GNWC Teams Catch Big ‘Eyes at Detroit River Tournament
By Steve Weisman
Grand National Walleye Cup Publicity Director
A two-week postponement at Detroit River paid big dividends for the
teams fishing the Michigan Region of the Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC).
Instead of battling floating debris and high waters, the anglers had
excellent weather conditions and were able to concentrate on getting the big
‘eyes to bite.
A total of 32 teams brought six-fish limits to the scales, and three
walleyes weighed over 10 pounds.
Leading the way was the team of Jeremy and Justin Watkins from Carlisle,
IN with a six-fish limit weight of 38.55 pounds. They cashed a check for
$1800 for their efforts.
Mark and Steven Ehrke from Grand Blanc, MI brought home the second place
check of $900 with their six-fish limit weight of 37.74 pounds.
Third place and a check for $600 went to the team of Steve Velete from
Belleville, MI and Keith Krych from St. Claire Shores, MI. Their six-fish
limit weighed 36.34 pounds.
Big Fish honors and $420 in cash went to Joe Lockman from Middleville,
MI and Andy Vanderweide from Hudsonville, MI with an 11.26-pound walleye.
They boated the ‘eye about noon. They were also pulling deep diving Husky
Jerks.
With the wind not a factor, the teams were able to fish their choice of
waters from the Detroit River, to Canadian waters to Lake Erie. The Watkins
team found success north of Rattle Snake Island pulling deep diving Husky
Jerks at .9 to 1.2 mph in 30-32 foot of water. They caught most of their
fish between 8-11:30 a.m. and found that frequently changing baits and
colors seemed to trigger the fish.
The Ehrke duo worked the 45-55 foot depths around Niagara Reef pulling
both Reef Runner Rip Sticks and deep diving Husky Jerks. However, they
kicked the speed up to between 1.5 and 1.7 mph.
Velete and Krych also found success near Niagara Reef. However, they
went to crawler harnesses with chartreuse blades and white beads. Speed and
depth were crucial as pulled them at less than 1 mph in 35 foot of water.
GNWC Tournament Director Lyle Heidenwith was ecstatic with the results
of the Detroit River tournament. “These teams really put on a show. The nice
thing is the teams didn’t have to battle bad weather or high water. This is
a great fishery and even though the teams found the bite to be slow, they
still caught fish.”
The Yo So Close Award, provided by AMFYOYO, manufacturer of the
innovative stowable folding landing net, went to the three teams just
finishing out of the money. They include Dennis Osborn from Warren, MI and
Kevin Kasak from Sterling Heights, MI in 15th place; Mike Harris from
Rothbury, MI and Bill Murhead from Traverse City, MI in 16th place; and Don
Howard from Davison, MI and Patt Marr from Merrill, MI in 17th place.
Next up on the Michigan Region is Houghton Lake on Sunday, May 15. For
those interested in entering this or any of the remaining qualifiers, call
1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at [email protected].
GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer added, ” I encourage people to
check out our website at http://www.walleyecup.com. I think people will find it
extremely interesting to see how the teams do in each of the seven regions.
Today’s tournament is a great way for the Michigan teams to start the
season. The growth in this circuit is incredible.”
Major national sponsors for the GNWC include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, Aqua-VU,
Aqua Innovations, Towtector Shield, VIB”E” Lure Company and
UpNorthOutdoors.com.
Photo: (L to R) Third place, second place and first place teams from the
Detroit River tournament on the Michigan Region of the Grand National
Walleye Cup.