Brainerd, Minnesota....Lake Erie has a reputation for big walleyes.
The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) "big fish" record book has
been written on this Great Lake.  The PWT entourage returns to the eastern
basin, with headquarters in Dunkirk, New York.  

    The eastern basin fishery traditionally kicks into high gear this
time of year, making it a favorite summer walleye hotspot.  PWT pro anglers
and their amateur partners will fish it July 9 - 11.   

    The top anglers all had six-pound or better averages for their
catches in 2001 when the PWT fished these waters for the first time.  George
Barach, Barryton, Mich., won his first PWT tournament trolling for deep
walleyes that year, and said, "What I learned by fishing the eastern basin
was amazing.  These fish are like walleyes anywhere, except deeper."

    He said, "The deep walleyes are impacted by currents more than most
people suspect, and trolling speed is critical.  It can be much different
down 40 to 60 feet than on the surface."  Last season, many anglers
discovered walleyes shallower than ever in the eastern basin.  The PWT pro
anglers search for walleyes wherever they live, and that's what amateurs
learn.  Amateurs share experiences in three different pro's boats at each
tournament.

    Amateurs also share the pro's tackle and go to the pro's "number
one" spots.  The partners even share the weight they catch.  The top 40 pro
and amateur anglers win nearly $300,000 in cash and merchandise prizes.
Pros fish against other pros for the top prize of $63,000, while the winning
amateur tows home a 17-foot Lund walleye boat powered by a Mercury.  It's on
an Eagle trailer.    

    Amateur openings still remain, and those anglers wanting to learn
more about Lake Erie walleyes can enter now.  Call PWT at 218-829-0620 to
enter, or download an entry blank from the PWT web:
www.professionalwalleyetrail.com.

    All festivities take place adjacent to the Ramada Inn and Chadwick
Bay Marina in Dunkirk.  Stage shows begin at 3 p.m. daily, July 9-11, with a
chance to meet and greet pro anglers from throughout North America.

    Lake Erie PWT & World Records

    Heaviest 1-Day Catch:  Ted Takasaki, 53.20 pounds (5 fish) 
    Heaviest 3-Day Catch:  Tommy Skarlis, 138.28 pounds (15 fish) 
    Most 10-pound walleyes (or more) in a tournament:  346 in 2002 
    Most 12-pound walleyes (or more) in a tournament:  21 in 2002 
    Heaviest tournament average:  7.90 pounds for every walleye weighed, 2002
    
    The PWT is an integral element of the In-Fisherman Communications Network
headquartered in Brainerd, Minnesota, and PRIMEDIA, America's leading
producer of targeted media. PWT sponsors include: Mercury Marine, Lund,
Berkley Gulp!, Trilene, PowerBait, Realtree, Miller High-Life, Nissan,
Frenzy, Lowrance, MinnKota, Optima Batteries, Gander Mountain, Blue Fox,
Northland Fishing Tackle, Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle, Coleman, Storm,
Yamaha ATV, Eagle Trailers, Raymarine, Rapala, Matzuo, Pflueger, Ram rod
holders, Drift Control, DeeZee, Cotton Cordell, Seal Skinz, Aqua-Vu, IMCO,
Plano, KeepAlive, Stowmaster.net and Quantum Performance Tuned rods & reels.

Julie Magnuson
Two In-fisherman Drive
Brainerd, MN 56425
218-824-2542
jmagnuson@in-fisherman.com
http://www.professionalwalleyetrail.com

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