The Illinois Walleye Trail converged at the city of Henry for its second tournament of the 2009 season. River conditions were ideal, 1 to 1 1/2 foot of clarity, and 40 degree surface temperature. The saugers came out in full force with the feedbag on. The 44 participating teams all caught fish with 35 teams catching limits, and the other 9 teams catching at least one fish. Total weight caught was 482 pounds numbering 238 fish scaled. Placing first was the brother team of Bruce Merkel, Spring Valley, and Gary Merkel, Arlington, Illinois, scaling a limit of 6 fish weighing 19.82 pounds. This basket earned them $2350.00. Presentation consisted of jig and minnow fished in 14 foot of water. Second place honors went to Mike Stuckert, Spring Valley, IL and Steve Safranski, Peru, IL, scaling a limit weighing 16.89 earning them a check for $1300.00. Also compliments of Hennepin Marine as the highest placing Lund boat, they received a $100.00 gift certificate. Rounding out the top 3 were Steve Lotz, Lena IL, and Doug Clark, Lena, IL scaling a limit weighing 16.71 earning them a check for $850.00. Big Fish honors went to Rick Rundle and Dave Puetz with a 4.42 pound sauger earning them $420.00 plus an eighth place finish worth an additional $225.00. Compliments of Ezee Step Jason Wrosch from Chicago, Il won a $100.00 check as the Highest place of finish boat with an Ezee Step. The Illinois Walleye Trail’s next stop will be in Spring Valley on March 22, 2009. Complete results and information may be found at http://www.prairielandeyes.com.
We want to thank our fine sponsors, Hennepin Marine, Lund Boats, Mercury Marine, Ezee Step, and Cabelas.