Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
Jackson, Jacobson Take Lake McConaughy Tournament
By Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
Although a severe cold front rolled through Nebraska and affected the
bite at Lake McConaughy, Sunday’s tournament on the Great Plains Region of
the Gander Mountain Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) still produced several
six-fish limits and some of the trophy fish for which “Big Mac” is
so
famous.
Leading the way with a six-fish limit weight of 24.65 pounds was the
team of Christopher Jackson and Todd Jacobson from North Platte, NB. They
not only collected $1000 for their first place effort, but they also took
home the Berkley Trilene Big Fish Award of $400 in Berkley products for
their 6.70 pounder.
Second place and a check for $550 went to Jason Erickson and Jason Hunt
from North Platte, NB with six fish weighing 19.82 pounds. Mike Quintana and
Jim Hansen from Colorado Springs, COL took third place and a check for $450
for a six-fish limit weighing 18.27 pounds.
Gander Mountain GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer said, “Even
though the bite deteriorated over the past few days, Lake McConaughy showed
why it is known as a trophy walleye fishery. We still had 16 limits brought
to the scales, and probably the greatest challenge for the top teams today
was getting the right combination of two fish over 22 inches and the right
slot fish to finish out their limit.”
Teams proved that several patterns could trigger even the
weather-induced neutral fish. Trolling crankbaits, bottom bouncers and
spinners, Lindy Rigs and live bait all produced fish. “It’s amazing that
so
many different patterns worked. So many times you see one or two patterns
emerge, but not today,” added Barringer.
Special awards include the following. The “Yo So Close” award of a
Yo
Net folding net valued at $80 was awarded to the three teams that placed out
of the money. Those teams include Dennis and Shelby Vance from Seldon, KS in
7th place; Charles Craig from Scottsbluff, NB and Ted Tatten from Gering, NB
in 8th placec; and Bob Eaton from Omaha, NB and Andy Moberly from
Fontanelle, NB in 9th place.
The Gander Mountain “Need More Stuff” drawing of $200 for a
Gander
Mountain Shopping Spree went to Seth and Ron Green from North Platte, NB.
After three tournaments, the team of Ted Webster from Hutchinson, KS and
Robert Riddick from Wakefield, KS continues to lead in the race for Great
Plains Team of the Year with 12 points, while Dennis and Shelby Vance from
Seldon, KS hold down second place with 16 points.
Complete results of the Lake McConaughy tournament can be found at
http://www.walleyecup.com.
The fourth and final qualifier on the Great Plains circuit will be on
Nebraska’s Harlan Reservoir on Sunday, July 18.
Anglers interested in signing up for the final qualifier or simply
wanting more information on the GNWC circuit can call 1-800-890-FISH (3474),
or they can email the GNWC at [email protected].
Title Sponsor for the GNWC is Gander Mountain. Other major national
sponsors include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, the Sportsman Channel,
Berkley, Aqua Innovations, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, VIB”E”
Lure
Company, TowTector Shield and UpNorthOutdoors.com.