Dakota Walleye Classic Community.
When this event began 31 years ago, it began as a small tournament of diehard anglers. Quickly growing as a community tradition that families from all over came to plan their summers around. Unfortunately, as with many community lead volunteer based projects, it is much easier to find someone who wishes to reap the rewards of the event than put in the effort to host it. The event survived on a handful of dedicated community members who virtually killed themselves every year to put this tournament on.
When our family was given the opportunity to purchase the DWC, it was at the point of cancellation. My family decided that we simply could not see such a beloved event fail. The first year we ran it, we had the entirety of our family from all of the country fly out to assist. We looked forward to it more than anything throughout the entire year.
Unfortunately, the last few years have been filled with some of the worst spirited, unprofessional, vile, and poor examples tournament anglers and their spouses that we have ever seen. The social media attacks, unwarranted comments, phone threats, vile text messages, and threats to children due to who their dad is have simply gone too far.
As a family who volunteers their time, donates 100% of the profits, and spends every waking moment ensuring everyone is given a memorable experience, we simply don't wish to be subjected to this type of behavior. Especially when we are doing it out of love for our fishing community.
We are so unbelievably thankful for the countless amazing people and sponsors we have met over the years. None more than Dustin Melby and Moritz Sport and Marine. You and your organization truly exemplifies what it is to be good, honest, godly and community focused pillars within the community. We will truly miss you. You and many of the men and women we've met over the years are the only reason we held on so long. If it weren't for you, we would have come to this decision much sooner.
Our family has chosen to re-focus our philanthropic efforts of giving back towards anglers with adaptive needs.
Effective immediately, the Dakota Walleye Classic is cancelled indefinitely.
Gooss Family