Fresh faces abound

Five Walleye Tour rookies qualify for top-10

PORT CLINTON, Ohio – Some new faces have announced their presence at the season-opening Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour event on Lake Erie. Leading the pack is 35-year-old rookie John Swanstrom, who has a three-day total weight of 122 pounds.

Swanstrom has fished the Master’s Walleye Circuit since 1998 with partner Troy Skorich. But at the urging of Kurt Turner, he decided to fish professionally for the first time.

“I always had aspirations to fish it,” Swanstrom said of the Walleye Tour. “Kurt Turner called and said they had a spot for me on their team. That’s half the battle out here – having guys to work with. It has worked out well.”

Well might be the understatement of the year. The Superior, Wis., resident has an 18-pound lead with only today’s competition remaining.

“I’m nervous. How can you not be?”

Swanstrom isn’t the only newcomer in the top-10. Joining him his 2007 PWT Rookie of the Year Chad Schilling. Schilling is a guide on Lake Oahe just north of Pierre, S.D. Although he is certainly looking forward to stop No. 2 of the 2008 Walleye Tour season on Lake Sharpe, he’s more than held his own on Erie.

“I had a real good practice and I came out here with every intention of doing well,” said the 33-year-old. “I’m not going to fish unless I think I can do it. I’ve wanted to do this my whole life. It’s always been a dream.”

David Frey is a longtime charter captain on Lake Erie. He’s very familiar with the lake, but he’s a novice in terms of tour-level experience. Also making their Walleye Tour debuts are Kevin Michnicki and Robert Henton. Michnicki fishes the Michigan Division of the Walleye League. The day before the tournament, he was still on the waiting list until another pro’s motor broke down and was unable to get replacement parts in time. Henton has never competed in FLW Outdoors tournament, but is an MWC veteran.

In addition to the young bucks, veteran tournament anglers such as Dan Stier, Pete Harsh and Rick Franklin are in contention.

The final weigh-in, which promises to be a big-fish parade, will take place today at 4 p.m. Eastern time at the Wal-Mart store located at 2826 E. Harbor Road in Port Clinton. The winner in both the Pro Division and Co-angler Division is determined by the heaviest four-day weight.

Saturday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 6:45 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 51 degrees

Expected high temperature: 65 degrees

Water temperature: 48-54 degrees

Wind: SE at 9 mph

Maximum humidity: 62 percent

Day’s outlook: afternoon showers