Tourism Windsor Essex Launches Socially Distanced Fishing Tournament to Spur Safe Exploration of the Region

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island announces a new experience to explore the outdoors this spring – the Get Hooked Fishing Tournament to take place anywhere there is fishing in the Windsor Essex next month.

Those missing out on the camaraderie of getting out to fish with their friends, or those looking for new ways to get outside while still staying socially distanced can add Get Hooked to their calendars.

Organized by Anglers Atlas and sponsored by Tourism Windsor will take place between April 23rd and May 2nd, 2021 – and registration for the tournament is open now online. Participants will simply download the MyCatch app and submit photos of the fish caught during this time along the Windsor Essex coastline. A small fee of $10.00 is required to enter.

“With Windsor Essex being practically surrounded by water, the opportunity to host something different and encouraging a friendly competition, capitalizing on our fishing assets, while safely getting outdoor was a win-win for us. In addition to being a socially-distanced and self-guided event, we think Get Hooked will cast a big net among families, friends and individuals to do something different and celebrate and brag about their big catch. As staycations and hyper-local tourism will be critical to our industry this year, events like this fishing tournament will help create new outdoor experiences for all participants whether amateur or professional.”

Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex

In addition to getting outdoors and find new experiences within our region, there is also the opportunity to win great prizes thanks to a partnership with Devonshire Mall. A leaderboard will track the progress in most fish caught, accumulated length, and the largest Muskie, perch and bass caught.

In addition, people will be encouraged to share their photos experience fishing with their family, and as well hero shots of making their big catch on our waterways for the chance to win 1-of-2 Summer of the Staycation experiences up for grabs. Over $2,000 in prizes will be awarded during the tournament period.

“We can’t wait to kick off the spring fishing season with Tourism Windsor Essex’s Get Hooked fishing tournament” said Sean Simmons, President of Anglers Atlas. “These COVID-safe events have proven to be a lot of fun for anglers, and the real time leaderboards add a new level of excitement as anglers watch new leaders emerge on the digital board. We’re all looking for innovative ways to encourage tourism during the pandemic and we think this will be a winner.”

Anglers’ Atlas started running similar virtual fishing tournaments last summer as an option for COVID-friendly recreation. They have previously held 20 virtual tournaments across the country.