SPIRIT LAKE, N.D. – Devils Lake has long had a reputation for offering some of the most diverse walleye angling in the country. In all likelihood, the final regular-season event of the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour season, which boasts a top prize of up to $100,000, will be no exception. As the field of 147 boats left Spirit Lake Casino & Resort, many were armed with more than a dozen rods rigged for a plethora of different patterns.
Pro Joe Whitten of Toledo, Ohio, describes the fishing on Devils Lake as sporadic. He says a variety of tactics will be used during this event including trolling, casting and even slip-bobbers. The most popular live-bait presentation at this point appears to be leeches.
“You can pull a lot of little ones, but the big ones aren’t holding in one spot, which is bizarre,” said Whitten. “I’m hoping the stable weather changes that. If you can pull 17 pounds a day, I think you can make the top 10. Consistency over the first three days will be key.”
Tommy Skarlis, who currently sits in first place in the FLW Walleye Tour Angler of the Year standings, says the walleyes are feeding, but they are nomadic, so it is vital to stay on them.
Skarlis is more concerned about the tournament at hand rather than the Angler of the Year race.
“I’m just going to go have fun, and lord willing, I may win it,” he said. Skarlis leads Nick Johnson, his nearest competitor, by exactly 14 points. When asked if he feels comfortable with his 14-point cushion, Skarlis replied, “I’ve blown bigger leads than this. The key is to focus on this tournament.”
FLW Walleye Tour anglers begin weighing in their catches at 3 p.m. Central time Wednesday, when the field makes its way back to Spirit Lake Casino & Resort located on Highway 57.
Wednesday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 5:35 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 57 degrees
Expected high temperature: 72 degrees
Water temperature: 58-64 degrees
Wind: E at 10 mph
Maximum humidity: 59 percent
Day’s outlook: Partly sunny