Walleye First
Published April 6, 2008

Any hardcore Walleye angler knows that spring time on the rivers can be one of the best bites of the year. However, if the bite were anything like the inaugural Heartland FLW event on the Illinois River, it can sure make even the best of the best leave scratching their head.

High skies all day and temps into the mid 60's were the conditions as the FLW League kicked off its 2008 Heartland series. Thirty-five boats from three different states competed on the Illinois Eiver, famous for its monster Sauger. Things were generally slow, but the bite sure didn't slow down for all. Fifteen limits of Sauger came across the FLW in-water weigh stage and when all was said and done, Troy Nelson and Scott Anzulas scratched their way to the top with their last keeper coming from the last spot of the day to put them on top with a basket of 11 lbs 15 ounces. They took home a combined $4175.00 paycheck.

Jigging and pulling three-ways seemed to be the ticket for most. However, hand-lining did prove to put some fish in the boat. Adam Sandor and partner Scott Trumpinski took second with 11lbs. 12ounces to claim a $2238.00 paycheck. Chad Carroll and Adam Humphrey claimed third place with 10 lbs. 11 ounces to take home a combined check for $1575.00.

Robert Apple and Nicholas Kueter took home fourth place with 10lbs. and 8ounces. Jacob Lapine and John Reynolds claimed fifth place with 10 lbs and 1 ounce to round out the top five.

Jacob Lapine also took home the Toyota Truck reward for being the highest placing boater with a Toyota Tundra.

The Frabill Big Fish award went to Steve Lotz. He brought in a 3lb 1oz sauger.

FLW Walleye League Pro Qualifier - Illinois River Results



627