Do the Walleyes Know What we Know?

Pro Keith Kavajecz Rated # 1 on Saginaw Bay The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail returns to Saginaw Bay this summer. In fairness to the walleyes, perhaps someone should warn them. This marks the tenth PWT year on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay. In nine previous tournaments (seven Pro-Am qualifiers and two Mercury Championships), only five pro anglers have fished every day. At the June 29-July 1 event, all five will renew acquaintances with their friends in Bay City and check their favorite fishing spots.

Leading all pros is Wisconsin angler Keith Kavajecz. He won Saginaw Bay in 1994, and has a second, a third , a fifth and a tenth. His overall average is 17th place. Kavajecz is the only 3-time Optima Top Gun, has 23 top 10 finishes, won the 2002 Mercury Championship, and is well known for his open-water trolling mastery. Kavajecz said, "I love open water trolling, and new twists made the difference. When I won in '94, snap weights were new and they let me run big spinners 150-feet back. When Norb Wallock won (and I was a close second), we used in-line weights with a shiny spoon attached. Last time, I used the new Bass Pro XPS keel weights as attractors." He said, "Use electronics like the Lowrance LCX 104C to find fish, even at 25 mph. After locating them, run cranks or spinners to determine the feed zone. Keep experimenting."

The second highest ranked PWT pro with an average place finish of 21st is Perry Good (top five: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 9th). The Minnesota pro has four PWT wins including a Championship. He said, "I have confidence with my top 20 spots, know I'll use spinners, realize I must stay on the fish and troll high in the water column. This year, I'll also check out my shallow weeds, humps and the buoys." Ranked third is Wisconsin pro Gary Parsons with four top 10 finishes on Saginaw Bay. He is the only 2-time PWT Angler of the Year. His average finish is 25th. Colorado pro Ron Seelhoff, the only 5-time PWT winner with two Championship victories, has averaged a 28th place finish on the Bay. With more money won on tour than any other angler, Seelhoff plans to cash another "Bay" check this summer. The fifth-ranked pro on Saginaw Bay is Mark Martin from Michigan. With two PWT wins, his top Saginaw Bay finish is a fourth. Martin's advice, "It's not all trolling. Be versatile. Be willing to go to the weeds and the humps with jigs, spinners and bottom bouncers. Know walleye movements; use Navionics chips to narrow the search for likely areas." The PWT is a Pro-Am. Local anglers who enter to learn about Saginaw Bay walleyes do it with the top-rated pro anglers in North America. The pros welcome their daily amateur partners (co-anglers) into their boats, share their tackle and gear and go to their best spots. Amateur spots are available by calling 218-829-0620, or at www.professionalwalleyetrail.com. Amateurs fish three days with a different pro daily. Tournament anglers head out and return to weigh in festivities at Veteran's Park in downtown Bay City. Numerous youth activities will be scheduled in conjunction with DOW Chemical, youth events sponsor. Saginaw Bay is one of two stops in Michigan this year. The PWT Pro-Am format tournament returns to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula Aug. 24-26. Other tour events occur in Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky and South Dakota with the Mercury Championship at Milford Lake near Junction City, Kansas. Walleye fans can check out PWT fast-paced tournament action from the 2004 season which is now being aired on the Outdoor Channel. Times are Monday at 7 p.m., Tuesday at 7 a.m., Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 11 p.m. (central time) through March 2005. The PWT is an integral element of the In-Fisherman Communications Network headquartered in Brainerd, Minnesota, and PRIMEDIA, America's leading producer of targeted media. PWT sponsors include: Mercury Marine, Lund, Berkley Trilene, Berkley Powerbait, The Outdoor Channel, Trilene, Optima Batteries, Realtree, MotorGuide, Mr. Clean, Lowrance, MinnKota, Frenzy, Blue Fox, Northland Fishing Tackle, Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle, Coleman, Storm, Boat Buckle, Smooth Moves Seat Mounts, Kwik Pfyt, Beckman, Rejuvenade, E-Z Loader, Raymarine, Rapala, Matzuo, Pflueger, Ram rod holders, Drift Control, Aqua-Vu, Plano, Stowmaster.net, Navionics, Access Roll-up Cover, Yellow Bird, DOW Chemical, Dave's Lures, The State Bank Group, Yo-Zuri, Reef Runner and the Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (888.BAYTOWN).

Julie Magnuson

7819 Highland Scenic Rd.

Baxter, MN 56425

218-824-2542 jmagnuson@in-fisherman.com

http://www.professionalwalleyetrail.com

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