Tommy Skarlis captured the day one In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail tournament top spot at Mobridge, SD. Fishing under clear skies and with temperatures at 100 degrees most of the day, the 4-time PWT winner, found the right combination.

The Lowrance Pro-Am contestants fishing the Regional series presented by MotorGuide competed on Lake Oahe. Many fished near Mobridge, while some traveled upstream, but most ventured down-river. They were scattered all the way to the Highway 212 bridge. Trolling played a significant role. Anglers ran crankbaits over and through the trees that were flooded when the reservoir was formed about 50 years ago.

Another popular tactic was contour trolling with lures or spinners baited with night crawlers or PowerBait. Skarlis and the other pros will reveal their specific tactics on the third and final day of the Lowrance Pro-Am, Friday, July 28, in the Mobridge ALCO store parking lot. Skarlis from Waukon, Iowa, leads with 14.09 pounds for a tournament limit of five walleyes.

The 2005 Mercury Champion, David Andersen, Amery, Wis., is in second with 13.27 pounds. Pro Robb Christensen, Loretto, Minn. is in third with13.06 pounds, and pro Doug Iverson, Pierre, SD, is in fourth with 12.96 pounds. Two anglers are tied for fifth with 12.76 pounds. All statistics, photos and information, including the popular Mercury Real-Time scoreboard can be found at www.professionalwalleyetrail.com.

Despite the July heat, walleye fans had fun at the ceremonies. They begin at 3 p.m. daily Thursday and Friday. However, when anglers catch their limits, they return to the scales, so action can occur anytime after 10 a.m. The PWT Pro-Am pairs amateurs/co-anglers with three different pros during the tournament. Pros provide the boat, gear, bait, gas and decide where to fish. Al Telford, Appleton, Minn., fished with Skarlis and leads all amateurs/co-anglers.

Rookie pro Mike Sigl, Black Creek, Wis. and amateur/co-angler Steve Sahly, Sioux Falls, SD, registered the Coleman Big Fish, 5.23 pounds. If it holds, it will be worth $2,000.

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