Steil in the spotlight

Richmond, Minn., pro seeking first tour-level victory

CASS LAKE, Minn. – For the past few years, people within the walleye-fishing industry have called Scott Steil an up-and-coming pro. After qualifying for the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour Championship each of the past four years, it is time to officially declare that this young angler has arrived.

A part-time guide who works for his family insurance company, Steil has been fishing with FLW Outdoors since 2003. This is the 35-year-old’s fourth top-10 finish on the Walleye Tour. To date, his best finish was third at the 2004 qualifier on Lake Oahe where he earned $20,000.

“The time is right for me,” he said. “It takes a few years to make that transition from a guide to a tournament fisherman. I’ve always been a very good walleye angler. But when you’re a guide, it’s all about making clients happy. Here, it’s all about finding the right fish.”

Before the start of the 2007 season, Steil made a goal of winning the Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year title. Although he qualified for the Walleye Tour Championship, AOY went to BP pro Jason Przekurat. This year, he’s completely changed his mentality.

“My focus now is on winning a tournament. You don’t have the opportunity to do this very often. I’ve had other top-10s, but I’ve never really been within striking distance until now. If I go out and catch a first-day weight of 15 1/2 pounds, I think I will win.”

Steil isn’t the only one within striking distance. It’s a tight leaderboard all the way around. Lots of anglers will be fishing to win today with only 4 1/2 pounds separating 10th place from first place. The tricky part will be deciding what goes in the box and what goes back in Cass Lake.

“The first fish will go in if its 22 or better,” said Steil. “The next few probably won’t if they’re that size. Ideally you’re looking for a 28 early and a couple of 19 1/2-inch fish.”

The final weigh-in, which promises to be a nail biter, will take place today at 4:30 p.m. Central time at the Wal-Mart store located at 2025 Paul Bunyan Dr. N.W. in Bemidji, Minn. The winner in both the Pro Division and Co-angler Division is determined by the heaviest four-day weight.

Saturday’s conditions

Sunrise: 5:21 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 53 degrees

Expected high temperature: 73 degrees

Water temperature: 58-62 degrees

Wind: W at 13 mph

Maximum humidity: 54 percent

Day’s outlook: scattered thunderstorms