The Illinois Walleye Trail completed its 2008 season on May 3, 4 in Spring Valley Illinois. Teams found that the river conditions were ideal with good clarity and minor current. This allowed the post spawn Saugers and Walleye to be on the feed bag after the annual spawn. Even though Saturday was a challenge with winds from the South 20-25 mph and gust up to 35 mph, Mike Thomas from Manhattan, Illinois and Bob Horvath from Moquena, Illinois scaled a limit of fish of 14.70 pounds. In second place Rick Parrott of Sparland and Mike Tatera from St. Charles was in close 2nd with 13.20 pounds and big fish for day one with a 2.83 pound Sauger worth $220.00 Day 2 of the tournament found the skies had turned to sunny blue bird with a slight wind from the south. Bob and Mike stuck with what was working Saturday, trolling crank baits in the 11 to 14 break area and went back to work bringing another solid bag scaling 14.07 pounds and capturing the title of 2008 State Championship with 28.77 pounds earning them a check for $850.00. As the winners of the State Championship, Thanks to Mercury Marine they also received a $1,000.00 Certificate from Mercury. With this win they will also get an invite to the Cableas National Team Championship in 2009.
Placing second was the team of Dave Zurawski from Justice, Illinois and Dave Kleszyk, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois with 27.39 pounds and a check for $610.00 with big fish for Sunday and the tournament at 2.94 pounds for an additional $220.00. Rounding out the top four was Max Actis and Mike Stuckert 3rd place from Spring Valley with 26.90 pounds earning $380.00 and compliments of Lund Boats and Hennepin Marine a $1,000.00 bonus check for the highest placing Lund Boat owner. Fourth place from Ladd, Illinois went to Tom Giachetto and Tom Giachetto Jr. with 25.28 pounds for $360.00 and compliments of Hennepin Marine a $100.00 Gift Certificate. We want to Thank our fine sponsors for another great season and wish them the best of success for the balance of 2008 Lund Boats, Mercury Marine, Hennepin Marine, and Cabelas. The Illinois Walleye Trail will start its 12 year in October of 2008. If you would like more information our web site is http://www.prairielandeyes.com
May 5, 2008 at 3:59 pm
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