The Central Wisconsin River Series presented by Minn Kota, Humminbird and the Stevens Point Brewery held the third of four qualifying tournaments on Boom Lake in Rhinelander last weekend. Forty-four teams, 88 anglers, took off from Hodag Park Boat Landing shortly before 7 a.m. in search of their five-fish limit. The weather would certainly be a factor for the anglers in this tournament. Temperatures reached well into the 80s and the humidity made it even more difficult. Anglers did what they could to stay hydrated and to concentrate on the task at hand.
Boat problems caused a few delays for some at take off, and ultimately ended the day early for one team. While a few teams struggled to bring so much as one fish to the scales, many teams brought in limits of fish, with the winning team bringing in over 20 pounds. In total, 106 fish were weighed in for a total weight of 286.23 pounds, making for an average of over 2.7 pounds per fish. Several fish over four pounds were brought in, with the big largemouth weighing in at over five pounds.
The team of Drew Skutak and Nate Kloss found themselves in first place with five bass tipping the scales at 20.20 pounds. They also had big largemouth at 5.02 pounds. FLW pro Matt Stefan and his partner Shawn Kruzitski landed in second place with 16.61 pounds for five fish. Third place went to Chase Vaughn and Tyler Jesse who also brought five fish to the scale. Their limit weighed 16.33. The fourth
place bag belonged to Sam Woberil and Josh Koziczkowski with five fish for 15.11 pounds. Fifth place was the father and son team of Mike and Dustin O’Shaughnessy with 14.25 pounds.
Big smallmouth was a 4.91 pound beauty brought in by Josh Kolbeck and Jeff Kurth. Eight teams from this, and all of the other three qualifiers, are awarded a spot in the 2-day championship.
The River Series anglers also donated 185 pounds of food to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. The food pantry was also presented a $100 check by the series from Crystal Finishing Systems.
The anglers were happy to be back at Boom Lake for the second straight year. The fishery can be difficult, but they enjoy the challenge and the hospitality of the Rhinelander area always makes for a great stay. The championship this year will also be held on Boom Lake. The dates for that tournament are September 10-11. Let’s Go Fishing will be selling food and beverages at the weigh-in, starting at 2:30 p.m. each day. All are welcome to come and watch the weigh in, and enjoy some food while supporting a great organization.
Anglers have one more chance to secure their spot in the championship. The last qualifying tournament will be held on Lake Mohawksin in Tomahawk on Sunday, August 7. The top eight teams not already qualified will earn their championship berth by the end of that day.
Tournament Director Mike Hofmann said the series would not be possible without the dedication of all of the club members of Park City Bass Anglers, who run the series, as well as support from the numerous generous sponsors who provide cash, prizes and contingency awards at every tournament. Together with the Chambers of Commerce in the towns where the series holds tournaments,
they are able to create high-level tournaments with great payouts and prize packages for the anglers.
The Wisconsin River Series presented by Minn Kota, Humminbird and the Stevens Point Brewery is managed and run for the anglers by the TBF affiliated club, the Park city Bass Anglers from Merrill Wisconsin.
The Central Wisconsin River Series presented by Minn Kota, Humminbird and the Stevens Point Brewery is also supported by these fine companies:
Ranger Boats, Stratos Boats, Evinrude, Stacker 2 Energy Shot, Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Crystal Finishing Systems Inc. Gander Mountain Rothschild, St. Croix Rods, Optima Batteries, The Rod Glove, Bassnut Lures, Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce, Solar Bat, LazerTrokar, Super 8 Hotel Tomahawk, Frabill, Okuma, Trokar Hooks, BioborEB, Staghorn Archery in Irma, Secret Weapon Baits, Rib Mountain Marine, Aquatic Arts Sport Shop, Plano, Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce, Mister Twister, Rocky Brook Sinkers, Stik Um Graphics
By: Mike Hofmann
