| Saturday, September 13, 2003 |
| Whopper walleye payout |
| By craig Stapon |
| One of the premiere events of the season is coming up. The 3rd Annual Canadian Walleye Challenge will be in Pine Falls on Oct. 17 & 18. Kim Wilson, the tournament director has teamed up with top corporate sponsors and has made changes to previous formats. This year's prize structure is a guaranteed 90% payout. Based on 80 teams the first place team will take home $20,000. This payout is 2nd only to the Vanity Cup in Saskatchewan. It is my prediction that within a few years this event will become the top event in Canada. Some of the top corporate sponsors include Lund (Thanks Andrew), Ronds Marine (Way to go Garth), Evinrude (Haru Basler), Avo Marine, Coca-Cola and Ryjus. It is because of corporate sponsors like these that the tournament will be a success. Kim encouraged me to let everyone know just how important the sponsors are. Outdoor Canada magazine rated the tournament as one of the best in the country. You can enter by calling 367-8442 or 345-3263. Top walleye anglers from all over North America will compete in this two-day event. Pine Falls is famous for its fall green back run. These large walleye cruise into the river system to beef up for winter. Various techniques work in the river system. Crank baits are a favourite but jigging and Lindy rigging work well too. Good luck to all the anglers and watch for the Team Canada, Team USA, Team International "Gold Medal Challenge." Teams will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis so enter now to avoid disappointment. Last Sunday I had the opportunity to fish again with Jodi Moon and Todd Williamson. Jodi is a long-time muskie angler that is responsible for the introduction of the "Bull Dawg" to the Manitoba area. He has several fish over 50 inches to his credit and is my sidekick in fall guiding. Todd from Elmwood is an avid angler who was in search of his first muskie. At 5:46 p.m. all his fortunes changed. We boated two muskie in 125 minutes. The largest was Todd's beast that was over 51 inches and tipped the scales at 42 pounds. Not only a world-class fish but a fish of a lifetime. Jodi's muskie was a tad over 20 pounds. It struck a jointed Buchertail trolled at 4.6 m.p.h. Update: L.O.T.W. -- Big pike and muskie are on the prowl. Work rock piles and sunken islands. Trolling can also be effective. Big walleye on leeches and worms. Falcon -- Big bass. Mr. Mills reports four-pounders on worms. Big pike starting to go. Roy Howie says respect the middle -- use crank baits. High Lake -- Gary Haiko, "The Lake Trout King," is again on the prowl. Troll shorelines for excellent pike action. Cedar Lake -- best kept secret in Manitoba. Bottom Bouncer and a spinner is the ticket. Lac Du Bonnet -- Goldeye on -- use worms for best success. West Hawk -- Spoons at 60-80 feet. Peanut island is average. Good luck and remember to keep your lines tight! |