Michael Walters
Luke Ronnestrand

Thanks Craig! Looking forward to the circuit this year.

Hey, welcome aboard. Great to hear you are looking to fish some tournaments this year. Which ones are you thinking of fishing?

Yo, man that sucks. Next year, you can put dryer sheets inside your stored boat will help keep the rodents at bay. I know this is debated on whether it works or not, but I have seen a difference, if that helps.

Not sure. Last time I was a part of one was when I was like 10 and my parents were fishing an original MWC or PWT event there.

Should be awesome. Trophy bass and walleye location and should bring a whole added metro group into the circuit.

For crank rods, it depends on the presentation tactic and crank size really. General rule is medium lite and at least 6’6″, but I always go longer and with heavy instead of light. Longer rods allow for longer casts and also more forgiveness on hooksets. you don’t need to set the hook as hard and the fish has more to contend with fighting in the rod so landing fish is easier too. The best all around (small to big cranks) rod I would suggest to you is a custom rod from Thorne Bros.

You can have the exact rod made if you want as they have it saved in a profile folder, but here it what it is:

7’2″ Rainshadow GCB710MH (longer rod needs medium heavy)
I have this paired with Quantum E100H PT to pick up line fast

This setup allows for really long casts and all retrieves from rapid straight to jerk baits.

If you call or go to Thorne Bros, ask for Lonnie. He is the man when it comes to building rods. If you tell him what you are wanting to do with it, type of fish, type of reel, etc., he can build you a rod to match your needs and budget. Not all custom rods are expensive, just an FYI.

Hope it helps.

Michael Walters
http://www.team503.com

Hmm. Sorry about that. Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLEQ6ehskyI&context=C3e3db38ADOEgsToPDskLX5e-lmc5vexORy7pASmKJ

let me know what you think.

I just got back from a sailfish tournament in Miami. Posted really great footage on youtube. You would have to search team503offshore to find it.

Agreed on all fronts. Jolly Roger Kits are going to be killer this year. Order them quickly as I’m sure they will go fast this spring.

Luke Ronnestrand & Michael Walters

I also run a 620 with Terrova with the quick release bracket. I would highly recommend adding the bracket. I too have broken a number of side plates while launching by boats, until I figured out the release trick (referenced earlier). Also, it is true it is easier to steal, but it is also easier to take off and keep safe (and not frozen). The main reason is if (God forbid) you have damage, seal issues, or need repairs for any reason, it is way easier to pull it off with bracket instead of having to pull it all apart and unscrew from your hull.

Let me know if you need any recommendations for riggers. I know of a few Minn-Kota ace guys out there. It isn’t hard to do, but having it done by a Minn-Kota supported rigger can help in the long run.

Good luck.
-MW

That’s great! Yes, Full Throttle is a great place to start tournament fishing. Great to see you teaming up with you wife too. Love family teams. I fish with my father. Be sure to find me at the rules meeting and say hello.
-MW

I have the perfect boat companion black lab and almost added another one last fall from Whispering Bliss Labradors. They are located in west central MN, but had my pick for Swedish black lab pedigree in MN. Only reason I didn’t is that I already have 3 dogs.

Depends on what you like though, British or Swedish lineage. I’m big into Swedish labs. They really dig the boat and water.

Two of the best pedigrees for Swedish labs in MN are:

Jake
http://www.whisperingblisslabradors.com/jake.htm

and

Rage
http://www.captainskennels.com/Rage.html

If it were me, I’d secure one from the next litter of either of these 2 show dogs.

Good luck!

Hi Dutchboy,

My tournament entries for our team are about $5000 per year (2 person team) for freshwater and another $12000 per year for offshore/ocean tournaments (6 man team here though). So personally, I’m in for about $4,500 per year in base entries.

Regarding pre-fishing, if it is relatively new water for me, I’ll plan for one week of fishing before the tournament. For familiar water (Mille Lacs and Vermilion, I’ll fish a couple of days before the event).

Action packed for sure. From early March through end of November I’m on the water most days filming, pre-fishing or in a tournament. From November through early March, I have offshore tournaments in Florida and the Gulf.

I’ve fished FT for a few years now, along with about 20+ other tournaments each season (MWC, MTT, etc.) and I believe all three circuits are great. All are ran well with great people at the helms and also a good group of competitors. There are pros and cons to all tournaments, but I’d suggest trying to get out there and enter as many as you can and help us all promote the sport. Regarding FT specifically, it is unique in that you will see some of the top walleye pros all the way to weekend warriors and family teams as well. Check them out, would be great to have more anglers in the mix.

I’ll be fishing MWC again this year. Spring Valley, MIlle Lacs, and Winnebago. Other walleye tournaments this year will be all 4 Full Throttle events and all the Mississippi and Mille Lacs MTTs and Championships. You guys should come on out to the other circuits too. Would be great to have more boats all the way around.

Awesome. Thanks guys.

Michael Walters – C
Luke Ronnestrand