|
PWT Pros Ready for Kentucky Walleye Tournament June 1-3
When In-Fisherman Angler of the Year Tommy Skarlis (2004 top
pro) talks, people listen. Especially when it relates to new
water like Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. Skarlis and his fellow
touring pro anglers will head to Russell Springs, KY for the
Realtree Pro-Am June 1-3. This will be the first PWT tour engagement
on Lake Cumberland. It produces some of the best striped bass
fishing in the United States, plus largemouth, smallmouth and
white bass, plenty of crappies and panfish, and with the assistance
of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, the highest number of walleyes
ever in the reservoir. When asked how a pro explores new water,
since most of the pros have never been on Cumberland, Skarlis
said, "The hardest thing about new waters is not fishing the
first day on the lake. I make my first day a Lowrance Study
Day." After gathering information and checking maps, Skarlis,
who calls Dorchester, Iowa, home, rides the water, checks likely
spots, watches his electronics for fish "arcs," and when he
spots what he feels are walleyes, tries to duplicate his findings.
"At Cumberland, I will be real interested in walleyes relating
to channel swings, and if I see what I'm looking for, I will
check as many similar spots as possible." Skarlis has four PWT
wins, including three April victories. He is ranked high in
the 2005 standings (3rd after two tournaments), and enjoys the
challenge of new waters. He said after looking for fish, he
attempts all tactics to coax them into biting. "I sometimes
get focused on one depth, but reservoir-fish can be at different
depths in different parts of the system. Even when catching
some fish, I force myself to look at all depths." The PWT operations
and weigh-in take place at the KOA Campground, about one mile
from Alligator Dock # 2, near Russell Springs. The pros will
bring their fish to the stage in their boats, so walleye fans
will see the gear and equipment and learn exactly where and
how the pros fished. The weigh-in is free and the public is
invited to attend. Weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday, June 1-2-3. The PWT is working closely with the
Russell County Tourist Commission (888-833-4220).
|
|
