For Immediate Release
Variation in Presentation Leads to Dukek Win at Lake Bemidji
By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
A little variation in presentation was worth $1600 to the husband-wife
team of Stuart and Brenda Dukek from Bagley, MN as they captured the Lake
Bemidji Tournament on the Minnesota Region of the Gander Mountain Grand
National Walleye Cup (GNWC), Sunday, June 27.
The Dukeks weighed a six-fish limit weight of 19.26 pounds, and they
also brought home the Berkley Trilene Big Fish Award of $400 in Berkley
products for their 5.19-pound walleye. Taking second place and cashing an
$800 check was the team of Mike Lundberg from Deer River, MN and Duane Hill
from Bemidji, MN with a six-fish limit weighing 18.49 pounds.
Harv Lueck from Akeley, MN and Kent Christenson from Baudette, MN took
third place and a check for $550 with six fish weighing 15.0 pounds.
So what was this variation that secured their victory? Well, it was so
subtle that other teams around them failed to notice it as they worked the
weeds on the east side of Lake Bemidji. While many teams worked the weed
edges, the Dukeks worked in a zigzag pattern in and out of the weeds, up and
down the 8-14 foot shelf with Lindy rigs and live bait.
“Start and Brenda are newcomers to the GNWC. What a way to start
their
GNWC career. Their winning presentation goes to show how even the slightest
variation can mean the difference between winning and losing,” said
Gander
Mountain GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer.
Barringer continued, “This is a nice northwoods community, and Lake
Bemidji is a terrific fishery. The GNWC will definitely be back again. I’d
like to thank all of the volunteers for their response and the help that the
Gander Mountain staff gave us. We also had a great, enthusiastic crowd at
the weigh-in.”
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 John Backman from Embarrass, MN and
Shannon Schultz from Eveleth, MN in 13th place; Corey Bjorgaard from Inner
Grove Heights, MN and David Domonoske from Waterville, MN in 14th place; and
John Newland from Bemidji, MN and Logan Olson from Laporte, MN in 15th
place.
William Murch from Shakopee, MN and Tim Murch from St. Louis Park, MN
won the Gander Mountain “Need More Stuff” drawing of $200 for a
Gander
Mountain Shopping Spree.
Bjorgaard and Domonoski continue to lead the race for the Minnesota
Region Team of the Year with 21 points. Tim Hinrichs from Bemidji, MN and
Jeff Putman from Dassel, MN are second with 28 points.
For complete results of the Lake Bemidji tournament, check out the
Gander Mountain GNWC website at http://www.walleyecup.com.
Next up for the Minnesota Region will be Lake Vermilion on Sunday,
August 1.
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 Gander Mountain GNWC is Gander Mountain with other
major national sponsors including Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, the
Sportsman Channel, Berkley, Aqua Innovations, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO,
VIB”E” Lure Company, TowTector Shield and UpNorthOutdoors.com.
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