Jeff Burdick: It's fall and the walleye are biting, so don't miss out on a chance to cash in

September is gone and that means it won't be long before the fall walleye fishing starts ramping up. Hint: It actually already has. The lake water temperatures are dropping and that's getting fishermen excited. That's a tell-tale sign the walleye that were out in the cooler, deeper waters of the lake will be moving back to shallower waters near the shore to start their migration back toward the western basin to spawn next spring. These fish will be coming in shallower and start to feed heavily for the winter ahead. This is an exciting time of the year for walleye fisher people. The fishing is going to get better. The opportunities for anglers will increase as the weather changes further. The shore-bound anglers will get in on the action as the night bite kicks into gear. Soon you'll see boat ramps busy just before dark and anglers walking the piers as the sun sets in the western sky. The chance to catch a trophy walleye will be upon us quickly. This is always a time when "the big girls" show up and anglers are out there looking for just that big one. Whether casting from the shore, paddling in a kayak or fishing from a boat, the same chances are there for everyone.The right cast at the right time to the right fish is all it will take. With that being said, this fall is going to be super exciting for fishermen. Not only will they have the chance to catch a fish of a lifetime, but they'll also have an opportunity to take home some great prizes if they go out there and sign up for one of the two walleye fishing events that will be starting in just a few weeks. Or they could even sign up for both and really rake in some goodies. Speaking of these walleye fishing events, the Walleye Fall Brawl will be having a sign-up party Saturday and Sunday at Cabela's on Chester Road in Avon. If you haven't already done so, here's a great way to get signed up. Stop by either day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., sign up and get yourself a free lure. You can also sign up for some raffles, grab some food from Off the GRIDdle food truck and bring some non-perishables to be donated to All Faiths Pantry. The store will also be the location of the weigh station for the brawl this year. Stop in and get yourself ready and go to www.lakeeriefishingderby.com for full details. The Walleye Slam will have its own sign-up party Oct. 9 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at Erie Outfitters. Grab some gear, donate to the food drive for Hooks for Hunger and check out some cool boats next door at Erie Marine Sales. Erie Outfitters is also the weigh station for the Walleye Slam. It may be the first year for this derby but from the looks of things it won't disappoint. Some big things are happening with the slam. Shore or kayak anglers, don't fret, you have a chance to shine in the solo division. A live leaderboard with sponsored spots will allow an angler to win a sponsored prize just for sitting on that spot when the door closes at the end of the contest. A large awards banquet is already planned at the national fishing exposition in Columbus in February. Veterans, there is a spot just for you, too. The highest-placing vet will take home a cool $1,000 thanks to Reel Warrior Sportfishing and Capt. David Kraut. Go to www.nationalfishingexpos.com for full details. You also have a chance to win one of three fully loaded boat motor and trailer packages. If you enter both derbies, you actually have the chance to take home two sweet rigs for that one winning fish. First place in the Slam will be a sweet Warrior Boats v238. The Brawl firs- place price is a decked-out Ranger 622. Second place on the Brawl takes home a Ranger Boats 621. All three of these are nice fishing platforms, all rigged and ready to go. If you want to choose one or both of these events, don't wait, registration must be in by Oct. 11. The start dates for both derbies is Oct. 15 at 12:01 a.m. Final weigh-in must be done by Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. If you're a walleye fisher person this fall you could be riding in a brand new boat or sporting some new gear next spring by entering in one of the derbies. Top prizes, cash prizes and sponsor bonuses are all for the taking. Thirty-five bucks will put you in the game to win. Remember, as Craig Lewis from Erie Outfitters has said for years: "It only takes one cast." Don't wait, get signed up to get in on some fun before you forget. Contact Jeff Burdick at flyrod11ft@gmail.com.