Steve Weisman-GNWC
08-21-2004, 04:56 PM
Pulse, Handel Use 8.67-pound Walleye to Take the Lead on Day I of South Dakota State Championship of Walleye Fishing
By Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
Taking advantage of their 8.67-pound walleye, the team of Lee Pulse from Kimball, SD and Scott Handel from Chamberlain, SD took the Day I lead on Saturday at the South Dakota State Championship of Walleye Fishing held at Lake Kampeska.
The South Dakota State Championship of Walleye Fishing, which is the fourth of eight such tournaments on the Gander Mountain Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) circuit, found the 30 teams battling a southerly wind that peaked at over 20 mph by afternoon.
Although they weighed only three fish, Pulse and Kimball found themselves in the driver's seat for the second day’s action with 12.76 pounds and also lead the way in the battle for the Berkley Big Fish Award with their 8.67 pounder.
In second place with a six-fish limit weight of 11.90 pounds is the team of Jeff DenHerder from Sioux Falls, SD and Steve Alverson from Chester, SD.
Kevin Molengraaf from White, SD and Lewis Valentz from Volga, SD currently hold down third place with a six-fish limit weight of 10.70 pounds, while Brad Berens and Dave Andera Sioux Falls, SD are in fifth place with a six-fish limit weight of 10.0 pounds.
"It is really something how Pulse and Kimball have the ability to catch those big fish. This is exactly what they did on Lake Thompson earlier in the year," said Gander Mountain GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer. "The wind was tough today, and the waves were really pounding in to the shore where we had the weigh-in. However, we had tremendous volunteer help spearheaded by the Kampeska Lodge that helped protect both the anglers and their boats."
Barringer also noted the opportunity for the general public to be part of the Championship activities Saturday evening. "We are having a special get together at Doug's Anchor Marine from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be free food and drinks, an opportunity to talk with some of the GNWC teams and a chance to look over the new Skeeter boats," added Barringer. "Doug's is now the Skeeter Boats dealer, and we invite people to come out and see some of these great fiberglass fishing boats."
Sunday's action follows the same format as Saturday with take-off at 7 a.m. and weigh-in at 3 p.m. at Kampeska Lodge. "I look for a great crowd tomorrow. The wind is going to switch to the north and is forcasted to only be about 10 mph, which will make things much easier for both the teams and the crowd at the weigh-in. The second day's weigh-in promises a lot of action. I think the crowd will enjoy seeing whether our leaders will be able to hold on and claim the title of champions of the South Dakota State Championship of Walleye Fishing or whether any of the other teams will be able to make a run at them. With the tournament ending tomorrow, the teams will share their secrets, so it will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about fishing Lake Kampeska."
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.
By Steve Weisman
Gander Mountain GNWC Publicity Director
Taking advantage of their 8.67-pound walleye, the team of Lee Pulse from Kimball, SD and Scott Handel from Chamberlain, SD took the Day I lead on Saturday at the South Dakota State Championship of Walleye Fishing held at Lake Kampeska.
The South Dakota State Championship of Walleye Fishing, which is the fourth of eight such tournaments on the Gander Mountain Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) circuit, found the 30 teams battling a southerly wind that peaked at over 20 mph by afternoon.
Although they weighed only three fish, Pulse and Kimball found themselves in the driver's seat for the second day’s action with 12.76 pounds and also lead the way in the battle for the Berkley Big Fish Award with their 8.67 pounder.
In second place with a six-fish limit weight of 11.90 pounds is the team of Jeff DenHerder from Sioux Falls, SD and Steve Alverson from Chester, SD.
Kevin Molengraaf from White, SD and Lewis Valentz from Volga, SD currently hold down third place with a six-fish limit weight of 10.70 pounds, while Brad Berens and Dave Andera Sioux Falls, SD are in fifth place with a six-fish limit weight of 10.0 pounds.
"It is really something how Pulse and Kimball have the ability to catch those big fish. This is exactly what they did on Lake Thompson earlier in the year," said Gander Mountain GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer. "The wind was tough today, and the waves were really pounding in to the shore where we had the weigh-in. However, we had tremendous volunteer help spearheaded by the Kampeska Lodge that helped protect both the anglers and their boats."
Barringer also noted the opportunity for the general public to be part of the Championship activities Saturday evening. "We are having a special get together at Doug's Anchor Marine from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be free food and drinks, an opportunity to talk with some of the GNWC teams and a chance to look over the new Skeeter boats," added Barringer. "Doug's is now the Skeeter Boats dealer, and we invite people to come out and see some of these great fiberglass fishing boats."
Sunday's action follows the same format as Saturday with take-off at 7 a.m. and weigh-in at 3 p.m. at Kampeska Lodge. "I look for a great crowd tomorrow. The wind is going to switch to the north and is forcasted to only be about 10 mph, which will make things much easier for both the teams and the crowd at the weigh-in. The second day's weigh-in promises a lot of action. I think the crowd will enjoy seeing whether our leaders will be able to hold on and claim the title of champions of the South Dakota State Championship of Walleye Fishing or whether any of the other teams will be able to make a run at them. With the tournament ending tomorrow, the teams will share their secrets, so it will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about fishing Lake Kampeska."
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.