Beautiful Alum Creek Reservoir in central Ohio was the location of the Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT) Ranger Boats World Championship during the weekend of September 23 and 24, 2011. The Top 50 teams from throughout the year competed for the coveted reign of 2011 PMTT World Champions for the year, the 1st Place trophies and prize of a new 2012 619 Ranger Fisherman, RangerTrail Tailer with a Mercury powered outboard.
Under partly cloudy skies with air temps in the mid seventies both days, the anglers figured that trolling white crankbaits through the near seventy degree water would be the best way to approach this reservoir. There are no weeds in the entire lake and the muskies concentrate mostly on breaklines and steep drop-offs or the massive pods of baitfish that inhabit the reservoir.
The winners of the event were brothers Eric (Bartlett, IL.) and Chris Burseth (Crystal Lake, IL.). These two seasoned PMTT veterans have competed in the PMTT since the first event over 13 years ago. They caught a 47″ musky on day one that ended up holding on to the lead for the two day event and make them champions. In addition to winning the new Ranger Boat, motor and trailer, this beautiful fish also awarded them the prestigious Ranger Cup Award for an additional $1,000 and Big Fish for an extra $500. The Burseths approach was to use white Depth Raider crank baits trolled at 4 miles per hour running them tight to steep rock walls. An ironic thing happened prefishing to the Burseth brothers the day before the tournament. They were casting a main lake point and they snagged a horseshoe. They placed the horseshoe in the bow of their boat and said that maybe it was a sign and would bring them good luck. Luck and skill paid off as they carry the title of the 2011 PMTT Ranger Boats World Champions for the next year.
2nd Place went to longtime PMTT and musky tournament pro Duane Landmeier of Hinckley, IL. Landmeier fished the event alone this time and while doing so he doubled up by landing a 32.50″ and 36.50″ musky. His technique was to troll Jug head jointed white crank baits high in the water column to entice fish. It also gave him the second place hardware and $7,500 for his efforts. In 3rd Place with a 34.00″ and 32.25″ muskies were Nathan Leverance (Coon Valley, WI.) and Todd Radke (Wisconsin Rapids, WI.). The duo used Cisco Kid Crank baits and Baby Depth raider crank baits that were white in color and took home $3,500.
In 4th place with a 36.50″ musky were Kyle Weber (Crane Lake, MN.) and Jordan Gustman (Burlington,WI.). The fishermen casted Phantom Softail Jerk baits the catch their fish. Rounding out the top five in 5th place were the local favorites Rob Van Gorder(Delaware, Ohio) and Randy Parker(Avon, Ohio). The two anglers caught a 36.00″ musky. Their musky was caught on a 9″ Grandma Crank bait in pearl color while trolling off of points in 12′ of water.
The prestigious PMTT Top Gun Team of the Year Award was handed out for 2011. This is awarded to the most consistent team that catches fish throughout the year. The long time father son PMTT team of David and Matt Kirchner of Cleveland, Ohio were crowned. The two anglers told everyone that when they pre fish for a tournament they need to learn how to catch the fish. So they do not worry about hooking fish that could be caught tournament weekend. The techniques have to be learned to catch other fish later on when it counts. Congratulations to David and Matt.
Tournament Director Tim Widlacki thanked all of the PMTT’s fantastic sponsors, especially Ranger Boats for their continued support of not only the PMTT but the entire sport of musky fishing. Also thanks to Mercury Marine, Chaos Tackle, Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, Morehead Tourism Commission, Musky Hunter Magazine, Keyes Outdoors, Rollie & Helens Musky Shop, Musky Mayhem Tackle, Crash’s Landing and all the associate and contributing sponsors. Please let these fine folks know that you appreciate their promotional efforts in support of freshwaters most challenging fish … and those extreme anglers who chase her on the first, best and only truly National Professional Musky Circuit … the PMTT!
To obtain more information on becoming a member of the PMTT, or to view event photo album, please visit them on the Web @ www.promusky.com or call PMTT office @: 815-478-4351
