Destination: Lake Erie

Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, April 28-May 1

There is never a shortage of limits when the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour goes to Lake Erie, but when the popular tournament trail rolls into Port Clinton, Ohio, April 28-May 1, anglers had better have their bars set pretty high. Average limits probably won’t make it through the cuts.

That’s the word from 2003 RCL Angler of the Year Jason Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis.

“Catching fish won’t be the issue,” Przekurat said. “It’s how big those fish are that’s going to matter the most.”

While the majority of Erie walleyes will have already spawned on underwater reefs, Przekurat predicts there will still be some isolated groups of prespawn females suspended over the deeper water east of weigh-in. Anglers who locate the heavier fish and use them sufficiently throughout the course of the event are likely to cash the biggest checks.

“A 28-inch fish will weigh 7 pounds without eggs and around 9 pounds when it’s full of eggs,” Przekurat said. “I’m guessing it’ll take 65 to 70 pounds to make it into the finals and 40-plus pounds to win it.”

Community holes around Pelee Island and Bass Islands are likely to attract plenty of traffic, but Przekurat doesn’t believe the tournament will be won at either spot. In his opinion, the angler who wins it will be the one who finds those little out-of-the-way places that are holding the heavier prespawners.

“Finding clear water also will be a big key,” Przekurat said. “We get a lot of wind this time of year, and the water can dirty up in a matter of 10 hours. You really need to know how to play the currents so you can figure out which areas will clear up the fastest. That’s where the fish are going to be.”

Przekurat said crawler harnesses trolled over 30 feet of water bordering the shallower spawning reefs are sure to produce some solid fish.

The Ranger pro also likes to throw shallow and deep-diving crankbaits by Reef Runner. Iridescent, blue-silver and black/gold are the most productive colors.