The inaugural Reelin’ for a Reason Women’s Charity Walleye Tournament saw 19 teams participate July 18 for the largest walleye caught.
“It was pretty sporty out there, but these ladies toughed it out,” said event organizer Jacki Jakacki.
Lake Erie was kicking up some rough waves as the morning event got off to a start, she added.
Second-place finisher Becky Sambunjak said, “I’m happy, but I really wanted that big fish.”
The first-place winner, Heather Zsebik, knew she had a big walleye on her line as she was fighting to bring it in the boat, captained by Brian Zarembski as part of Team Erie Marine Sales.
“I knew it was going to be a big one because it was hard to real in. It was so exciting,” said Zsebik.
“It was fun,” she added.
Zsebik’s walleye weighed in at 7.74 pounds.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley who attended the event.
“It was not only a good time, but for a good cause,” Bradley said.
“Lorain is considered the Walleye Capital of the World and I think we proved that today,” Bradley added.
The event began at 6 a.m. at the Lorain Harbor Boat Club, located at 108 Alabama Ave., in Lorain.
The women competed for trophies, cash prizes and bragging rights, while raising funds for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in northern Ohio.
Teams of up to four women competed for the heaviest five-fish limit.
Men were welcome on the boat as captains and first mates, handling the navigation and gear, but every fish that was counted had to be reeled in by a woman.
“This really meant a lot to me,” said another competitor, Stephanie Murphy, who’s also a survivor of domestic violence.
The money raised from registrations and donations will be split evenly between two organizations, the Lorain County Safe Harbor (Genesis House) and the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.
Together, the organizations provide emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis support, legal advocacy and counseling for survivors and their families.
A portion of donated fish went to the Church of the Redeemer in Lorain, where volunteers will prepare the catch to help feed local families.
The competition featured trophies for first, second and third place, plus a Biggest Fish Cash Prize sponsored by Church Tackle Co.
After the weigh-in, the competitors and their teams visited over a lakeside cookout at the Lorain Harbor Boat Club featuring live music and raffles.
Sponsors included Church Tackle Co. and RE/MAX Above & Beyond.
Brian Zarembski sorts through a cooler full of freshly caught Walleye July 18 at Reelin’ for a Reason. Heather Chapin–The Morning Journal