Update: Full Tilt Walleye Fishing Tournament

It’s unpleasant to write about highly disappointing news here but this is a subject that the fishing community needs to be aware of and learn from. As someone who interviewed the organizer to increase awareness of the event nearly a year ago, I feel that it’s important to make a statement regarding the matter.

For those who are unaware, this article explains what the Full Tilt Walleye Fishing Tournament was intended to do. There were thoughts about removing it but in my opinion, it should stay there for informational purposes and to serve as a reminder of how things could have been.

Recent News

On December 29, 2021, the Children’s Hospital Foundation has confirmed that no funds were received from the event. This has been the nail in the coffin after much speculation that the event was illegitimate.

As someone who spoke with the organizer, he seemed very passionate and touched by the generosity of the community and local vendors. Myself and many others felt that he seemed genuine. Having watched the event unfold, it seemed like the participants had a good time. There were some mistakes made however I gave the benefit of the doubt that it was simply mistakes (which is perfectly possible for a first time organizer). Trying to keep a level head, I withheld all judgement during the scandal until the charity came out and confirmed the facts. Such a turn of events has been very disappointing for the entire community, the participants and the sponsors.

It really feels unbelievable that such an act of theft could be done to children’s healthcare. Even right now, unlikely as it is, I wish that it was still somehow a misunderstanding and there was a happy ending to all this.

Moving Forward

Unfortunately this was not the first time such a scandal has happened regarding fishing charity events in Manitoba. In 2013, Tyrell Cox, an American fugitive, swindled $7000 from CancerCare Manitoba (the story can be read here). It may likely not be the last either. Hopefully increased scrutiny will be in place, whether it’s the charity, participants or sponsors.

Now on more of a positive note, I still feel that the idea of such an event is good when executed correctly and the funds are actually given to the charity. I would hope that we as a fishing community do not shy away from supporting such events. Despite the outcome, it is still amazing that the community had the capability and generosity to support good causes. Those people and businesses should still be commended for their effort.

This is still a developing story. More news is to come.