The weather this past weekend wreaked havoc on an already tough Walleye bite for the 93 teams who fished the Masters Walleye Circuit out of Escanaba, MI September 11 & 12th. After a decision was made on Saturday to cancel the first day, due to big winds and heavy rains, the event was turned into a one day shoot out. 51 teams were successful in finding any fish willing to bite, and only 6 of those teams managed to bring in a 5 fish limit.
Four NPAA members managed to find enough fish to make the top 15, but it was John Schneider, NPAA #952, of Shawano, WI that was the most successful landing in 2nd place with a huge basket of Walleye that weighed in at 30.06 pounds. John and his partner were awarded $6,400.00 for their efforts, along with the Ranger Cup Bonus Award of $1,000.00, and the 1st Place Big Fish award of $1500.00, for a total just under $9,000.00!out. 51 teams were successful in finding any fish willing to bite, and only 6 of those teams managed to bring in a 5 fish limit.
The J.J. Keller Fishing Team that is comprised of the Father and Son Team of James J. Keller, NPAA #798, and Brian Keller, NPAA #797, managed to catch three Walleyes that weighed in at 18.89 pounds for a 9th place finish. 9th Place paid out $1,500.00. Their biggest fish weighed 8.47 pounds, large enough to take the 2nd Place Big Fish award of $900.00.out. 51 teams were successful in finding any fish willing to bite, and only 6 of those teams managed to bring in a 5 fish limit.
Rounding out the NPAA members who finished in the top 15 this past weekend was Tom Gatzke, NPAA #868, of Tomahawk, WI. Tom and his partner caught 2 fish for 11.98 pounds and won a check for $1,200.00.out. 51 teams were successful in finding any fish willing to bite, and only 6 of those teams managed to bring in a 5 fish limit.
The winning presentation at the event was trolling crankbaits in 16-25 feet of water near the Ford River. Deep Husky Jerks, Reef Runners, and Deep Thunderstick Jr.’s were the hot lures this past weekend.out. 51 teams were successful in finding any fish willing to bite, and only 6 of those teams managed to bring in a 5 fish limit.
The MWC staff sped up the weigh in process as they tried to beat a downpour of rain that was headed right towards them, but didn’t quite make it, as people scrambled to find shelter toward the end of the weigh in. It didn’t seem to bother all the children who were waiting patiently for the NPAA sponsored youth event that started directly after the end of the weigh in. There were over 50 kids that received a brand new rod and reel combo with a Northland Fishing Tackle box of their own. Normally, they would learn how to tie a slip bobber on the line and tie a hook on, but the weather Sunday didn’t allow for much more than the delivery of the prizes to the kids. One lucky little boy was the winner of a super cool bike that was graciously donated by the ?Delta County Ambassadors?.out. 51 teams were successful in finding any fish willing to bite, and only 6 of those teams managed to bring in a 5 fish limit.
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Its supporting partners include Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, AIM Walleye Series, Masters Walleye Circuit, FLW Outdoors, Frabill, U.S. Forest Service, Liddle Marketing, FPS Financial Planning Services, Do-it Corp., Optima Batteries, John Butts Outdoors, Pasha Lake Cabins, Oahe Wings and Walleyes Guide Service, Outdoor First Media, Advanced Tex Screen Printing, Pro-staff Gear and Worldwide Marine Underwriters.By: Patrick Neu, NPAA Executive Director
