Teams from Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa and Illinois converged on the City of Spring Valley for the 3rd Walleye Tournament of the 2005 season for the Illinois Walleye Trail on Sunday March 13, 2005
A major cold front was coming into the area for the weekend dropping the air temp down to a chilling 17 degrees for launch on Sunday morning. This dropped the surface water temps down two degrees into the high 30's. The water was dropping slowly two to three inches a day. With these adverse conditions the 69 teams managed to catch 276 Saugers for 605 pounds with 34 teams weighing a six fish limit. There was a couple of major winning techniques that help produce the catches, trolling crank baits and Jig and minnow.
Winning the tournament from Davenport Iowa, was the team of Scott Roehlk and Jim Bonjuir with a solid basket weighing 18.52 pounds earning them a check for $2,410.00 along with a bonus check from Hennepin Marine for $250.00 by fishing from a Lund Boat.
Placing 2nd was father and son Mark Actis Sr. and Mark Actis Jr. from Spring Valley with 18.35 pounds and a check for $1,165.00.
Finishing third was the team of Kurt Sonnenburg from Channahon & Curt Strom from Elgin, IL.. with 17.08 pounds and a check for $680.00. Rounding out the top five was Ed and Don Klein from Wayne, IL. with 16.95 pounds in fourth and Randy Carroll and Lee Scott from Oswego, IL. with 16.95 pounds in fifth place.
Big Fish Honors went to Bob Apple and Brad Linton from Chadwick, IL. with a 5.33 pound Sauger and 680.00 big fish pot.
We would like to Thank our fine sponsors Hennepin Marine, Mercury Motors, Lund Boats and Custom Canvas for there help and support. Our Next tournament will be April 16 and 17th in Starved rock.
Complete results and pics can be found on www.prairielandeyes.com. |
