PWT DAY TWO NEWS RELEASE Despite Cold Front, PWT Pros “Catching”
on Fox Chain Cool, breezy, cold-font conditions greeted the
Berkley/Optima Pro-Am contestants fishing the Fox Chain of Lakes
in northern Illinois.
The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail anglers were in
the midst of the opening tournament of the season. Fishing the
Fox Chain for the first time in the 16-year PWT history proved
interesting and a challenge. “Walleyes in six inches of water?”
was a common question as the pros began their search for hot
spots. Water clarity was measured in inches, and the bottom
of the best spots could be touched with a rod tip. “This system,
especially after a cold front, required ultra-slow presentations
for jiggers and riggers,” said local favorite Mike Gofron, Antioch,
IL. He remained in 12th place. “The trollers had to key on specific
spots, but they found fish,” he said, “This is a really tough
bite and doesn't show what's in here.” Leading after two days
is Nebraska pro Scott Ziegler. His weight, 18.91 pounds, is
almost five pounds ahead of pro Jim Meder, New London, Minn,
in second.
Day one leader Rick Franklin, Park Rapids, Minn, is in third
with 13.29 pounds. Ziegler has fished the PWT for five years,
with a money-finish each of the last three years. His highest
finish is a 14th at Chamberlain, SD. Amateur/co-angler Jason
Sehine, Lake Villa, IL fished with pros Todd Riley, Amery, Wis.,
and Meder, to take the lead. The top 40 amateurs win merchandise
prizes, including a 17-foot Lund/Mercury boat valued at $17,000
for first. The winning pro earns $65,000. On Friday afternoon,
Apr. 22, more than $300,000 in cash and merchandise prizes will
be awarded. California pro Chuck Emery who lives in Walker,
Minn. in the summer, landed the largest walleye, 4.52 pounds,
on day two. The Coleman Big Fish award of $1,000 will be split
between Emery and his amateur/co-angler partner George Dolan,
Ingleside, IL. On day one, 190 walleyes came to the scales;
188 were caught today. Large walleye-fan crowds greeted the
pro anglers and cheered their stage comments. During Friday's
weigh-in, the pros will share what they learned, including best
spots, tactics and secrets. The ceremonies start at 3 p.m. at
Haling's Marina. Plenty of parking is available; shuttles to
satellite parking lots will be provided.
The PWT was hosted by villages and Chambers of Fox Lake and
Antioch, and the pros were involved in numerous youth activities
via the State Bank Group. The PWT works with marketing partners
Mercury Marine, Lund, The Outdoor Channel, Berkley, Optima Batteries,
Realtree, MotorGuide, Lowrance, MinnKota, Trilene, Frenzy, Blue
Fox, Powerbait, Northland Fishing Tackle, Lindy Legendary Fishing
Tackle, GULP!, Coleman, Storm, Boat Buckle, Smooth Moves Seat
Mounts, Kwik Pfyt, E-Z Loader, Raymarine, Rapala, Matzuo, Pflueger,
Ram rod holders, Gerbing’s Heated Clothing, Aqua-Vu, Save Phace,
Plano, Stowmaster.net, Navionics, Access Roll-up Cover, Yellow
Bird, DOW Chemical, Dave’s Lures, The State Bank Group, Yo-Zuri
and Reef Runner. 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.
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