Economy of Brimley is sparked by a nation-wide tournament
BRIMLEY, MI -- In a state that's among the worst economically, and in a region that's the worst in the state, the small town of Brimley in the Upper Peninsula is getting a much needed boost.
Professional anglers brought their fishing poles, but also brought their checkbooks.
It's the first time Brimley has hosted a professional walleye tournament, and the fish are biting, and the money's talking.
On Wishkah Bay, just off Lake Superior, the first annual Bay Mills Invitational Walleye Tournament is being held. 43 professional fishermen are trying to get a piece of the $50,000 prize."
"These are 80 percent of the best fishermen in North America," said Brimley professional angler Dane Stanaway.
It's an early morning rise-and-shine for the AIM-circuit professional anglers and the local amateurs that accompany them to get out and cast. It's the first time Brimley has hosted an AIM event, and the Great Lakes have lured in the best. The hook of the Walleye potential has professional Michigander anglers casting.
"This is the stiffest competition you can come up against in Walleye fishing," said Mark Martin, a professional fisherman from Twin Lake.
"I've fished these waters for 12 years, and I'm really excited to be back here," said the only female in the AIM Circuit, Marianne Huskey, from St. Ignace.
From 8am until 4pm, the fishermen are out trying to catch the best seven Walleye they can. But between 4pm and 8am, Brimley businesses love it, especially after a snow season that was practically non-existent.
"We wish Brimley had more Walleye tournaments, events like this, it brings a lot of business, a lot of people in the area, nice people," said waitress Shawna MacMaster.
Restaurants have been full, gas has also been flowing.
"There's about 50 boats out there, and most have been coming in on a daily basis after they get done fishing, and it's been wonderful to have them," said gas station owner Ray Baragwanath. “They can have two or three a year if they want, it's been wonderful."
"They're having fun, and if you're having fun, you don't mind spending your money," said Bay Mills Casino GM Rod Jones.
"These guys give you no slack at all, you're in the major leagues here," admits fisher Martin.
Fishermen are using artificial bait only. This is a catch and release tournament, so as they catch it, they take a picture of it, and then release it.
The catch-record-release philosophy is unique.
The AIM Circuit calls this green-fishing, and they say the quick release of the fish won't harm it.
Businesses say because of the natural resources readily available, it's events like these that should be the economic stronghold.
