its patio/deck and is involved in the local community.

Located on Dunkirk Harbor at the foot of Mullet Street, members of the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club gathered this past weekend to enjoy their annual walleye fishing tournament. Photo submitted

Its mission is to promote and educate area sportsmen and women about conservation programs, hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

I love the wide open spaces of New York.

CALENDAR

September 14-22: 2024 New York State Early Antlerless Deer Hunting Season — Firearms, crossbows, and vertical bows permitted in specific Wildlife Management Units 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8N, 9A, 9F; vertical bows permitted only in 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. https://dec.ny.gov.

September 19: Southtowns Walleye Association monthly meeting, starts at 7 p.m., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg.

Captain Bob Rustowicz of the Forever Fishin’ Team with the largest walleye in the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club’s annual walleye tournament. Photo submitted

September 21: Chautauqua Lake Muskie Debut, NY Muskies – Chapter 69, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lakewood Community Park, $40 admission for members, $50 for non-members; pre-register online at https://nymusky.com.

Sept. 21: Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY, one-day walleye fishing tournament, 12:01 a.m. to noon. Weigh-in from noon to 2 p.m., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., at the clubhouse. $45 entry fee. Info: Paul Sanchez, 716-228-6520.

September 21-22: WNY Walleye Association, Lake Erie Walleye Tournament, contact Ron Kucinski: 716-545-5925, or email: [email protected].

September 25-27: New York State Hunter Education Course, 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Info: 716-366-3397.

September 28: NYS Bowhunter Training Course, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free. Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Info: 716-366-3397.

September 28: National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration

September 28: Hanover Fish & Game, Three-Bird Fall Fun Shoot, registration at 8 a.m., shooting begins at 9 a.m.; 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville, NY Open to the public.