Competition heats up on Devils Lake

Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour anglers set to bear hot, windy conditions

SPIRIT LAKE, N.D. – Day three marks the final day of the opening round with the top-10 pros and top-10 co-anglers being established this afternoon. Add to that expected high temperatures in the mid-80s, and things are beginning to get a bit uncomfortable for Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour anglers.

Pro Phil Milliser of Plymouth, Ind., is confident that he will be able to catch fish despite the changing conditions. Milliser finished in second place last year on Devils Lake but has struggled to find the big fish this year. Milliser is intent on getting another limit today to help his partner, Jimmy Cox, reach the championship.

“We’ll have five fish today guaranteed,” said Milliser. “I’m not going to guarantee any weight, but I’m expecting around 13 pounds.”

Milliser, who is commonly referred to as the Pickleman, plans to cast jointed shad-raps to attract his bites.

Pro Dennis Jeffrey also plans to employ the crankbait strategy on what is forecasted to be a blustery day. It appears that many anglers believe the wind will make bobber fishing more difficult.

“We’re going to rip some cranks in deeper water,” said Jeffrey. “We’re going to have a nice, enjoyable day.”

Pro Matt Froelich of Monticello, Minn., predicted today’s cutoff would be exactly 56 pounds, 13 ounces. With only 10 pounds separating the top-10 pros, not even 30 mph winds will be able to keep the anglers cool.

The critical day three weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. CT, when the field of 147 boats is trimmed to the top-10 pros and the top-10 co-anglers. Friday’s weigh-in takes place at Spirit Lake Casino & Resort located on Highway 57.

Friday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 5:35 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 64 degrees

Expected high temperature: 83 degrees

Water temperature: 60-65 degrees

Wind: SSE at 24 mph

Maximum humidity: 61 percent

Day’s outlook: Partly cloudy