Winning $75,000 for a couple days of fishing sounds fanciful, but some lucky angler will be telling that story following the 2008 Angler’s Cup on June 20 and 21.
This year’s competition is completely sold out, making for 135 boats on the water and $135,000 dollars in total prize money. The team that hauls in the most weight over the two days of drowning worms takes home $75,000.
Angel Meinecke is the chairperson for the event, which took a slightly different form in the year 2005.
“It really started to take off, becoming quite large in 2005. It was a centennial year, which helped,” said Meinecke. She helped organize the earlier events as a member of the local chamber of commerce. Since then, the Slave Lake Walleye Tournament has evolved into the Angler’s Cup, a world class event that brings anglers from as far away as the United States.
“About 60 per cent of the teams are from out of town, and there are some that are locally sponsored,” said Meinecke. Putting together the event is a huge endeavor also, and organizers are looking for volunteers.
Lots of them. Some with boats.
“We definitely need volunteers, for every job imaginable! We could probably use about 25 to 30 per day, and up to 10 volunteer boats in the water.” Fuel for volunteer boats is provided by the organizers, says the chairperson, and the crew is well looked after.
“Our volunteers have a good time. They are all well fed, and we don’t work them harder than they want to work!” And, volunteers receive t-shirts too, says Meinecke.
Some will be needed for security work, which is a big part of a smooth running competition.
What kind of security is needed for a fishing tournament? All kinds, it turns out. When each entry costs $1000, and with such a big pot to win, there must be checks and balances in place to ensure a smooth competition.
There are three pages of rules for anglers to abide by, from forbidding the fizzing of fish to criminal misconduct, such as drinking or drugging during the event.
But, says Meinecke, competitors are generally a decent lot. “The anglers pretty much self-police themselves. They have put up a lot of money to enter the competition, and they are serious about fishing. There hasn’t been a problem for years.”
July and August pretty much take care of themselves, as far as tourism goes, but Meinecke figures that putting a big event like the Angler’s Cup in June gives the area a needed boost. “The event really gives a good head start to the summer season. There is no doubt it brings a lot of people to town, which helps out everyone in the industry.”
From hotels and restaurants to camping and services, it seems as though there are many winners from the Angler’s Cup. And, it’s not exclusive to those who paid the $1000 entry fee. All local services, including the marina and boat launch are open to regular lake traffic, and everyone is invited.
Says Meinecke, “We really encourage anyone to come down to the lake, bring a lawn chair, listen to music and enjoy the weekend.”
Registrants are reminded of the June 19 registration event at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre. Information packages are handed out between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30, followed by a steak dinner at 6:00 p.m. and preview of the event and rules at 7:00.
Good luck to everyone!

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