HAMBURG, N.Y., – January 6, 2023 – Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York Inc. (STWA) (www.southtownswalleye.com) announces its 39th Annual Walleye Derby from June 10th through June 18th 2023, on the waters of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River. With more than $100,000 in cash and prizes at stake, anglers throughout Western New York and multiple states will participate in the nine day event in search of a walleye worthy of the top prize. Current sign-ups are being accepted at the STWA Clubhouse or online at https://southtownswalleye.com/derby.
“This year we are proud to welcome back the West Herr NY Walleye worth $1500 to the lucky angler who catches the walleye closest to the drawn weight that we will select prior to the event. Something new for 2023 is the Derby Daily Walleye that is worth $1000 a day for the heaviest fish caught on each day during the nine days of the event, only one cash prize of greater value can be won for the main Derby, contestants cannot win more than once, this excludes our popular calcuttas, we feel this is just another great way we can expand winning opportunities to our participants. There also is the Joe Leonarcyk memorial prize sponsored by Ultimate Outdoors of WNY for the smallest walleye caught during the Derby worth $250, he was a valued member of the Ultimate Outdoors fishing team and this prize honors his memory, he just loved to fish.”, said Jim Skoczylas, Vice President of the STWA and Derby Co-Chair.
“The Derby Committee has worked very hard this year to bring more excitement and value to our sponsors and our contestants. Each month some great early bird prizes will be awarded at the club to several lucky people who get signed up for the Derby early from great sponsors such as Scotty, Garmin, Striker, Coleman, Ultimate Outdoors of WNY and WavePro with prizes totaling over $3000 in all. You must attend four of our six meetings at the club from January through June in order to qualify for the five drawings, contestants can only win one prize. These are some great giveaways and we think that people will really appreciate the opportunity to win.”, said Brian Plecas, 2nd Vice President of the STWA and Derby Co-Chair.
If you are interested in signing up in person and purchasing one of this year’s STWA Derby lures produced by Kilam Custom Baits and want to check out some great outdoor items and fishing gear you can stop by the WNY Sport & Travel Expo from March 10th to the 12th at the Erie County Fairgrounds, 5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, NY 14075. Visit the STWA booth on the main floor and speak with some of our members to get everything you need for this year’s Derby. Don’t miss out on the action.
Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fishing opportunities in the region for all individuals. With a clear focus on kids, community, conservation and philanthropy, our various programs support these pillars for a strong future generation of outdoorsmen and women and our fishery. To learn more about the club, please visit us at www.southtownswalleye.com or stop by our facility located at 5895 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg, NY 14075, Tel.: 716.649.8202, meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:30pm and are open to the public.