Steve Weisman
06-02-2005, 10:33 PM
Whitefish Chain of Lakes Offers Challenge for GNWC Teams
By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
The teams fishing the Minnesota Region of the Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) are preparing for a truly formidable challenge, the Whitefish Chain of Lakes Tournament scheduled for Sunday, June 12.
The Whitefish Chain is just that: 14 inter-connecting lakes. Each has its own unique characteristics and fishing opportunities. Therein lies the challenge: where and how. The smaller lakes, the shallower lakes or the larger, deeper lakes - and only 14 from which to choose.
The tournament take-off and weigh-in site will be at Piney Ridge Resort on Upper Whitefish, and the rest of the Whitefish Chain is fishable for the GNWC teams.
"It will be interesting to see what strategies the teams use. So much water and so many lakes. Time is a key element, and they are restricted to eight hours-from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. How far will they be willing to go? There are several no-wake areas on this chain, so time management will really be a key," said GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer.
Bruce Bryant, owner of Circle B Outfitters Bait Shop, agrees with Barringer. "There are a lot of good walleye areas." Bryant rattled off Upper Whitefish, Lower Hay Lake and Cross Lake as three likely lakes, but as far as what the bite will be like, he could only shake his head.
"Our May weather has not been good for fishing. It was warm early and late April and cold all of May. Two weeks of sunny 70 degree weather would really make a difference in fishing."
So with 14 bodies of water from which to choose, extensive pre-fishing will be at the forefront for the GNWC anglers.
The tournament director will have the trailer at Piney Ridge Resort from 6-8 p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer questions. Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m. sharp at Piney Ridge Resort.
"I encourage the general public to come to Sunday's weigh-in. It's free to the public, and it is a great opportunity for folks to get a glimpse at what tournament fishing is all about. Also, we will have a couple of Aqua-Vu underwater cameras set up in our release tanks so that the public can see how they work. The audience will also get to hear from the teams and find out what presentations and tactics worked to trigger the fish. This is a great way to learn about taking walleyes on the Whitefish Chain," added Barringer.
For those interested in entering, the entry fee remains at $210 per team for each tournament. Openings do still exist for the Whitefish Chain qualifier, and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at 1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at info@walleyecup.com. "I also encourage people to check out our website at www.walleyecup.com for all the latest information on the Grand National Walleye Cup," added Barringer.
Major national sponsors for the GNWC include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, Aqua-VU, Aqua Innovations, Cabela's and UpNorthOutdoors.com. National championship sponsors are Towtector Shield and the VIB"E" Lure Company.
By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
The teams fishing the Minnesota Region of the Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) are preparing for a truly formidable challenge, the Whitefish Chain of Lakes Tournament scheduled for Sunday, June 12.
The Whitefish Chain is just that: 14 inter-connecting lakes. Each has its own unique characteristics and fishing opportunities. Therein lies the challenge: where and how. The smaller lakes, the shallower lakes or the larger, deeper lakes - and only 14 from which to choose.
The tournament take-off and weigh-in site will be at Piney Ridge Resort on Upper Whitefish, and the rest of the Whitefish Chain is fishable for the GNWC teams.
"It will be interesting to see what strategies the teams use. So much water and so many lakes. Time is a key element, and they are restricted to eight hours-from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. How far will they be willing to go? There are several no-wake areas on this chain, so time management will really be a key," said GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer.
Bruce Bryant, owner of Circle B Outfitters Bait Shop, agrees with Barringer. "There are a lot of good walleye areas." Bryant rattled off Upper Whitefish, Lower Hay Lake and Cross Lake as three likely lakes, but as far as what the bite will be like, he could only shake his head.
"Our May weather has not been good for fishing. It was warm early and late April and cold all of May. Two weeks of sunny 70 degree weather would really make a difference in fishing."
So with 14 bodies of water from which to choose, extensive pre-fishing will be at the forefront for the GNWC anglers.
The tournament director will have the trailer at Piney Ridge Resort from 6-8 p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer questions. Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m. sharp at Piney Ridge Resort.
"I encourage the general public to come to Sunday's weigh-in. It's free to the public, and it is a great opportunity for folks to get a glimpse at what tournament fishing is all about. Also, we will have a couple of Aqua-Vu underwater cameras set up in our release tanks so that the public can see how they work. The audience will also get to hear from the teams and find out what presentations and tactics worked to trigger the fish. This is a great way to learn about taking walleyes on the Whitefish Chain," added Barringer.
For those interested in entering, the entry fee remains at $210 per team for each tournament. Openings do still exist for the Whitefish Chain qualifier, and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at 1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at info@walleyecup.com. "I also encourage people to check out our website at www.walleyecup.com for all the latest information on the Grand National Walleye Cup," added Barringer.
Major national sponsors for the GNWC include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, Aqua-VU, Aqua Innovations, Cabela's and UpNorthOutdoors.com. National championship sponsors are Towtector Shield and the VIB"E" Lure Company.