Some 800 high school students will be further “schooled” in the art of tournament fishing on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes this coming February.
Minocqua Area Chamber group travel coordinator Jane Kincheloe tells the town board they believe the boost in the local economy will be felt beyond Minocqua:
“We thought it was a great opportunity for everybody involved ... the restaurants and dining, and the bait shops and everything else. The economic impact could be huge. We realized we probably do have to go outside the area for lodging. But we have contacted areas like St. Germain, Rhinelander and Tomahawk as well, so they can help with the overflow.”
Association board member Mark Benson of Mercer High School says association schools are already planning for this big event.
The competitors are trying to get some insider knowledge by checking things out leading up to the event......
“They've been contacting Kurt Justice and a couple of the guides in the area in order to be able to get some pre-fishing done. “They come in Friday and stay over Friday (night). I assume all the hotels are going to request two nights. Hotels, resorts, however that works out. We will fish early and be done approximately two or three o’ clock and then we go through the weigh-in process.”
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association – representing some 80 high school clubs -- has chosen the local lake chain to hold their 2017-18 state championship on Saturday, Feb. 17.
