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Ted Takasaki Wins the FLW Walleye Tour on the Mississippi River
Red Wing, MN-May 9th, 2009
The top ten finalists in today's FLW event weighed in by order of their place going out this morning. Brian Bjorkman, who was in 10th place weighed in first, Scott Fairbairn, who was in 9th was second to weigh in and so on down the line. Ted Takasaki, who went out in first place this morning weighed in last and brought 5 fish to the scales in a black bag so no one could see his fish.
Nick Johnson, who was sitting in the "hot seat" prior to Ted coming on stage was brought back on stage and asked to stand behine Ted...just in case it was Nick who might win it all.
One by one, Ted placed each fish in the water filled weigh in box on the scale and waited for Director of Operations, Sonny Reynolds, to register a weight. After the third fish was in the water, Ted reacted  with the familiar face of a winner, but was asked to continue adding all his fish until he reached his limit. The scales read, 20.11 ounces to give Ted a final winning weight of 93.05 pounds for a four day total, and Ted Takasaki was officially announced the winner of the FLW Walleye Tour's second stop on the Mississippi River in Red Wing, MN! Ted took home a nice check for $33,333.00 (he didn't qualify for any contingency bonuses).
"Man I tell you what, I am just so grateful to have this", said Ted. He goes on to add, "It's been a long time since the last big victory that I've had, and I've been right there many many times. It's just a great feeling! One thing I do want to say first of all though is, I want to thank the community of Red Wing here. You have an awesome fishery and just wonderful people here. We've had a great time, and the anglers really appreciate you having us! Thank you!"
 Winning the Co Angler side is Gary Spiecher of Cedar Rapids, IA with a total weight of 81.0 pounds. Gary was awarded $6,667.00.
"I'd like to thank all my Pros the first three days", said Gary. "Tommy Skarlis, was my first day partner, and Chris Gilman was my second day partner...and, that old "River Rat", Nick Johnson, was my partner yesterday. So, I want to thank all three of them, but especially today, Ted, for a great day today! I've been doing this since 1992. I think this is my 52nd or 53rd event. Some of the "boys" back there call me the "Pro Co", because I've been working at it so long! I want to thank everyone for their support over the years...my family... my daughter Sara drove up from Cedar Rapids with her friends to see me today, so it's extra special." (he looks lovingly at his daughter and smiles)
Some flip-flopping did go on, as predicted, with other places today. For example, Brian Bjorkman went out in tenth place today, but finished up in 5th place after bringing a beautiful 5 fish limit to the stage that weighed in at 21.9 pounds! The largest sack of the day. Brian took home $5,333.00 for his work this week.
Scott Fairbairn also moved up a few spots from 9th place to 6th place when his 5 fish weighed in at 16.10 pounds, giving him a total weight for 4 days of 73.04 pounds. $4,667.00 was Scott's award.
While on the flip side of that is, Rick Zachowski, who lead days one and two and went out in third place this morning. His 3 fish basket only garnered him a weight of 5.3, which gave him a total weight of 68.14 to land him in 9th place. Rick took home $3,667.00.
Perry Good also made a move down the roster after his 5th place start ended with tenth place finish with a 2 fish basket of only 4.2 pounds today. Perry was awarded $3,333.00 for his efforts this week. (Perry also wasn't awarded any contingency bonuses).
Nick Johnson stayed in 2nd place with a 5 fish limit of 13.9 pounds and a total weight of 78.12 pounds. He took home a check for $13,333.
For full results please see the Live Leader Board at http://www.liveleaderboard.com
Please join us here on Walleye Central as we bring you coverage of the next FLW Walleye Tour event on Leech Lake in Walker, MN on June 10-13th.
Hope to see you there!
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