Port Clinton's walleye events among best fishing festivals

PORT CLINTON — The Walleye Festival and Walleye Drop were chosen as two of the best fishing festivals in the country.FishingBooker, the world's largest website for booking fishing charters, recently released a list of what it considers to be the best fishing festivals in America.Port Clinton's reputation as the "Walleye Capital of the World" secured a spot on the list for the Walleye Festival in May and the Walleye Drop on New Year's Eve/New Year's Day."The list was created based on feedback we have received from our captains as well as inquiring customers," said Allison Arthurs, the website's public relations manager.FishingBooker listed seven festivals from across the country but didn't rank them. Arthurs said each one offered something unique to visitors.When it comes to offering a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors, there's no other festival like the Walleye Drop to ring in the new year, Arthurs said."The Walleye Drop is one of the most unique new year's celebrations in the country," Arthurs said. "Who needs Times Square when you have your own 20-foot, 600-pound fiberglass Walleye land from the sky at the stroke of midnight?"The website highlighted the wide range of entertainment options available at the Walleye Festival, which is five-day event spanning Memorial Day weekend."It includes an array of free live concerts, vendors from across the country and carnival rides, all with a picturesque view of Lake Erie," Arthurs said.The festival was lauded for its family-fun events, which make it a great place to get kids hooked on fishing, Arthurs said.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterWylie the Walleye waves to residents on Madison Street during the Walleye Festival grand parade.