Crestliner/Mercury Pro Doc Samson went out this morning promising a win. He said on stage, ' I was ready. It takes a list, and I was ready. I also was a little cocky.'

'Now I'm going to have to eat some crow; I have always said I'd never win a trolling tournament!'

Doc was pulling custom painted large spinners supplied by Silver Streak blades bought locally at Erie Outfitters, and credited the research he did, and help early and during prefish from local talent. He's known for swinging for the fences, and when he wins, he usually wins big. This time, he beat a field of anglers who repeatedly said the Lorain area provided the best big walleye fishing they have ever seen, and beat them by two big fish at 16 pounds. This was Doc's eighth major win.

Second went to a hard charging Lund/Mercury Pro Mike Gofron, who came from back of the pack in the top ten to second on the virtues of 59.32 day three weight. Mike was trolling cranks deep, and had a tough second day with 48.25 after a first day weight of a then record setting 63.03.

Speaking of records...

Don Loch had a VERY tough day yesterday, arriving late with a good weight to be disqualified. Despite the obvious loss of a chance for his first major win or at the very least a good check, came back on day three, and fished with Matt Pikka, a Muskie convert fishing the AIM Co- Angler side. Don set an all time AIM record at 7 fish over 10 pounds and 70.2 pounds. If he had arrived on time yesterday, he would have taken the win handily.

Third went to Mike Zaborski, fourth to Chase Parsons, fifth to Charles Robinson, sixth to Gary Parsons, and seventh to Keith Kavajecz rounding out the places earning a check.

Gary Parsons was drawn for the Yamaha 9.9 kicker from the anglers who registered early.

AIM Lorain Payouts:

Lorain, OH 2012           
1    Bruce Samson     $16,000    
2    Mike Gofron     $5,800    
3    Mike Zaborski     $3,800    
4    Chase Parsons     $3,300    
5    Charles Robinson     $2,800    
6    Gary Parsons     $2,000    
7    Keith Kavajecz     $1,100

Next up for AIM is the Pro Team event in Oconto. Watch the AIM website at www.aimfishing.com for information on the AIM Oconto Team Challenge.

The bugs were crazy out on Lake Erie today as a hatch took off in calm, warm conditions. The bite held, and the 'Erie Shuffle' happened as predicted to the leader board.

Doc Samson remained extremely consistent with a CRR total of 62.91 today, enough with yesterday's total to take over first place by nearly 7 pounds and 122.89 pounds total over Charles Robinson, who weighed almost exactly what he did yesterday to take over second at 114.95.

Third is Mark Martin literally ounces behind Robinson. Fourth is Keith Kavajecz with another consistent performance, fifth is Mike Zaborski with a giant weight of over 64 pounds today, sixth is Jim Carroll, taking a 60 pound CRR weight to the stage, Mike Gofron slipped to seventh, eighth is Scott Duncan, ninth is Mike Robertson, and..

Chase Parsons WHACKED the walleyes today breaking an all time AIM record, CRRing 65.35 pounds to jump from near last to tenth. This is truly an amazing fishery, and the talent out there displayed by the Pros competing in the 2012 AIM Lorain tournament is showcasing what can only be described as WORLD class trophy walleye angling.

It's a guarantee the leader board will get another thorough shaking tomorrow.

The field will leave at 7:30 AM tomorrow, returning at 3:30 and weighing in at 5:00 sharp Eastern, 4 Central at www.aimfishing.com.

The wind did indeed change some early game plans today, turning back a few of the Pros headed out this morning on a long run. That didn't stop some impressive 7 fish CRR totals from coming in.

Mike Gofron holds the lead with 63.03. Don Loch is in second weighing 60.28, a near statistical tie on this water. In third is Doc Samson just a bit back with 59.98. Mark martin is in fourth with 58.04, and Gary Parsons rounds out the top five with 57.95.

The AIM Pro leaderboard is here: http://www.aimfishing.com/View-Leaderboard/Results/1344/

Heat was the main issue today, with temps reaching over 96 degrees at weigh in. Tomorrow is forecast to be cooler, with temps just at 91 degrees with NW winds 5 to 10. The wide dispertion of schools of big fish is interesting, many of the pros mentioned having large areas completely to themselves.

The AIM Pros will head back out on the water tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM.

Enter AIM Erie Tournament; Win a Yamaha Kicker

Angler’s Insight Marketing’s (AIM) giant walleye rodeo is on the horizon.  The Lake Erie tournament, utilizing the impressive CRR (catch – record – release) format, takes place June 28 – 30. 

Anglers are entering, and all who enter the professional field by the close of business on June 11 will be entered in a drawing for a Yamaha 4-stroke 9.9-horsepower kicker outboard.  President and CEO of AIM,  Joe Baron said, “I know of dozens of pros who have told me they’ll be entering, but until their entries are in the door, I can’t announce the payouts.  Hopefully the Yamaha kicker will encourage them to act.”

Baron heard from some fishermen who were questioning the CRR method, and being unfamiliar with the method, might be reluctant to make a commitment.  A young man who fished his first CRR pro event in the AIM Can-Am in Brimley recently, Justin W. Schneider, Brothertown, Wisconsin, said, “It’s now about who can catch the most and the biggest.  The system of capturing the length measurements with a camera takes all the headaches out of livewell management.  It’s so simple and can be done in 60 seconds or less.”

“I love CRR, but I also love the professionalism of AIM.  At Brimley, the leaders had a great pattern and not one other angler even considered moving in on their water.  I know when I’m in a position to do well, I will receive the same respect.” Schneider fished two years as an AIM co-angler, and has as a goal to fish against the best walleye pros in the world. 

After competing for several years under the CRR format, pro angler and Championship winner Tom Kemos, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin still feels that it takes only a fish or two before settling into a routine.  He said, “I was nervous at first, but learned to measure, photograph fish and release them quickly.  That’s what everyone tells me happened in their boats too.”

Lake Erie has earned a reputation as a big-fish fishery, and tournaments this season have proven that at every weigh-in.   The AIM event will be conducted from Lorain.  To enter and be eligible for the Yamaha kicker, call AIM headquarters by June 11, at (920) 526-3399, or enter online at aimfishing.com.     

  
Anglers Insight Marketing, LLC™ (AIM) is a unique tournament organization which is owned by stockholders, the majority of which are Professional walleye anglers. AIM Professionals are among the "All Stars" of professional fishing, with cumulative HUNDREDS of years of tournament experience, including countless tournament victories, series championships, and Angler of the Year titles. This insight and knowledge is now being employed to provide the finest tournament experience for the participants, and the maximum exposure for the host tournament sites and corporate partners.

AIM Marketing Partners:
Bay Mills Resort & Casinos, Lund Boat Company, Mercury Marine/Motor Guide, Yamaha Marine, Navionics, John Butts Outdoors, Oahe Wings & Walleyes, Luck E Strike Lures, Worldwide Marine Insurance, Pier of d’Nort, Come By Chance Resort, Gemini Custom Apparel, Reef Runner Lures, The Judge Tournament Ruler, Rite in the Rain Paper, G2 Angling, M419 Guide Service, Walleye Madness Guide Service.

   

Plymouth, WI - January 20, 2012

    AIM announced today that the Lorain Port Authority will host the second tournament of the 2012 AIM Pro Walleye Series™ schedule out of the Black River Landing and Black River Wharf. The Pro-Am fishing tournament will be held June 28 to 30, 2012. This beautiful area located along the Southern shore of big Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio will provide the perfect backdrop for what should be a very memorable event. Lake Erie is of course famous not only for the vast numbers of walleyes it produces each year for the recreational anglers, but also the enormous amount of walleyes it produces over 10 pounds. Tournament entry fees are $1,200 for each pro and $300 for each co-angler.  Pros are competing for one hundred percent of all pro team entries, however that percentage could rise.  Actual payout schedule will be released in the near future.

  This AIM Pro Walleye Series™ tournament will feature the exclusive AIM Catch-Record-Release™ (CRR™) format that uses digital photo technology to verify each fish as it is recorded on the Official Scorecard. The fish are then immediately released - where they were caught - and NOT transported to the landing. This means the Pro Anglers can continually upgrade their catch all day, every day. CRR also means that NO "dead fish" penalties will be assessed at the weigh-in. With this format, the angler who catches the 21 largest walleyes over the three day tournament will win! With all of the big fish that roam Lake Erie and more importantly the Central Basin off shore from the city of Lorain, at this time of year, the possibility of a new AIM Pro Walleye Series™ record could overtake the current record held by 2010 Angler of the Year, Robert Blosser at 21 fish for a whopping 139.46 pounds. AIM Pro angler, Mark Brumbaugh from, Arcanum, OH is no stranger to Lake Erie and he said “At this time of year, there should be plenty of the 2003 year class walleyes off shore from Lorain and these fish should be in the 8 to 12 pound class, expect very large weights!"

    Rick Novak, Executive Director, Lorain Port Authority said “This tournament is one example of the great events offered here at Black River Landing and Black River Wharf.  It also exemplifies the Lorain Port Authority’s role in economic development in Lorain.  We’re excited to see this tournament come to our shores and the business it will bring and the impact it will have on our local economy. We are also pleased to be working cooperatively with Visit Lorain County on this project.  It shows what can be accomplished when entities work together”. Barb Bickel, Executive Director, Visit Lorain County, added "Visit Lorain County is excited and enthusiastic to welcome AIM Pro Walleye Series to Lorain County. We are ready to showcase all the spectacular walleye fishing, beauty and excitement that Lake Erie's Central Basin has to offer."

  Entries for both Pros and Co-anglers are now being accepted.  On-line registration and further information about AIM as well as up-to-the-minute updates about tournaments can be found at the AIM web site: www.aimfishing.com.

Anglers Insight Marketing, LLC™ (AIM) is a unique tournament organization which is owned by stockholders, the majority of which are Professional walleye anglers. AIM Professionals are among the All Stars of professional fishing, with cumulative HUNDREDS of years of tournament experience, including countless tournament victories, series championships, and Angler of the Year titles. This insight and knowledge is now being employed to provide the finest tournament experience for the participants, and the maximum exposure for the host tournament sites and corporate partners.


AIM Marketing Partners:

Bay Mills Resort & Casinos, Lund Boat Company, Mercury Marine/Motor Guide, Yamaha Marine, Crestliner Boats, JJ Keller Fishing Team, The Reel Shot, Navionics, John Butts Outdoors, Oahe Wings & Walleyes, Luck E Strike Lures, Worldwide Marine Insurance, Pier of d’Nort piers, Come By Chance Resort, Reef Runner Lures, The Judge Tournament Ruler, Rite in the Rain Paper, G2 Angling, M419 Guide Service.