Steve Weisman-GNWC
05-28-2004, 12:19 PM
Ohio Teams Put it All on the Line at Lake Berlin
By Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
It's time for the final round! Yes, the fourth tournament for the Ohio Region teams on the Gander Mountain Grand National Walleye Cup is just around the corner.
Set for Sunday, June 6 at Berlin Lake, this final tournament will determine two things: the Ohio Region Team of the Year and the top teams that will make the Regional Championships at Mosquito Creek on July 10-11.
"It just doesn't get any more exciting than this," noted Gander Mountain GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer. "A lot will be decided on June 6. These teams have worked very hard to get where they are, and I know they will put forth another great effort at Berlin."
As for the Team of the Year race, the team of Mike Defibaugh and Tom Defibaugh from Bellefontaine, OH and the team of Todd Kunk from St Henry, OH and Adam Harlamert from cold Water, OH are tied in the race for the Ohio Region Team of the Year honors with 13 points. Meanwhile, John Clark from Dayton, OH and Marc Colwell from Springfield, OH are sitting in third place with 16 points. So, for these teams, this final tournament has a lot riding of importance.
Now for a little about Berlin Lake. Ohio anglers know that Berlin Lake is known for its excellent walleye fishing. It is also one of the new inland lakes in Ohio that has natural walleye reproduction. Although it has a maximum depth of 76 feet, Berlin Lake's average depth is 16 feet.
Barringer said, "The water is high at Berlin due to the flooding that part of the country has been getting, and it remains to be seen what that will do to the bite. I hope someone is able to go out and unlock the key to the bite."
Openings still exist for the Berlin qualifier and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at 1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at info@walleyecup.com. "I encourage local teams who have not fished the entire circuit to give the GNWC a try. I know the season-long regulars will enjoy the new competition, and the larger the field, the greater the purse," said Barringer.
The tournament director will have the trailer at the Bonner Road Boat Ramp from 6-8 p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer questions. Teams are to meet at the Bonner Road Boat Ramp between 6-6:30 the morning of the tournament for registration and mandatory boat check.
Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m. sharp. "I encourage the public to come out and see the excitement created by this final qualifier. It's a great learning experience as these teams share with the crowd the presentations that worked during the course of the day," added Barringer.
Anglers interested in checking out the standings, reading the releases about any of the eight regions or simply learning more about the circuit can access the Gander Mountain GNWC website at www.walleyecup.com.
Title Sponsor for the GNWC is Gander Mountain. Other major national sponsors include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, the Sportsman Channel, Berkley, Aqua Innovations, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, VIB"E" Lure Company, TowTector Shield and UpNorthOutdoors.com. The Ohio Regional Skeeter Boats sponsor is Boat Boys out of Newark, OH.
By Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
It's time for the final round! Yes, the fourth tournament for the Ohio Region teams on the Gander Mountain Grand National Walleye Cup is just around the corner.
Set for Sunday, June 6 at Berlin Lake, this final tournament will determine two things: the Ohio Region Team of the Year and the top teams that will make the Regional Championships at Mosquito Creek on July 10-11.
"It just doesn't get any more exciting than this," noted Gander Mountain GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer. "A lot will be decided on June 6. These teams have worked very hard to get where they are, and I know they will put forth another great effort at Berlin."
As for the Team of the Year race, the team of Mike Defibaugh and Tom Defibaugh from Bellefontaine, OH and the team of Todd Kunk from St Henry, OH and Adam Harlamert from cold Water, OH are tied in the race for the Ohio Region Team of the Year honors with 13 points. Meanwhile, John Clark from Dayton, OH and Marc Colwell from Springfield, OH are sitting in third place with 16 points. So, for these teams, this final tournament has a lot riding of importance.
Now for a little about Berlin Lake. Ohio anglers know that Berlin Lake is known for its excellent walleye fishing. It is also one of the new inland lakes in Ohio that has natural walleye reproduction. Although it has a maximum depth of 76 feet, Berlin Lake's average depth is 16 feet.
Barringer said, "The water is high at Berlin due to the flooding that part of the country has been getting, and it remains to be seen what that will do to the bite. I hope someone is able to go out and unlock the key to the bite."
Openings still exist for the Berlin qualifier and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at 1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at info@walleyecup.com. "I encourage local teams who have not fished the entire circuit to give the GNWC a try. I know the season-long regulars will enjoy the new competition, and the larger the field, the greater the purse," said Barringer.
The tournament director will have the trailer at the Bonner Road Boat Ramp from 6-8 p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer questions. Teams are to meet at the Bonner Road Boat Ramp between 6-6:30 the morning of the tournament for registration and mandatory boat check.
Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m. sharp. "I encourage the public to come out and see the excitement created by this final qualifier. It's a great learning experience as these teams share with the crowd the presentations that worked during the course of the day," added Barringer.
Anglers interested in checking out the standings, reading the releases about any of the eight regions or simply learning more about the circuit can access the Gander Mountain GNWC website at www.walleyecup.com.
Title Sponsor for the GNWC is Gander Mountain. Other major national sponsors include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, the Sportsman Channel, Berkley, Aqua Innovations, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, VIB"E" Lure Company, TowTector Shield and UpNorthOutdoors.com. The Ohio Regional Skeeter Boats sponsor is Boat Boys out of Newark, OH.