SACANDAGA LAKE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Hundreds of people took to the ice on Saturday on The Great Sacandaga Lake for an ice fishing tournament: the 17th annual Walleye Challenge. It draws competitors and families from across and outside of the Capital Region, all hoping to reel in a big catch.
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Hundreds of people spread out across the ice for one of the region’s biggest fishing tournaments. “We have 1,500 tickets that we sell. And with every ticket, it’s one fisherman. But everybody brings with them 3 to 5 or 6 people, because they can fish without being in the tournament,” explained Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino.
For many, it’s not just about the catch, but the experience. Those we spoke with arrived with shanty’s, gear, and games– preparing for what they called an all-day event.
“We have tip offs set up at all different depths and heights, hoping to catch some walleye. We’ve got two shanties, one to fish and one to cook in and to kind of relax. And we’ve got cornhole. So we’re set up for the day. We’re ready to have a good time,” said Shawn Conroy. He and his friends had arrived at the lake early in the morning to set up.
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“It’s just a good time being out here, being outside, a lot of great people out here and a lot of fun,” continued fellow ice-fisher Jason Blond…