In need of Mother Nature’s cooperation

FLW Walleye Tour anglers brace for brutal conditions on final day

PORT CLINTON, Ohio – Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour anglers spent Friday night wondering if they were going to get the opportunity to fish on the final day at Lake Erie. As they wondered, FLW Walleye Tour Tournament Director Sonny Reynolds scrambled for more information on Saturday’s storm. While the weather at takeoff appeared reasonable, the remaining 10 boats understand that could change at anytime.

Pro Dean Arnoldussen, who is currently in the lead, thinks the field will be allowed to fish today. “It won’t be fun, but we’ll be out there,” said Arnoldussen, referring to the rough water. “It will be bumpy, but I think I’ll be able to get to my spot.”

Arnoldussen plans to continue his successful strategy. “The holographic spinners are key for us,” he said. “We’ll be pulling them with crawlers behind all four lines.”

Pat Neu currently sits in sixth place on the pro side and agrees today’s fishing might not be too enjoyable. “It will be rough, and it won’t be much fun, but at least we’ll be fishing,” said Neu.

Neu trails Arnoldussen by more than 8 pounds, but believes he still has an excellent opportunity. “I’ve got to catch 35 pounds, which is doable,” he said. “The fish are there it’s just a matter of triggering them. We’ll run crawlers on all four lines, at least on the first pass, and then we’ll adjust from there.”

Dan Plautz was one of the few anglers who exhibited enthusiasm Saturday morning. Plautz wants to fish today, regardless of the conditions.

“I’m pretty excited about today,” Plautz said. “I’m going to be trolling Reef Runners in about 36- to- 38 feet of water. That seems to be a staging area for the big females. It’s the same area of the lake I won a Professional Walleye Trail event at. Now it is finally clear enough to fish.”

With Mother Nature’s assistance, the final weigh-in will take place today at 4 p.m. Eastern time at the Wal-Mart store located on East Harbor Road in Port Clinton. The winner on both the pro and co-angler side is determined by the largest total weight spanning all four days of competition.

Saturday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 6:30 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 48 degrees

Expected high temperature: 48 degrees

Water temperature: 41-45 degrees

Wind: N at 18 mph

Maximum humidity: 83 percent

Day’s outlook: showers