RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU) — Rhinelander is host to the fifth annual Central Wisconsin River Series Championship fishing tournament this weekend.
35 two-man teams will attack the Rhinelander Flowage System for over $9,800 in cash and other prizes.
Tournament Director Mike Hofmann says that Rhinelander is the fourth different city to be host the tournament in its history, using many factors to pick the best community to make it all work.
He said, “The body of water, the boat landing, where they can dock their boats, the fishery itself, and then the lodging. All that goes into consideration before we finally put our John Hancock down on the contract.”
Hofmann says the tournament draws many competitors from outside the state eager to fish the lakes of Wisconsin because of it’s regional attitude.
“There was a need for a top-notch, low-cost, low entry regional tournament. We draw from five states. Teams come from five different states to fish in our qualifiers and the championship,” said Hofmann.
“It’s a family friendly atmosphere. We have fathers and sons, husbands and wives that fish the tournament series. Many of the anglers come back year after year, and we also have new anglers. It’s always a race to get your entry fee in.”
The qualifying events were already held through the summer. First prize will take home about $2,500. Public weigh-ins take place at 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.