Walleye fishing scandal prompts new Maumee tournament rules

MAUMEE, Ohio – Two competitive anglers were prosecuted in October and pleaded not guilty after being accused of stuffing fish with lead weights to win tournaments. The results of the scandal affected other fishing tournaments, including Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters.

The tournament to determine who will catch the heaviest walleye runs from March 17 to April 16 and will be conducted with a metal detector, said Mario Campos, owner of Maumee Tackle.

“If we think there’s questionable fish, we reserve the right to cut the fish open, test it and make sure there’s nothing but fish in the fish,” he said. “A contest is only fun if the contestants stay honest.”

Tournament rules also allow disqualification of participants if they violate state rules and regulations.

Bob Heckman, manager of park services at SideCut Metropark, said there are a few things to keep in mind for those looking to participate in the tournament:

A fishing license is required for ages 16 and over, and the bag limit for walleye is six.

While regulations are necessary, Campos said fun is still the No. 1 goal.

“Keep it light, don’t focus on the negative,” he said. “Gather the kids, family and friends and go fishing and have fun.”

The Maumee tournament returns for the first time in 2023 after two years of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament winner will receive $3,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and a Jackson Bite kayak for third.

Registration is now open and ends March 16 at 8:00 p.m

You can sign up at Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters at 104 W. Wayne St. or online at maumeetackle.net.