Chapleau 'rode the wave of community spirit' to win 2011 Ultimate Fishing Town Contest, according to sponsor World Fishing Network

When it comes to fishing, "basically, what you want, you can get, because Chapleau's got it all", the World Fishing Network (WFN) says in a news release as it launches its 2012 Ultimate Fishing Town Contest which Chapleau won in 2011.

Comparing Chapleau to Roscoe, its winning counterpart in the United States, WFN says that while the American city's "charm lies in fly fishing for trout, Chapleau's more like a jack-of-all trades.

"It has everything you could want. Anglers can target northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, splake, smallmouth bass, whitefish, lake trout,brook trout and more.

Bill Groves

"Fishing is great any time of year, from catching panfish with the kids and ice fishing for walleye to fly fishing for trout and taking out a kayak for bass in deep cover. Basically, what you want, you can get, because Chapleau's got it all."

The news release points out that Chapleau’s 157,480 votes were only 10,000 more than fellow Ontario town Port Colborne but it "rode the wave of community spirit to get $25000 prize.

"The 'friends telling friends' approach proved to be the deciding factor in Chapleau’s win, especially through social tools like Facebook and email. As word got out, support just kept growing, and pride in the town eventually took over and was seen in all facets of the community, whether business or personal. Like Roscoe, the local media got involved and even ads were placed in newspapers, radio, and television to help promote the contest."

It also noted that Chapleau is the gateway to the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, over 2,700 square miles, making it a prime eco-tourism destination for nature lovers and wildlife travelers. "Within this wilderness paradise are hundreds of lakes and rivers filled with a huge variety of different species. "

WFN said: "Just winning the Ultimate Fishing Town contest has already done a lot for Chapleau. With that exposure, the town was put on the map right away as a great fishing destination. When taking into account the prize winnings, tourism continues to be the focal point as new signage and promoting pamphlets were planned to help promote the town’s fishing opportunities even more. In addition, educational programs and fishing derbies for youth were in the works to help bring excitement to the sport for future generations."

As of now, the Chapleau Fishing Advisory Committee, who were instrumental in getting the word out about the contest, are accepting proposals for funding. the news release said.

Aside from the exposure and the donation, this contest helped renew pride in the community. Even a year later, evidence of the accomplishment is still visible. At an annual pike fishing derby in early February, crowds in attendance cheered when free Ultimate Fishing Town Canada shirts were being handed out. Coordinator Bill Groves actually threw them into the crowd and there was a stampede to get one.

Congratulations to all who were responsible for the success of the pike fishing derby. From all reports received out here in British Columbia, its was a resounding success, and an excellent way to get everyone warmed up for the Chapleau High School Reunion 90th Anniversary Festival.

Thanks to Bill Groves for the fishing photos not necessarily from the recent ice fishing derby. And, I could not resist including one of my great uncle Griffin Mulligan fishing on the Chapleau River about 100 years ago. Griifin was the brother of my grandmother Lil (Mulligan) Morris. I have no idea how many fish he caught that day. My email is mj.morris@live.ca