Walleye fishing the Lake Erie deep near the shoreline in Westfield will entertain an army of competitive walleye anglers fishing in the inaugural Fish716 Walleye Classic from Barcelona Harbor. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

The inaugural Fish716 Walleye Classic this weekend in Westfield will not only showcase the world-class walleye fishing of Lake Erie, but the small-town charm of a farm and wine community that will benefit visitors and local businesses.

Competitive fishing tournaments are exciting for anglers and demanding for tournament officials, but perhaps the biggest winners are the communities that host them. This weekend, Westfield and Barcelona Harbor will welcome fishermen, families, friends and spectators for the inaugural Fish716 Walleye Classic, an event expected to provide a welcome boost to local hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, wineries, campgrounds and small businesses throughout the area.

The tournament begins with Big Fish Friday today, weather permitting, followed by the main event on Saturday. Team registration for the main event takes place at the Captain’s Meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Ottaway Park Pavilion, adjacent to the Daniel Reed Memorial Pier and Barcelona Harbor boat launch.

Cody Allen, tournament director, and his staff have earned praise for keeping the rules straightforward while placing safety above all else. Their goal is simple: showcase Westfield and one of the finest walleye fisheries on the Great Lakes.

“We are trying to keep the contest simple and safe, with one focus of the tournament to bring attention to Westfield and the incredible fishery that takes place each year less than 10 minutes from the boat launch in Barcelona Harbor,” Allen said.

The timing couldn’t be better. Lake Erie walleye fishing has been red hot. During a nearby tournament just last week, some anglers reported catching as many as 100 walleyes in a single day, highlighting the tremendous abundance of fish currently available in the eastern basin.

The Fish716 Walleye Classic features a $500 entry fee, six-fish team limit, and a shotgun start 200 yards outside Barcelona Harbor at 7 a.m. Tournament waters are limited to New York waters of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River. Trolling is the only permitted fishing method, no casting and jigging is allowed this time. This creates renewed fishing simplicity.

Weather contingencies are clearly defined. If a Small Craft Warning is posted before fishing hours, the affected day will be canceled. Otherwise, team captains will determine whether conditions are safe for their vessels.

Beyond the fishing, visitors will discover what locals already know: Westfield offers a refreshing slice of rural New York life. Rolling vineyards, award-winning wineries, welcoming residents, scenic farmland and stunning Lake Erie sunsets that create an experience that extends far beyond tournament competition.

One improvement frequently mentioned by visiting anglers is the need for a fish-cleaning station near Barcelona Harbor. Currently, there is no public facility of this type within approximately 20 miles (Dunkirk). Such an addition could encourage more anglers to return more frequently throughout the season, generating even greater economic benefits for the region.

Maybe, as a community effort, we could ask Gov. Hochul to add a few green solar roof panels to power the large fish-cleaning station in a place that farmers could reap the benefits of free fertilizer and anglers could recharge their boats while doing so. So many other options. Anglers could visit such a place from near and far just to keep their own home area odor free until garbage day. Just a thought that someone shared with me a few months back.

Whether tournament walleye competitors leave with trophies and cash winnings or simply memories of outstanding fishing, the first annual Fish716 Walleye Classic promises to put Westfield in the spotlight and remind anglers why Eastern Lake Erie remains one of North America’s premier walleye destinations.

One more thing to share is that while this is a walleye tournament event, the smallmouth bass fishing here is world class too. The black bass fishing season in New York opens Monday. Check the outdoors calendar to find a plethora of fun outdoor adventure events going on this weekend.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

June 12-13: Fish716 Walleye Classic, Barcelona Harbor, $500 entry, Calcutta’s, Big Fish Friday, main event is June 13, visit FISH716.com to register, or call Chairman Cody Allen: 716-352-0443 or 716-581-3054.

June 13: Get Outdoors and Get Together Day, New York state, visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/outdoors-day.

June 13: Father Day Fun Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville; registration starts 8 a.m., shooting begins 9 a.m., $50 main event, all shooters welcome, open to the public; 716-525-5160.

June 13-14: Archery Shooters Association Qualifier, Allied Sportsman, 12846 Clinton St., Alden, 10 a.m. start, $30 entry, Info, John Floriano: 716-725-5822.

June 13-21: 42nd annual nine-day Southtowns Walleye Tournament, Lake Erie, $110 entry, $100K prizes; Info: https://www.southtownswalleye.com/.

June 14: Ellington Rod and Gun, “Don’t Know Partner Trap League,” 1045 Hagerdon Hill Road, Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.

June 14: Bear Lake Rod & Gun, monthly Pistol/Rifle shoot, open to members/guests; 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road, Stockton; info: call Don at 716-338-2050.

June 14: Muzzleloader Shoot, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, 10 a.m. start, $5 members/ $8 non-members, metal swinging targets.

June 15: Opening Day NYS Black Bass season, 12-inch minimum length, daily bag-five. Season closes Nov. 30.

June 15: Adult Learn-to-Shoot-Archery, 6 p.m. start, West Falls Conservation Society, 55 Bridge St., West Falls. $5 fee/week, equipment provided (bows, arrows, targets). Visit Register with Mike Cummins, 716-655-5030.

June 15: Youth Archery Camp, deadline application for camp July 31-Aug.2; Free, Elma Conservation, Info, Ethan Conrad, 716-474-1290.