Mississippi chill
Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour anglers hunt for consistent bite
RED WING, Minn. – With cool winds and bright skies, the field of 150 boats made final preparations for a pivotal day on the Mississippi River. Throughout the prefishing period and the first day of competition, FLW Walleye Tour anglers preached consistency. They said, while impressive weights will make their way to the scale throughout the week, those who can catch steady bags will be in contention on day four.
If that theory holds true, then day two is crucial for many competitors. Simply put, it’s easier to talk about consistency on an ever-changing river system than it is to execute it.
“I think I can duplicate yesterday’s results,” said 11th-place pro Kevin McQuoid. “We’re trolling cranks along a rocky shoreline. There is a seam in about 6 to 12 feet of water where the fish can stay out of the current and still get an easy meal.”
McQuoid went on to say, “These postspawn fish are just far enough where they’re starting to put the feed bags on. They’re hungry.”
The Isle, Minn., pro has three productive spots in Pool 3 and three spots in Pool 4.
“My goal is to get 12 to 15 pounds each day. Today I think you will see a lot of flip-flopping.”
Pro Chuck Dube and his co-angler partner, Greg Little, also plan to troll crankbaits in Pool 3. Dube, who currently sits in seventh place in the Pro Division, said execution is vital to his success.
“Our area holds a lot of fish; it’s just a matter of can we get them in the boat,” said Dube, a Brooklyn Park, Minn., resident and self-proclaimed river rat.
Little sits 14th among the co-anglers and was keyed up to hit the water Thursday.
“My goal is to make it to Saturday,” Little said. “I had a bad tournament on the Detroit River, so I’ve got my work cut out for me now.”
The day-two weigh-in begins today at 3 p.m. Central time, when the full field of 150 boats returns to Colvill Park in Red Wing.
Thursday’s conditions
Sunrise: 5:56 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 48 degrees
Expected high temperature: 60 degrees
Water temperature: 56-61 degrees
Wind: NW at 17 mph
Maximum humidity: 47 percent
Day’s outlook: partly cloudy