The 2005 IWT kicked off its season Sunday October 17, at Hennepin Illinois with 65 teams from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois. The fishermen found that the water temps had dropped into the upper fifties, with clarity being 6-8″ and river levels about normal with partly cloudy skies. Fish were being caught all the way from Henry to Spring Valley with 3 basic techniques. Pulling 3-ways with cranks, floaters or the big jig method along with trolling lead core line and crank baits. 28 teams brought a 6 fish limit to the scales with only 5 teams not weighing a fish. Total fish caught by the field was 258 fish scaling 476 pounds, with big fish being a 4.36 pound Sauger. John Dalzot, Spring Valley and Tom Giachetto, Jr. from Ladd won the tournament with a limit of Saugers weighing 13.38 pounds earning them a check for $2270.00. Placing second from Indiana were Tim Horneman and Bill Haas, with 12.65 pounds and a check for $1105.00. Finishing third were Bob Apple, Chadwick, IL and Brad Linton with 12.23 pounds earning $590.00. Big Fish honors with the 4.36 pound weight and a fifth place finish went to Gary and Bruce Merkel, total winnings $1055.00. We want to thank Hennepin Marine and their staff along with Lund Boats and Mercury Outboards for their support and help. The IWT’s next tournament will be at Henry, Illinois on November 14, 2004. If you would like aditional information log onto http://www.prairielandeyes.com or e-mail [email protected] or call 309-527-6328.
October 18, 2004 at 7:07 pm
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