Salmon Classic tournament was a hot one

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Air and water temperatures were up for the 10th annual Lake Superior Salmon Classic July 17-18 at the Silver Bay Marina. Warmer water brought in more king and coho salmon than previous years. In spite of reports indicating that finding the fish was tougher, the leader board changed throughout the weekend as catches in all three categories were brought in. There were 238 people fishing and 78 boats involved.

The top finishers were a 7.09-pound king salmon caught by Dick Krech Jr. of Finland, a 3.61-pound coho salmon caught by Tyler Thompson of Silver Bay, and a 15.93-pound lake trout caught by Jerry Halvorson of Silver Bay. Each of the winners was awarded a prize package of four rod and reel combinations, a landing net, and a lure storage box with 20 assorted lures.

Other winners included Pete Lenski, Emily Fulton, Kim Lenski, and Butch Main in the king salmon division; Bob Eckstrom, Jason Rylander, Ed Eckstrom, and Gary Thompson in the coho division; and Dick Krech Jr., Kyle Johanson, Greg Otis and Richard Velcheff in the lake trout division.

The Silver Bay Parent-Teacher-Student Organization, Silver Bay Marina and the City of Silver Bay were the sponsors of this year’s event. Tracy Tiboni, PTSO president and event organizer did the groundwork starting months prior to the event. Marina manager Jeremy Kasapidis, and the rest of the marina staff, including this year’s marina hosts Bill and Nan Hilsinger, did the legwork to prepare the Silver Bay Marina for the influx of boats and traffic that the event draws to the facility. Jim Linscheid volunteered his time on both days to serve as the tournament official. A total of 28 other volunteers pitched in on shifts throughout the weekend selling tickets, checking boats, and weighing in fish.

There was a raffle of 90 donated items and certificates from area businesses. The top three prizes were for $500 cash and were won by Karen Nelson and John Anderson of Silver Bay and Richard Krech of Finland. Complete fishing and raffle results can be viewed at www.silverbay.com /marina.html - Salmon Classic link.

Proceeds from the event will be used by the Silver Bay PTSO to enhance local education through contributions to literacy, transportation, programming and environmental learning opportunities.

Tags: two harbors, outdoors, fishing