The idea of organizing a fishing tournament in the James Bay territory was the brainchild of Mr. Richard Laplante in 1999. A businessman from Chapais, Mr. Laplante is the Founding President of the “James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament.”
Chapais, little town with a population of approximately 2,000, situated in the southeast quadrant of the James Bay area, is the hostess of the event. The main site around which the majority of the activities gravitate is located at 10 kilometers from Chapais, on the bank of Lake Opemisca.
The James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament is a legally constituted non-profit organization. Since its foundation, the organization receives the support of many prestigious partners. Hydro-Québec supports the organization as a its principal partner since the beginning. And as major partners of the 10th edition of the tournament, we can count on the support of Ville de Chapais, Municipalité de Baie-James, Princecraft, Mercury, Molson Coors Light, Mines Opinaca Ltd, Québec Pêche, and Action Chasse Pêche.
Each year, nearly a thousand participants come to fish at this provincial fishing tournament. Since the beginning of the event, prizes and bursaries have expanded from 50 000$ to 110 000$. It is on the account of a focused marketing strategy aimed at the Quebec outdoors sports amateurs and anglers that the James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament has grown to such an extent. The public image of the event is broadcast by Quebec mass media such as Réseau Des Sports (RDS), the Magazine Sentier Chasse-Pêche, the very popular website Québec Pêche and our spokeman, Norman Byrns whose reputation as professional angler is well established.
Over the years, the James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament has without a doubt become a significant product of interest since it has become the most important fishing tournament in Québec. In so doing, the tournament organization has developed a professional tourism expertise due to the implication of more than 150 volunteers, all intent on contributing to the economic and tourism growth of their area. Since the mission of the organization is to carry out a major tourism event in order to participate in the development and promotion of the James Bay area, we can proudly say that the tournament is a success all the way.
The 10th edition of the James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament will be held from June 18 to 27, 2009 near Chapais on Lake Opémisca. More than 110 000$ in prizes and bursaries will be distributed among winners of the Amateur and Professional categories of the tournament. The president, M. Dany Girard, will be supported by his great team, employees and volonteers to supervise the coordination and realization of this 10th edition. We invite you to come in Chapais and tease the James Bay walleye!