LONGLAC — With a combined catch weighing 35.10 pounds, the team of Steve Gravell and Kevin Robineau, competing as part of the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail Championship, took home both the grand prize boat and the cash prize at the 2025 Longlac Way Masters (LWM) Walleye Fishing Derby over the weekend.
“They also received MMA-style championship belts as trophies to take home,” LWM committee member Allen Ouellet added proudly.
The 2025 derby was special, as it combined two tournaments into one thrilling competition.
“We had the honour of hosting the 2025 Northern Ontario Walleye Trail (NOWT) Championship alongside our own derby,” Ouellet explained.
The derby celebrated its most successful event yet, Ouellet said, drawing an unprecedented 96 teams and showcasing incredible angling talent.
“We started in 2018, and this year marked our sixth event,” said he said. “This one was by far the best.”
"The top 40 teams from last year’s NOWT rankings were competing for a $100,000 boat, while the rest of the 96 teams vied for the Longlac Way Masters’ $10,000 cash prize.”
The stakes were high, and the competition was intense, he said.
“Longlak is known for big fish, and it was definitely on display this weekend,” said Ouellet. “It was a very tight race with incredible results.”
The derby is a true walleye tournament, focusing solely on the prized species.
"It is a walleye tournament, often confused with pickerel, but there’s quite a difference between the two,” Ouellet explained.
“Anglers are targeting walleye, which are known for their fighting spirit and size here at Longlac."
In addition to the overall champions, special recognition was given to standout individual competitors. Tanya Morin was named Top Female Angler and Nolan Copetti earned the title of Top Youth Angler, showing that the next generation of competitive fishing talent is already making waves.
Behind the scenes, the event depended heavily on community support and volunteer dedication. Ouellet gave a heartfelt shout-out to those who made it possible. “We have a long list of volunteers, and without them, this event simply wouldn’t happen. Our committee is one of the most dedicated groups I’ve ever witnessed.”
Looking ahead, Ouellet extended an open invitation: “We’ll have another derby next year. It’s spectacular to see 90 to 95 boats take off at once.”