When I was approached about Joining the Academic Angler team based in Melbourne, Fl. and fishing the Michigan Circuit of the RCL Walleye Tour I saw this as a unique opportunity to gain a great deal of knowledge in a short amount of time. The format matches amateurs like myself along with a Pro for a 1 or 2 day tournament. The combined weight of both team members is weighed at the end of the day. Its in the team's best interest to share as much knowledge as possible. The first tournament was held on 4-26-04 on the Detroit River, a place I've fished many times over the last 10 years. During this first tournament I picked up a great deal of knowledge, even more than I expected. I enhanced my knowledge in several areas such as:
· Alternate baits to use in the spring on Michigan river systems · Alternate rigging methods with traditional baits · Better boat control over structure · Tackle that increases sensitivity · Tackle less prone to loss because of the many snags in the Detroit River (Just on this point alone I lost over 20 jigs Thursday and Friday and only 2 on Saturday fishing with the pro) · The reason for lighter jigs, which usually catch more fish (I had been fishing heaver ones in the past) · The use and benefits of stinger hooks for the conditions we fished in · How to keep the fish alive when they have inflated bladders from being caught in deep waters · New fishing locations not identified on any fishing maps that I use
As I said "Mission Accomplished", now for the "Plus"
Out of a field of 76 teams from as far as California, both Academic Angler Team members fishing the tournament (Charlie Roberts and Carter Tillage) finished in the Top 20, earning prize money and more importantly the satisfaction being competitive with some top fisherman from the Mid-West and beyond.
Our next tournament in Michigan will take place at Houghton Lake on June 5. This lake presents some unique challenges in that its not known for being a top walleye lake plus neither of us have ever fished it. Even with those obstacles I'm confident that the Academic Angler Team will once again, rise to the occasion and accomplish the mission.
I would like to thank the ownership and management of the Manufactures Industrial Group in Lexington Tennessee for their kindness and generosity in sponsoring The Academic Anglers this year. I also wish to thank Jeffery Seyka, my Pro partner during the tournament for his graciousness and openness in sharing his knowledge.
