Cane or cranks will dominate on Winnebago
OSHKOSH, Wis. – Clear skies and warm temperatures greeted the RCL semifinalists this morning as they headed out to either pull plugs or pitch cane beds in an effort to make the final cut.
“I will be pitching a jig into the cane beds today,” said Lund pro Mark Martin of Twin Lake, Mich. “That is what I have been doing on this system and it has worked pretty good so far. I am pitching my jig into some real shallow water, sometimes less than 2 feet deep. When you hook them you really have to work hard to get them out of that stuff.”
“I am still going to be handlining for my bigger fish,” said Ranger pro Tim Minnema. “Crankbaits have done well for me so far. I have also caught some fish using jigs.”
Reigning Angler of the Year and Crestliner pro Rick Olson of Mina Lake, S.D., feels confident about making the final cut.
“The fish are there, I just have to catch the bigger ones to advance,” said Olson. “With fewer competitors, there will be less pressure, so bigger fish are a possibility.”
A family affair
Today’s semifinal is not only unique to professional walleye fishing, but it also has an interesting twist. There are three families competing against each other on the pro side: Tim Minnema and his father Jim Minnema, brothers Mark and Tom Keenan, and brothers Martin and Scott Glorvigen.
After today’s weigh-in, the top 10 pro and co-anglers will advance to tomorrow’s championship round. Today’s weight will be eliminated and all contestants will start from zero. The pro anglers are competing for a first-place prize worth $90,000 which includes a check for $50,000 and a fully-rigged Ranger, Crestliner or Lund boat with an Evinrude or Yamaha engine. The co-anglers are battling for a chance to take home a check worth $15,000.
Today’s weigh-in starts at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart located at 2035 S. Koeller St. in Oshkosh, Wis.
Today’s stats
Sunrise: 5:13 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 66
Expected high temperature: 84
Water temperature: low to mid 60s
Water clarity: varies from stained to muddy
Wind: a west wind of 7 mph
Percent relative humidity: 60
Day’s outlook: Sunny skies are expected with highs in the mid 80s and winds out of the northwest from 10 to 15 mph.
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