It all started with a phone call from Mayor Wilfred Rosas to the National Walleye Tour about a “fishing tournament.”

“With the help of my team and the help of local sponsors here in Dunkirk,” Rosas said, “we were able to stand out above other communities throughout the country to host the National Walleye Tour 2022 Championship right here on Lake Erie out of Dunkirk Harbor.”

While walleye anglers around the country know how good the walleye fishing on Lake Erie is, millions of folks around the world will be able to watch NWT Championship, which will air on the National Walleye Tour TV on the Pursuit Channel, World Fishing Network, Sports Chicago plus, Outdoor Action and various streaming services.

Out of the 40 pro anglers who have qualified for the NWT Championship, sixth-year touring pro Drake Herd from Minnesota is looking forward to the challenge and the numbers that are possible on Lake Erie.

Pro angler Ted Takasaki.

“I grew up fishing for walleyes, but never have been able to fish the eastern basin of Lake Erie,” said Herd, the 2021 NWT Angler of Year. “This is a new body of water for many of the anglers and we are looking forward to spending time in the city of Dunkirk and fishing out of the Walleye Capital of the Northeast.”

Veteran angler, lure designer and 30-year professional walleye fisherman Ted Takasaki has fished out of Dunkirk Harbor before.

“I have been fortunate to fish out of the Walleye Capital of the Northeast Dunkirk Harbor before,” said Takasaki, a Lund Boat pro angler. “It has been some time, but I have fond memories of the fine City of Dunkirk and walleye fishery in the eastern basin of Lake Erie.”

The name Parsons has a long history in the world of walleye fishing. Chase Parsons is the son of pioneer walleye angler Gary Parsons.

“I have fond memories of pre-fishing with my dad for many events on Lake Erie and fishing with him during pre-fishing last time he fished a tournament in Dunkirk,” said Chase, who is the Next Bite TV host. “Being raised in a walleye fishing family, I remember coming to Dunkirk Harbor to fish Lake Erie with my dad and uncle.

“It’s been a tough season for many of us on the NWT trail this year. No matter where we went to, the bite was a little bit off, but I know that will not be the case in Dunkirk,” said Chase, a Nitro Boat BASS Pro Shop angler. “While winning the PWT Championship would be huge for me, I am really just looking forward to catching walleyes; the big fish will come.”

This coming week is going to be busy for not only the anglers but local folks as well. The weigh-ins at the pier, which are open to the public, start at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. In addition, there will be a kid’s fishing clinic after the weigh-in on Thursday. Prior to the tournament, a community meet and greet is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday in the field between the Clarion and Tim Hortons where the anglers will have a chance to show off their vessels and answer questions.

“While I still love the thrill and excitement of fishing, what I really enjoy is meeting folks from all across the country,” Takasaki said. “The one thing I remember about the last time I was in Dunkirk, New York was how nice the people were and I’m looking forward to seeing some of those same faces and meeting new folks this Sunday.”

“While this is something new for the NWT Championship, setting aside time for an official meet and greet, I know for the anglers I have spoken with that they are looking forward to meeting the folks in Dunkirk,” said NWT tournament director Anthony Wright. “I also know that a lot of the NWT pros will bring a few goodies along for the young and up-and-coming anglers.”