Shakespeare angler reels in impressive walleye on Baptiste Lake

No matter how you hold it, this nearly 10-pound walleye made for a memorable catch for Shakespeare’s Bill Schafer. After a lifetime spent working as a construction contractor and building barns, sheds and houses, Schafer says there isn’t much more enjoyable than reeling in the big one. Photo courtesy of Schafer family

By Gary West

A quiet evening of fishing turned into a memorable vacation story for Shakespeare’s Bill Schafer after he reeled in a nearly 10-pound walleye while vacationing with his family last week.

Schafer was staying at a cottage on Baptiste Lake, north of Bancroft just off Highway 62, when he decided to head down to the dock for a little fishing at around 9 p.m.

He didn’t have to wait long.

Shortly after casting his lure into the lake, Schafer felt his fishing rod begin to shake. On the other end of the line was an impressive walleye weighing close to 10 pounds.

Walleye, sometimes referred to locally as yellow pickerel, are found throughout much of Canada and the northern United States and are a favourite among anglers.

For the Schafer family, walleye is also a favourite on the dinner table. The freshwater fish is known for its mild flavour and tender, white meat.

After a lifetime working as a construction contractor and building countless barns, sheds and houses, Schafer found there are still few things more exciting than reeling in the big one.