Hardest working angler in RCL
Minnema’s angler-of-the-year title was no accident
When the 2002 Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Circuit regular-season campaign began in April, very few anglers outside of professional walleye-fishing circuits – or even the state of Wisconsin – knew who Ranger pro Tim Minnema was. Anyone who is interested in competitive walleye fishing knows who he is now: the 2002 RCL Angler of the Year from Markesan, Wis.
After a hard-fought battle under a variety of fishing conditions and looking from behind at Ranger pro Pete Harsh – who many pundits thought had the title wrapped up after the Lake Winnebago tournament – Minnema staged an impressive takeover bid in the last tournament of the season. He sealed his bid for Angler of the Year at Saginaw Bay by finishing in the top 20 and taking home one of the most coveted prizes in professional walleye fishing.
“I fished very hard all year to win this title,” said Minnema. “The idea that I am the RCL Angler of the Year is just sinking in. I truly feel a great sense of accomplishment.”
Versatility pays off
Minnema believes versatility was the key to his success this season.
“I think you need to go in with a game plan, but be able to adjust to whatever situation arises,” said Minnema. “For example, this season I used handlining, jigging, trolling, planer-board trolling and even casting, plus other techniques, to catch fish. I caught fish in every tournament I fished this season.”
Father knows best
Minnema credits his father, Ranger pro Jim Minnema, for leading him into the world of competitive walleye angling.
“My dad taught me how to fish, and I owe him a lot for teaching me such a great thing,” said Minnema. “We still work together in practice before tournaments. This kind of absolute trust in a fishing partner really pays off for both of us. We can discuss the patterns and tactics we use to catch walleye and the best areas. I can always get the truth from my Dad. I am blessed to have such a fishing partner.”
No replacement for experience
Plenty of tournament experience is necessary to elevate you to Angler of the Year status.
“I started fishing tournaments when I was 14 years old. I am 29 now, so 15 years of competition has paid off with this award,” said Minnema. “All of my years as a competitive angler really became important for winning this title. Just knowing what decisions to make, how to find fish under a variety of circumstances and then being able to apply the appropriate technique – this is what experience will do for you.”
Minnema suggests any anglers wanting to pursue a career in pro walleye fishing, or if they have their eyes on the RCL Angler-of-the-Year title, they need to hone their angling skills to a fine point.
“I am not going to say I made the best decisions every time I fished this season,” said Minnema. “However, the cumulative decision-making process for me was very good, and that is why I won.
“You really have to do your homework as far as the body of water you are fishing, proper presentations and have a back-up plan when your primary pattern is not working,” he said. “Making sure you have some sort of back-up plan can really save your tournament. I know too many anglers who fish tournaments with only one approach prepared. When the conditions change, they are done. This all goes back to experience and being versatile”
Fishing with family
Fishing as a family tradition is important to Minnema.
“This is truly a great sport that families can share, whether you want to make it your job or just kick back and fish off the river bank,” said Minnema. “You can get out and enjoy the outdoors with your family, no matter if you live in the North Woods or in a more urban community.
“Getting out and going fishing will definitely pull your family closer together and create a bond that will last a lifetime,” he said. “The years I have had together with my dad are priceless.”
Sights set on championship
There is one more title to go for Minnema.
“If I can win the RCL Championship at Red Wing in October, I will certainly have reached the very top of the sport,” said Minnema. “Two major titles in one season would be tremendous. For right now, I feel very honored to have won this title fishing against so many tremendous anglers.”
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