Greeted by sunny skies and little or no wind, 10 pro and co-anglers headed out this morning to fish the final day of the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Circuit tournament on the Detroit River. Most of the anglers agree that they will have to go for a huge bag of walleye to be victorious at the weigh-in this afternoon.
Energizer pro Chris Bahl from Sidney, Neb. is making a long run today in search of monster walleye.
“With the wind being so calm today I am going to make my run into Lake Erie to try and catch a big bag of walleye,” said Bahl. “I have had a real hard time getting out and fishing my spots on Erie. Yesterday my engine broke down and I only fished for 50 minutes and caught 2 fish for just over 14 pounds. If I can double my time on the water today I can produce a big bag of fish. I think 30-pounds or more is what it will take to win this thing.”
Bahl’s game plan is to pull Reef Runners behind planer boards. He is fishing an area known as the “cans”.
RCL pro Todd Riley of Amery, Wis. agrees that it will take a big bag to win today, but he plans on staying close to the launch.
“I am guessing 35-40 pounds will take the tournament today,” said Riley. “I think I can catch that much if I can keep all of my fish on today. I have lost some really nice fish this tournament that just came unbuttoned. I am going to stay here in the river and use a jig and minnow. Jigging is what got me here, so I am sticking with it.”
Canadian waters may play a part in Plautz’ success.
“I have several spots I am going to be jigging today,” says Danny Plautz of Milwaukee, Wis. “I will stick around here early to try and get a limit, but if that is not working I won’t give it much time. There are some real good areas on the Canadian side I will be fishing. I have caught walleye in a variety of areas on both sides of the river. Two of my better spots have been the “Hot Ponds” and Fighting Island. If I catch over 33 pounds today I think I will have a good chance of winning it all.”
The first place prize for pro anglers is $50,000 cash and a fully-rigged Ranger, Crestliner or Lund Boat. The winning co-angler will take home $15,000 cash.
Today’s weigh-in starts at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart located at 755 Telegraph Road in Taylor, Mich.
Today’s stats
Sunrise: 6:01
Temperature at takeoff: 30
Expected high temperature: 40-42
Water temperature: Upper 30’s to lower 40’s
Water clarity: Clear
Wind: NNW 7 mph
Relative humidity: 69%
Day’s outlook: Partly to mostly sunny early. Overcast skies possibly developing later. No precipitation.