We’re over two weeks removed from the 2010 FLW Walleye Tour Championship on Leech Lake, and I still can’t stop smiling (I’m not alone either). And to be honest, the smiles are long overdue. After a trying year, things are finally turning around in the walleye industry, and the prospects for 2011 look incredible. On day four of the championship, the National Guard announced that they are stepping in as the title sponsor of the FLW Walleye Tour in 2011. That’s huge, and if their impact is anything like it has been for the bass programs, tournament walleye fishing’s best days are forthcoming. On the media side, it was revealed that each of the four qualifiers and the championship next year will be televised on the VERSUS network. This is big for anglers, fans and sponsors alike.
And speaking of qualifiers, the 2011 schedule looks absolutely awesome. Instead of visiting Erie in April, which can be dicey weather-wise, the Walleye Tour opens with a trip to Port Clinton, Ohio, May 5-7. That tournament should be an absolute slugfest where you need at least 30 pounds a day to stay in contention. And unlike April, the bites aren’t scattered in May and everyone should catch fish. The June bite on Leech is also stellar, although the slot limit will keep the better weights in the teens. Green Bay in July should be lights out and the Oahe system is as healthy as it’s ever been.
Last but not least, there have been rumblings that The Bass Federation has an interest in starting walleye programs. If true, that would fill a major void in that competitive walleye fishing has always lacked a unified grassroots presence. In addition, the TBF has a strong reputation for their youth and conservation programs. No matter how you slice it, a focus on sustainability is a positive.
Things are looking good for the walleye world and much of the credit has to go to Sonny Reynolds, FLW’s director of walleye operations. Like I said, the last 18 months have been arduous. But Reynolds and his staff did a remarkable job holding down the fort. Without their efforts, it’s safe to assume there would be no FLW Walleye Tour. So cheers to Sonny and let’s hope for continued good news during the offseason.