The NOWT is a walleye fishing tournament circuit that awards anglers points at each of seven tournaments. Events include Mattagami, Dubreuilville, Geraldton, Kapuskasing, Sault Ste. Marie, Mattagami Fall and Sagamok. Anglers receive points based on their finish in that event with their 3 best finishes in sanctioned NOWT events used to calculate their placement in the “Angler of the Year” race. The NOWT promotes fish care at each of the events. Each of the events on the circuit has its own identity and uniqueness. The reasonable entry fee, great payouts and friendly volunteers at each event make the NOWT one of the most popular walleye circuits in Canada. The NOWT boast over 1000 members.
The NOWT circuit is run by anglers for anglers and is designed to help anglers promote themselves, the member tournament communities as well as the sport of tournament angling in Northern Ontario. Everyone involved are volunteers.
When was it started?
The tournament circuit was started in the early 2000’s not sure of the actual date. We have records from 2003. I was not involved then and do not have any records from that time. Marc Lauren started the circuit.
How is it run?
Anglers receive points based on their finish in that event with their three best finishes used to calculate their placement in the “Angler of the Year” race. The points formula is calculated using your final placement in conjunction with number of teams entered.
Board of Directors make up?
- Seven directors appointed by each tournament
- Three at large positions (voted by anglers which fish at least three of the events. Voted on every two years)
- The board then votes on an executive president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.
Sponsors?
Our title sponsor is Princecraft boats. They have been with the circuit from the beginning.
Other key sponsors include (Zuzhu web development, North Star Marine boat insurance, Hangbelly lures, Salmo lures, Streamside Marine
Each individual tournament also has many local sponsors.
One of the keys to running a successful tournament circuit is the support we receive from sponsors. The operation of a tournament circuit of the quality of the NOWT requires the assistance of sponsors to continue, grow and improve.
Is there a 14-foot PrinceCraft Boat to be won t each Tournament and how are they won?
PrinceCraft has generously donated and continues to donate a 14-foot Fisherman Boat to each of the events. They have also provided one for the AOY Award. The individual tournaments are ale to use these boats as they see fit.
Is there a membership cost? If so how much?
There is a membership fee that is paid by each sanctioned Tournament. Each event pays $500 annually.
What does the AOY win?
14-foot PrinceCraft Boat. We also award cash for the remainder of the top five.
Now that the spring Mattagami Tournament is laid out differently, how would the points be rewarded?
Points for the Spring Mattagami will be awarded the same as every other event - team-ranked based on total two day weight. The NOWT can calculate this easily.
Is there anything the NOWT is looking at this season. News, New Sponsors, etc?
Nothing to make public at this point.
I encourage anyone interested in fishing one of these tournament to Please visit the NOWT site at http://www.nowt.ca/ as the tournaments are now taking entries for the 2015 season.
A lot has changed since my first tournament in 1993. Back then their were only a handful of Sponsored Anglers at these tournaments where as today we see more Sponsored Anglers. This tells me that the fishing industry has taken noticed of the NOWT and the anglers that fish it.
As a tournament and sponsored angler I know how important it is for me to get any press I can get for myself and sponsors over the years.
In the earlier years everyone would give anything to get some press back then. Knowing this I would like to offer anyone interested in receiving some press for yourself and sponsors to Please contact me at [email protected] to set up a time for an article. For those that are looking at some exposure in capturing a manufactures' sponsorship, here is a chance to have something in writing to included for your resume.
Good Luck and looking forward to seeing you at one of these tournaments this season.
Are you passionate about fishing? Would you like to be featured in my series or do you own a lodge that you would like to be featured?
Please feel free to contact me via email: [email protected]