| Mother nature took the bite out of the fishermen on March 19,2006 at Spring Valley for the Illinois Walleye Trail tournament. Rains early in the week caused the river to raise 6' and turning the water clarity to chocolate milk. Teams from Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois were challenged to find the bite. Big Knobs from Utica, Il and Wayne Williams from Utica, elected to gamble and lock thru to the Ottawa pool and managed to weigh three fish for 4.01 pounds earning them a check for $2028.00. Placing second were brothers Gary and Bruce Merkel from Spring Valley, weighing 3.98 pounds for $1278.00 and also received big fish honors witha 1.98 pound sauger for an additional $430.00. Third place went to John and Chris Perez from Dyer Indiana with 1.62 pounds earning a check for $993.00. All fish were caught on jig and minnow presentations. Complete results can be found at www.prairielandeyes.com
The Illinois Walleye Trail's next tournament is April 9, 2006 at Spring Valley, IL. We would like to thank our fine sponsors, Hennepin Marine, Mercury Marine, Lund Boats, Custom Canvas Co., The Inhibitor, and Mautino's Distributing. |
