FOND DU LAC – Walleye Weekend attendees this year enjoyed music, food and just a little bit of rain.
With attendance of about 50,000, the three-day festival benefits the Fond du Lac community and its non-profits, and at the center of it was the 47th annual Mercury National Walleye Tournament.
More than 550 anglers took to Lake Winnebago for two days for a chance to win a LUND 1875 Impact XS multi‑species fishing boat equipped with a Mercury 150hp Pro XS outboard, a 9.9 hp ProKicker and a Lowrance Ghost 52-inch trolling motor; a complementing set of accessories; and $5,000 cash.
Wayne Gregor of Rosendale and Dale Boeck of Oshkosh are this year’s winners after they brought in 10 walleyes weighing a total of 28 pounds, 13 ounces, Mercury Marine announced June 9.
In addition to the money benefiting local non-profits, the tournament itself has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to support Winnebago Walleye & Fisheries conservation.
Mercury Marine was one of the sponsors of Walleye Weekend, and Mercury President John Buelow said the company is proud to be a central part of the event and tournament again this year.
He said, “These traditions not only showcase the best of Fond du Lac and our shared passion for the outdoors, but also provide a meaningful boost to the local economy by supporting small businesses, tourism and community organizations.”
Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Out of over 550 anglers, two men take home prize package for 47th annual Mercury National Walleye Tournament
Reporting by Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
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