PORT CLINTON, Ohio – The 2011 National Guard FLW Walleye Tour started off with a bang, literally, as the field’s 262 anglers were greeted by a line of powerful pre-launch thunderstorms. The weather that swept across northwestern Ohio and Lake Erie just before daylight delayed the tournament, hosted by the City of Port Clinton and Lake Erie Shores and Islands, by 30 minutes.
The storm was just one in a long string of inclement weather developments that has plagued the region lately. April and early May saw one wet system after another, turning the big lake into a muddy, choppy mess.
Many of the anglers fishing the first tournament of the season were openly concerned about the poor conditions. Normally, said FLW Walleye Tour veteran John Campbell, the water around Port Clinton is arguably the best walleye fishery in the country.
“It’s not out of the question to catch a 40-pound, five-fish limit a day here when conditions are right. It’s an absolutely incredible fishery,” he said. “With these conditions, I just don’t know.”
What he and many of the other anglers, including South Dakota Tourism pro Ted Takasaki, do know is that there will be plenty of zeros as anglers struggle to find willing fish in the dirty water. However, they also agreed that a few boats most likely will bring in some impressive sacks.
“I think someone will bring in 35, even 40 pounds. That’s not out of the question,” predicted Wisconsin pro Gary Parsons, as he readied tackle prior to the morning takeoff.
There is slightly cleaner water to be found, but some anglers ran as many as 30 miles during practice to find it. Others are finding plenty of fish closer, but getting them to bite is proving to be a challenge. Campbell’s practice started out good, but tapered off as the tournament drew closer. Pennsylvania pro Kevin O’Malley said his practice was mixed, with some days better than others. Overall, however, he said the end result will come down to the fish.
“There are lots of fish out there. I caught some decent ones during practice, but with the weather and water like it is, there’s no telling if the fish will cooperate. If the weather settles down, it could blow wide open and there could be plenty of 30- or 35-pound limits. However, if it doesn’t, it’s going to come down to the guy who figures out the right bait with the right color, the right trolling speed and who finds a school of bigger walleye. I think there will be quite a bit of separation between the top group and the bottom group,” said O’Malley.
Campbell and Takasaki agreed that one of the wild cards that could factor into the three-day event is the Detroit River. However, it’s a 35-mile run to reach that destination.
“The water is quite a bit clearer and it should have some good fish in it,” said Takasaki. “The only thing that will prevent anglers from making the run is the weather. If it’s rough, which it could be, it will be a very long ride.”
The day could end with another bang, as the forecast calls for more storms later in the day. However, if Erie’s giant walleyes cooperate, a little weather won’t bother the anglers.
Tournament details
Contenders will take off from the Nor’ Easter Club at 2801 Nor’ Easter Cove Road in Port Clinton, Ohio, at 7 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Weigh-ins during the first two days will take place at WaterWorks Park in downtown Port Clinton beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday’s final weigh-in will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be held at Walmart, located at 2826 East Harbor Road in Port Clinton. There will be a free family fishing clinic where children can win free rods and reels and other great giveaways prior to the final weigh-in. Fans will also have the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, ride in a Ranger boat simulator, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by sponsors, and learn more about the sport of fishing during the FLW Outdoors Expo. All activities are free and open to the public.