Change of plans
Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour Championship begins under shifting conditions
MOLINE, Ill. – While the Quad Cities area has received an abundance of warm sunshine the past few weeks, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour anglers awoke Wednesday expecting Lake Erie-like weather. Although the conditions for takeoff were pleasant, the forecast calls for a harsh change in the early afternoon. While there is certainly no threat of a cancellation on this river system, the patterns that prevailed in prefishing may just as well be thrown out the door. This, however, might not be bad news as heavy rainfall and high winds could revive stagnant walleyes.
Pro Phil Milliser of Plymouth, Ind., said he’s had a difficult practice. The largest walleye he boated was just over 20 inches.
“The water temperature is about 10 degrees warmer than last year,” said Milliser, better known as the Pickleman. “It’s crazy, because there are so many baitfish. When these fish chase the shad, it looks like the water is boiling. You turn the graph on, and it just lights up with activity. I’ve got some willow cats, some minnows and some night crawlers ready to go.”
Pro Jeff Ryan, who finished in 20th place in the FLW Walleye Tour points race, agreed that the fishing has been slow. He attributed much of the slow bite to the warmer water. The Lake View, Iowa, native says he has two precise spots on a wing dam that he hopes will continue to hold fish.
“The fish I have caught have been good-sized,” Ryan said. “They were in last year’s slot. (between 20 inches and 27 inches) I’m guessing somebody will come in with 15 to 18 pounds today.”
Muskego, Wis., angler Dan Plautz, who finished sixth in last year’s championship held on the very same water, expects the same arduous angling this time around.
“I don’t think there are going to be many limits,” said Plautz. “You just can’t miss a bite when it’s like this. I’m locking through today, so it will be a hero or zero deal. I just have to get away from the crowd.”
Chapter one of the chase for $125,000 will be written today when the top 50 pros and top 50 co-anglers begin weighing in their catches at 5 p.m. Central time. Today’s weigh-in takes place at the Wal-Mart store located at 3930 44th Ave. in Moline. For those who are unable to attend, FLWOutdoors.com will offer live weigh-in results, streaming audio and on-location video via its FLW Live application.
Wednesday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 6:56 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 60 degrees
Expected high temperature: 68 degrees
Water temperature: 68-73 degrees
Wind: W at 21 mph
Maximum humidity: 76 percent
Day’s outlook: showers