By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
The third stop on the South Dakota Circuit of the Grand National Walleye
Cup (GNWC) will be held on Lake Thompson, the largest natural lake in South
Dakota, on Sunday, June 29.
According to GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer, the Lake Thompson
qualifier looks to be an exciting one. “Lake Thompson is one of the most
popular bodies of water in South Dakota. Many anglers who fish the lake
believe that fishing success rivals that of the Missouri River.”
This third qualifier is a pivotal one in the race for the Mercury Team
of the Year. Currently Brand Berens and Dave Andera from Sioux Falls have a
four point lead over the team of Scott Kaufmann from Spencer and Todd Weisz
from Parkston and the team of Darron Peterson from Humboldt and Dale
Peterson from Sioux Falls.
“This should be quite the tournament. I’ve talked with Mac’s Bait and
Tackle, the host bait shop, and they say fish are being caught. It will be
interesting to see what presentation works the best,” said Barringer.
According to Barringer, competing teams should be at the Lake Thompson
Recreation Area between 6-6:30 Sunday morning to sign in and participate in
mandatory boat inspections. “If there are some teams who decide to enter at
the last minute, teams can still sign up on Sunday morning. Just show up at
the park, and we’ll take care of the paperwork.”
The tournament hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weigh-in begins precisely at 3
p.m., with awards to follow. “We certainly invite people to come and watch
the weigh-in. It will be exciting to see the weights that come in, and it
will also be a chance for the crowd to find out what techniques worked to
bring in fish,” added Barringer.
Anglers can call 1-800-890-3474, email the GNWC at [email protected]
or check out the official GNWC website at walleyecup.com for all of the
latest in GNWC information.
Major sponsoring partners for the GNWC include Ranger Boats, Mercury
Outboards, Berkley, Abu-Garcia, The Sportsman Channel and
UpNorthOutdoors.com.
Those who do not get the Sportsman Channel and want to see the GNWC’s
television series Walleye Wisdom are encouraged to contact their cable or
satellite provider and ask for the Sportsman Channel to be added to their
program line-up.
Tournament: Lake Thompson
Date: June 29
Location: Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Host Lodging: Lake Preston Motel
Hwy 14, Lake Preston
605-847-4424
Host Bait Shop: Mac’s Bait & Tackle
Hwy 14
605-847-4590
More info: http://www.lakethompson.com
http://www.lakepreston.com