Ontario Record Walleye

On May 26 / 1943, Patrick Noon, with his steel fishing rod and Dolphin Cuttyhunk braded fishing string, which was made from a combination of flax, silk & cotton, rowed his boat 30 yards off shore on the Upper Niagara River near Fort Erie, Ontario and set his anchor down on a big sand bar called the Pickerel Hump. Back in 1943 people still called Walleye by its real name, which is Yellow Pickerel. Walleye is a nickname started in the south and started making its way into Canada back in the 60s.

Patrick cast out onto the sand bar with a hook, sinker and big worm and hooked into a Walleye that would hold the All Tackle World Record for 39 years. Not much is documented about the actual fight of the fish but there were many witnesses, including reporters from the local newspaper. The fish was 22 pounds 4 oz. Its length was 36.5 inches with a 21-inch girth. Some reports say it was 36.25 inches long.

Patrick's Walleye was a world record until 1960 when Mabry Harper claimed to have caught a 25-pounder. Mabry Harper's Walleye was later disqualified because witnesses came forward saying he stuffed steal bolts down into the Walleye's stomach. The Harper Walleye has be rinstated as the world record. Patrick Noon officially held the All Tackle World Record for 39 years. It's still the Ontario Record Walleye to this day.

I have contacted Fort Erie City Hall and they are going to look through their archives for more detailed information such as newspaper clippings and photos. I hope to hear back from them soon.