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Remarkable Journey: 2025 Walleye Tank Experience

Remarkable Journey: 2025 Walleye Tank Experience

By Haley Rodriguez 

Mack’s Lure Walleye Tank: Education and Conservation Showcase at Puyallup Sportsmen’s Show

At the Puyallup Sportsmen’s Show in Washington, one of the standout attractions is the  Mack's Lure Walleye Tank. It’s not just an opportunity for visitors to see these impressive fish up close—it’s a window into the meticulous care and preparation that goes into ensuring the health of the. fish, while also educating the public about sustainable fishing practices, not just for Walleye, but for other species as well.

Mack’s Lure Pro Anglers Jim Davis, Eric Braaten, and Jaime Rodriguez work together each year to provide this learning experience for attendees of all ages. 

"This is a way to educate the wider community about the importance of preserving our fisheries", says Jim Davis. 

"The Walleye Tank offers participants an up-close experience with these warm-water fish while learning practical fishing tips and proper handling", says Bob Schmidt of Mack's Lure. "We want to get the word out there about how anglers can do their part to keep fish populations in balance while enjoying the sport." 

Heart of the Operation: Fish Care Above All Else

For Jim Davis, the main focus of the Walleye Tank project is clear: the well-being of the fish. “My main focus is care of the fish,” he says, emphasizing that the task isn’t just about catching fish for display, but ensuring their health and safety. This year’s setup has been much smoother than previous years. For Davis, the priority remains the same: ensuring the fish are in the best condition possible while they are in his care.

Davis shares the purpose of the Walleye Tank is to teach attendees about the importance of respecting the species and the surrounding fishery. “We have a world-class fishery here, we want to protect it,” he states, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and educating the public on the role walleye play in the ecosystem. By fostering understanding and respect for the species, Davis hopes visitors will leave with a greater appreciation for these fish and the rivers they inhabit.

Logistics of Catching and Transporting Walleye

Eric Braaten shares the behind-the-scenes process of catching and transporting walleye to the tank. “We try to focus on catching walleyes that are between 16 and 24 inches in length,” Braaten explains. This size range ensures that the fish are healthy and well-suited for display. During the winter, most walleye tend to inhabit deeper waters, which presents a challenge when trying to fish as shallow as possible. Shallow fishing is critical to minimize the risk of barotrauma, a condition where the fish’s air bladder expands, making it difficult for the walleye to swim normally. When fishing deeper waters, Braaten and his team use a technique called fizzing, which relieves the pressure from the air bladder, thus preventing barotrauma.

Once the fish are caught, their care doesn’t stop. Braaten carefully transports them from the river or lake to a temporary holding tank in his shop, where the fish are kept for 2 to 3 days in aerated water. This gives them time to acclimate before the long journey to Puyallup. “We haul them about 150 miles south, and then the WDFW warm-water fish program picks them up to transport them to the show,” Braaten explains. The fish remain in the larger aerated tank at the show for up to 24 hours before the public gets to see them.

Because only 20 to 30 walleyes are collected each season, the process is a delicate one. Braaten says, "While we do have some loss during transport, we try to collect enough walleye to ensure a successful tank,” he says, explaining the importance of communication and timing between Mack’s Pro Staff and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to ensure an educational tank experience.

Community Learning Experience

For Eric Braaten, the highlight of the Walleye Tank isn’t just in showcasing the fish, but in the interaction with the public. He loves seeing the excitement on the faces of young people, especially those who are new to fishing. “The look on young people’s faces when they see the walleyes swimming around is priceless,” he says. “They get really excited.” 

In addition to the visual appeal of the fish, the tank serves as an educational tool. Pro anglers give seminars throughout the event, discussing techniques, lures, and fishing methods. Braaten and other anglers share how different lures create specific actions that trigger bites and how anglers can apply these methods in their own fishing practices. “We talk about lots of different methods on how to fish for walleyes,” Braaten explains, making the tank a valuable resource for anglers looking to improve their skills.

Importance of Catch and Release

J Rod Angling, another key player in the tank’s success, focuses on educating attendees about the importance of catch-and-release practices. “It’s a good opportunity to explain the ways we catch them and why it’s important to release fish responsibly,” J Rod says. Through the Walleye Tank, visitors not only see the fish up close but also gain an understanding of sustainable fishing practices, ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy the sport.

The collaborative effort required to make the Walleye Tank a reality isn’t lost on J Rod, who appreciates the teamwork involved. “Thanks to everyone that made it all possible—from catching them to transporting them,” he says. It’s a true team effort, with each member of the Mack’s Lures staff and WDFW playing a crucial role in ensuring the fish are well cared for and safely transported. 

Celebration of Walleye and Angling Culture

The Mack’s Lure Walleye Tank at the Puyallup Sportsmen’s Show is more than just a display of fish—it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and inspire. With careful planning, expert care, and a shared commitment to sustainable practices, the tank showcases the beauty and importance of walleye as a species while also educating visitors about the responsibility anglers have to protect these fish and their environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, the Walleye Tank offers a unique chance to see these incredible fish in action, hear from experienced professionals, and walk away with new knowledge and respect for the sport of fishing.

Thank you to all who attended and made it a great experience! 

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