"When we go to a place and show the world what kinds of fish live there. The next year it's a booming economy. They have bait shops, restaurants, hotels. And people are flocking to take part of that action," said Travis Manson of De Pere, who's part of the Bassmaster Elite Tour.
But pro fishermen will find that action in a limited fishing area. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources closed off the bay of Green Bay north of Sturgeon Bay. The reason: live fish will be transported from cooler waters to Green Bay, where the water is warmer, partly by man-made means and potentially fatal.
"You've got the potential for some serious temperature differences. There's a power plant right at the Fox River," said Mike Staggs, DNR Fisheries chief.
Bassmaster was surprised at the limitations. But worked with the DNR to expand the fishing area to other locations.
"Up to the Oconto River. There's some additional fishing area there. There's also some refuge areas for anglers if the winds get a little to rough out there." said Michael Mulone, B.A.S.S. event organizer.
But Travis Manson says the limits are unnecessary.
"The boundary lines they have put in place put us ten miles from the best small mouth fishing in the whole world," he said.
The Bassmaster Elite tour "Mystery Lake" leg in Green Bay runs from June 28-July 1.
Local 5's Terry Kovarik has the story.
