Pundits’ Picks Walleye: Lake Sharpe

Dorn takes top score as Staff Division sweeps Erie

The first tournament of the 2008 FLW Walleye Tour season was one to remember. In a matter of days, Lake Erie transformed from a mud pit to an astonishing walleye factory. Not only did rookie pro John Swanstrom clear $100,000, but he also set a new four-day cumulative weight record. On the Pundit side of the equation, the results were equally impressive for the Staff Division.

For the first time in Pundits’ Picks Walleye history, the Staff Division swept the meager Pro Division. Staff veteran Mark Dorn took home top honors with a total of 459 points. The low score of the tournament went to our beloved Butter Boy, Mr. Eric Olson, who accumulated a whopping 316 points. This is noteworthy because the Land O’Lakes pro was the top-ranked pundit during the 2007 regular season. The new guy, Jason Kerr, was rudely initiated to the world of punditry by Sharon Reynolds, who trounced him 405 to 384. After going winless throughout the 2007 season, it looks like Reynolds is out for revenge in 2008.

Last thing, the disclaimer: The picks in this column in no way represent any sort of favoritism on the part of FLW Outdoors staff or its pro anglers. These are merely guesses – only arguably educated – as to who we think might do well at any given tournament. With that in mind, here are the picks. Enjoy.

– Brett Carlson

Tournament site

Stop No. 2 on the 2008 Walleye Tour takes us to Pierre, the state capital of South Dakota. The last time the Walleye Tour visited Pierre was in 2006, when the city hosted the Walleye Tour Championship. But that tournament was held on Lake Oahe in early October. This event will be held below the dam on Lake Sharpe. In 2003, the Walleye Tour (then the RCL) visited Sharpe and local pro Gerrick McComsey took top honors with a four-day total weight of 48 pounds. In 2003, anglers were allowed to weigh six fish, two of which could be over 18 inches. This year anglers can weigh five fish, including two over 20 inches. By all accounts, five-fish limits will be common in this tournament. The fishery is absolutely loaded with 16- and 17-inch walleyes. The most popular tactics on Sharpe including jigging, trolling crankbaits and of course rigging with creek chubs. With tons of cookie-cutter males, the quandary is attaining separation from the field. Most pros predict that a three-day total of 28 pounds should be enough to make the top-10 cutoff. That doesn’t sound like much, but it will likely take 23 pounds just to get a check. Simply put, this will be a game of ounces.

Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour stop No. 2

Lake Sharpe, Pierre, S.D.

May 7-10

Mark Dorn Director of Operations FLW Outdoors Record: 1-0 Points: 459	VS.	Jason Kerr FLW Walleye Tour pro Holly, Mich. Record: 0-1 Points: 384
1) DAN STIER.This Ranger-Yamaha pro is always on the bite on Lake Sharpe. Dan is great at adapting to changing conditions, which usually defines a Lake Sharpe event. 2) RICK OLSON.One of four South Dakota residents in my picks, this Evinrude pro is always competitive close to home. He admittedly stunk it up at Erie, so he’ll be ready to redeem himself at Sharpe. His years of tournament experience will give him an edge in this event. 3) SCOTT FAIRBAIRN.Versatility best describes this pro who has been one of the most consistent anglers over the years. He is one of only a handful of pros that can both jig and troll with the best. 4) ROBERT PROPST JR.Back on the Walleye Tour this season, Bobby is always competitive on Lake Sharpe. This is a defensive pick because I would expect him to show up on several other pick lists. 5) DAROLD SWANK.He’s my dark-horse pick. Darold always does well on Sharpe and is great under pressure. I would expect to see him fishing on Saturday.		1) DAN STIER.After placing sixth on Erie, Dan is off to a great start. This seasoned veteran will be tough to beat on Dakota waters. It would not be smart to bet against Dan on Lake Sharpe. 2) SCOTT FAIRBAIRN.Scotty catches fish no matter where we go. He is really one of the most consistent anglers on tour. His past experience on Sharpe should help him prevail. 3) SHANNON KEHL.This Dakota boy knows how to catch fish. Shannon is as experienced as they come – especially on the Missouri River. It will be tough to keep him from fishing on day four. 4) CHRIS GILMAN.Chris had a tough ending on Erie, but he will be fishing for redemption on Sharpe. He seems to come in with huge baskets every stop the tour makes. 5) TOM BACKER.This guy is tournament tested and is another Dakota boy overflowing with experience. Don’t be surprised to see Tom on stage in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Saturday.

Brett Carlson Editor FLWOutdoors.com Record: 1-0 Points: 443	VS.	Rick LaCourse FLW Walleye Tour pro Port Clinton, Ohio Record: 0-1 Points: 406
1) TROY MORRIS.Morris is long overdue for a Walleye Tour win and I could very well see it happening in Pierre. The Bismarck, N.D., pro is a strong troller as well as a live-bait fisherman. After finishing 10th at the 2006 championship on Oahe, look for Morris to make another appearance at the Pierre Wal-Mart store. 2) CHAD SCHILLING.I’m staying away from Pierre locals such as Gerrick McComsey and Darold Swank. My pseudo-exception is Walleye Tour rookie Chad Schilling who resides in the small town of Akaska, located 80 miles north of Pierre. Schilling lives and breathes the outdoors and his enthusiasm shows in his fishing. 3) RICK FRANKLIN.Franklin has quietly climbed the ranks of professional walleye fishing’s elite. A few years ago he was a blip on the radar screen. Now he’s cashing checks and making top-10s with regularity. His live-bait and jigging skills will be on display in South Dakota. 4) SCOTT ALLAR.Everyone thinks of Allar as a great river fisherman – especially when it comes to trolling with leadcore. While that’s true, he’s also a deadly jig fisherman. Although he wishes stop No. 2 was on his home waters of the Mississippi, the Berkley pro will do just fine on the Missouri. 5) SCOTT FAIRBAIRN.I had a tough time deciding between Fairbairn and Shannon Kehl. I ultimately chose Fairbairn, partly because this fishery owes him one. In 2006, he finished second at the PWT Championship held out of Bismarck and 12th at the Walleye Tour Championship held out of Pierre on Oahe. Like Allar, Fairbairn is absolutely deadly on river systems and his overall consistency is impressive.		1) GERRICK MCCOMSEY.I’m predicting the hometown boys will rule at Sharpe this year. All my picks are excellent jig fishermen and have intimate knowledge of the small and productive fish-holding spots. That’s what it will take in this no-cull event. This year Gerrick’s business has kept him close to home but he will put all his effort into fishing this one event on his home water. 2) DAROLD SWANK.Darold is taking some time off from being a full-time tournament fisherman, but that won’t stop him in Pierre. This local has always done well on his home water and he knows all the little spots that hold fish. Watch for this river rat to have all the tricks to make a run at the top. 3) SHANNON KEHL.I’m going with this North Dakota angler because of his past record of top finishes on Sharpe. Shannon is another angler that grew up fishing river systems and can read them like no one else. 4) ROBERT PROPST JR.Bob called Pierre his home for many years and guided Lake Sharpe with his hall-of-fame father Bob Probst Sr. Look for Bob’s knowledge to put him in the top 10 as he makes a run for the win. 5) DOUG IVERSON.This one completes my hometown picks for Sharpe. Doug is a local guide and spends probably 50 days a year fishing the river system. Doug’s ability to find and pattern fish on the river is well documented by his top tournament finishes.

Sharon Reynolds Tournament administrator FLW Outdoors Record: 1-0 Points: 405	VS.	Eric Olson FLW Walleye Tour pro Red Wing, Minn. Record: 0-1 Points: 316
1) DAN STIER.After picking Dan at Lake Erie and reaping the benefits, I am going with him again on Sharpe. Dan is a great all-around fisherman and lived in Pierre for many years. He truly knows how and where to catch those fish. I really believe that Dan is out for his first Walleye Tour win this year. 2) SCOTT ALLAR.Scott is a river fisherman through and through. He has done very well in the past on this body of water and the results show what he can do. So hook `em up Scott. 3) GERRICK MCCOMSEY.This is a no-brainer; I have to pick Gerrick. He knows this body of water better than anyone and everyone knows this. He is just undoubtedly a dynamite fisherman. Plus he lives in Fort Pierre. Need I say more? 4) DAROLD SWANK.Darold lives in Pierre and he too knows this body of water. I have to pick Darold for a great finish. To be exact, he will be fishing on Saturday in the top 10. In 2003, he finished second behind Gerrick. The facts do not lie. 5) SHANNON KEHL.Shannon is due for a big finish. I picked Shannon last year for Devils Lake. After doing a little bit more research I found out that he is an all-around Dakota kind of angler. He thrives on rivers and I believe that he will shine at this tournament. Shannon catch some fish like we know you can.		1) SHANNON KEHL.Being a Dakota boy, Shannon knows the river and how the fish relate to the conditions. Jig fishing is going to play big and Shannon is well aware of the key spots. 2) TERRY NELSON.He owns West Prairie Resort in Pierre and guiding has given him a thorough knowledge of the reservoir both above and below the dam. Terry understands how to get both slot fish and overs, which will help him make the top 10. He also knows when to run and when to stay close and maximize fishing time. 3) PETE HARSH.After watching Pete fish the last tournament on Sharpe, I know he’s a veritable shallow-water technician. Patience and decision-making make Pete one of the best anglers on tour. He’s been there, done that and he may be back again. 4) GERRICK MCCOMSEY.Gerrick’s ability and spot-on-the-spot knowledge of the water gives him an upper hand. In all honesty, his knowledge of the Missouri River is without peer. Look for it to be a tight top-10 and Gerrick will be battling it out with the best of the best on day four. 5) DAN STIER.Another experienced Missouri River fisherman, Stier’s knowledge of the water is key. Dan can rig, troll and do whatever it takes. Diversity is his strength. In the Dakotas, the wind can change everything and Dan knows when to switch on a particular bite.