Anglers Take Over Dubuque

Anglers from all over the country are dropping their lines and money in Dubuque this week.

Dubuque is playing host to a national fishing competition.

The AIM Pro Walleye Series kicked off in Dubuque this morning.

That could mean an advantage for some local professionals.

But  it also means big money for Dubuque.

Dubuque's Kevin Oyen knows this part of the Mississippi River like the back of his hand.

Oyen said, "It's kind of nice for a change instead of going all over the country to fish your own back waters. "

The professional angler is close to home for this tournament. It's his turn to play host to the other 100 or so anglers visiting Dubuque.

Oyen said, "We did take them around one night, show them certain restaurants and were the bait place is."

Organizers say those out of towners start spending cash as soon as they step off the boats. They are expected to spend up to 600-thousand dollars in Dubuque this week.

Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau's Katie Simmons said, "These people are coming into the area and are putting fuel into their boats. They are dining in our restaurants and staying in our hotel facilities. "

Simmons says the city is trying to catch some repeat visitors by hosting the big event.

Simmons said, "They look at that and see that they want to come back next time in their leisure time."

But as of right now, these anglers are focused on one thing. Catching fish.

Oyen said, "I don't know if it's the cold front that shut them down but we tried really hard and nothing. "

Better luck tomorrow.