Big Boyz fishing tournament returns to Wheatley

By Mark Ribble

WHEATLEY — For the first time since 2018, the Big Boyz fishing tournament hosted by the Southwest Outdoors Club will be held exclusively at the Wheatley Harbour.

The 17th annual event will take place over five days, from July 29 through August 2.

Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID and the 2019 event had to be held out of Leamington because the Wheatley Harbour had extensive dock damage due to high water levels.

This year’s tournament will have the same feel as in years past with a few tweaks to keep everyone safe.

According to Southwest Outdoors Club (SWOC) President Dan Reive, they are happy to be back closer to normal.

“We’re looking forward to it and have increased some prize amounts too,” he said.

There’s a cash prize total of $8,500 with two top prizes of $1,500 each.

Tickets are now on sale to enter the tournament at Lil Hil’s Coffee Shop in Wheatley and at Comber Home Hardware.

Dan Reive, President of the Southwest Outdoors Club, is getting ready for the Big Boyz Fishing Tournament which starts July 29.

On the July 24-25 weekend, club representatives will be selling tickets at Wheatley Harbour and at Leamington Canadian Tire from 12-4 p.m.

A $30 ticket purchase allows you to fish for all five days.

Reive is hoping for some great weather and a great turnout, despite the tournament being five days instead of nine.

“We always did nine days, but have shortened it because of COVID restrictions,” he said. “We’re hoping that the weather cooperates.”

They are also weighing and measuring fish at dockside with an area set up within the harbour for fishermen to pull their boats up and have their catches measured, as opposed to doing it in a large tent in the parking lot.

A running tote board will keep track of the leaders as bigger walleye and salmon come in.

The club had to forego their biggest fundraiser, the Big Buck Show, this year and last and have also had to cancel the Kids Fishing Derby at the Harbour in 2020 and 2021.

“Let’s hope that next year we can have things back to the way they should be,” Reive said.

The Southwest Outdoors Club has about 150 members, consisting of like-minded individuals who share an interest in the environment, conservation and outdoor heritage, including hunting and fishing.

Visit their website at swoc.ca for more details on the Big Boyz Fishing Tournament.