I have had mixed feelings when hearing about all the old pro's and the deteriating health of them. So here goes.

Thanks to the guys who loved walleyes so much that they had the guts to stick there money out on the line in 1989. They took walleye fishing from just a team format to a pro-am event. They showed the world how to fish. They let us in there boats, that were still Under development at that time, and showed us how to do it. They shared secrets, stories, tactics, sandwiches, and the like.

This is a list of some you may know, some you don't, and others that just fit in. If I missed anyone, please fill in the blanks.

Probst, McClelland, harry and barry, cornelious,gray, stille, parsons and kavaczyk? never could spell the name, chief, good, amundson, fellegy, roach, strochien, walloch, olson, christenson, There is only one requirement for this list, they had to have fished the pro-am PWT before 1993. The pioneers.

Fill it in,give them the respect they deserve before they all pass.

Thanks Guys, you set the stage that I am happy to Dance on.

Mark Martin, Gary Roach, Ron Sealhof

Hall(s), Glorvigen(s),Plautz, Hanson, Bissett, Anlauf, Stiles, and Bergsma are a few more for the list.

I think LaCourse started in 93, but your requirement was "before" 93, so I'll leave him out. ;)

Juls

I was a sophmore in High School in 1993, holy cats. A huge thanks to those guys.
Corey Heiser

Kevin and Brian Olmstead.

Gofron, Grothe, and more......thanks for laying the groundwork for what we have today. You should all be proud of what you've accomplished.

J Ruffolo
NPAA #583

i was in fifth grade in 93 :) The fishing was alot cheaper for me back then.

Dale Sharkey, I give him all the credit in the world for his contribution to the sport and it's growth back when it was a small bunch of guys from MI (Saginaw Bay), MN, and WI who all thought they had the best method to catch Mr Walleye who would have thought it would be where it is today! FISH ON!

How about the Theyrl's(sp)?

Leon Houle who I think was the first PWT Champ. I fished with him as an amateur in two tournaments. Class guy. Of course, Al Lindner.

Whoops...Rick got home from fishing and read what I wrote. He promptly corrected me...lol

Rick started fishing them in 91, so I guess he counts! ;)

Juls

Mark Martin was the original Champ.....Leon was the superstar...

Bigfoot was definantly a pioneer on the pro am formats and I certainly did not mean anything by omitting his name. He did a lot in the early day and continues to do so today.

Also, just to point out something from the list of pro's.

For all the beginners and intermediate anglers on tour. If you look back to the first days of the pwt there are 2 names that routinely ended up "Down the pack" and may have been considered donaters way back when. That was Gofron and Seelhoff. They both started way back but did not develop into the giants they are until time got on there side.

So there is hope for all of us!!

Mike and Bill Herrick come to mind.

Jim Randash, David Kraft, Will Lage

These past two weeks, there have been 2 events on Winnebago, that, One guy would never missed. Mercury National's. and the Otter Street Walleye Tournament. In fact, Otter Street was this past errkend. The most noticanle thing missing at Mercury National's, was Gary Gray! His new boat was there, but his Partner was in it with just an Observer for safety reasons. But to everyone's surprise, Gary was at the first day of Otter Street, in his new Boat, but hooked up to Oxygen tank, and not looking well.

He gave it one last try, but, officials told us afterwards, that Gary Had to be brought in after a few hours. He did not look well.

He was one of the Original Pioneers in this tournament fishing,and did very well.

Please keep him in your Prayers,

Thanks

Hey, how about that Jimmy Click guy? He was a powerhouse for awhile. I thought he'd be fishing again, but he hasn't been around, anyone know what he's been up to??

I've also been wondering where Jim (the wildman of walleye fishing)has been. I always got a kick out of him at tournaments.

Yeah, me too...and a pretty good stick too. He had some good finishes!

Yeah, me too...and a pretty good stick too. He had some good finishes!

This angler was not a full-time PWT pro per se, but he did more for Lake Erie than almost anyone. That was Jim Fofrich, who passed away a few years ago. Capt Dan Galbicena invented the weight forward spinner for Erie, and Jim Fofrich on his Single Spin boat helped popularize it making Lake Erie a one-lure lake for many years (until the zebra mussels arrived.) Jim Fofrich's son (Jim Jr) tragically died about a year after his dad.

The old LECBA tournaments on Erie were won most years by casters like the Fofrich's until the water got too clear. Jim Fofrich took out many of the In-Fisherman staffers in the early years of popularzing the comeback of Lake Erie. PWT tournaments become a fixture on Erie in the years to come setting most of the all-time weight records for the PWT.

This angler was not a full-time PWT pro per se, but he did more for Lake Erie than almost anyone. That was Jim Fofrich, who passed away a few years ago. Capt Dan Galbicena invented the weight forward spinner for Erie, and Jim Fofrich on his Single Spin boat helped popularize it making Lake Erie a one-lure lake for many years (until the zebra mussels arrived.) Jim Fofrich's son (Jim Jr) tragically died about a year after his dad.

The old LECBA tournaments on Erie were won most years by casters like the Fofrich's until the water got too clear. Jim Fofrich took out many of the In-Fisherman staffers in the early years of popularzing the comeback of Lake Erie. PWT tournaments become a fixture on Erie in the years to come setting most of the all-time weight records for the PWT.

There is yet another person from Saginaw bay that has passed. He was there when the first walleye rearing pond was being dug. That would be O.J. Sieferlein. His son Nate is a player in the tourneys now, but it was OJ that showed the world the charity islands.

There is yet another person from Saginaw bay that has passed. He was there when the first walleye rearing pond was being dug. That would be O.J. Sieferlein. His son Nate is a player in the tourneys now, but it was OJ that showed the world the charity islands.

Norb Wallock is another great one. Don't for sure if he was out in '93.

Norb Wallock is another great one. Don't for sure if he was out in '93.

Ron Sealhoff did not participate in early MWC team events or in any team events, therefore is not considered to be one of the early pioneers like Probst, Roach, and guys like that.

Ron Sealhoff did not participate in early MWC team events or in any team events, therefore is not considered to be one of the early pioneers like Probst, Roach, and guys like that.

Right! I think he won a tourney on Erie or one of the great lakes didn't he? Wasn't he a former UPS driver? He had a few really good years. It would be great to hear from some of these guys to find out what they are doing these days!

Right! I think he won a tourney on Erie or one of the great lakes didn't he? Wasn't he a former UPS driver? He had a few really good years. It would be great to hear from some of these guys to find out what they are doing these days!

To the guy named "Sorry". The post I put up was for the early pioneers of pro-am tourneys not team tourneys. So you my friend are wrong. He was one of the very first.

To the guy named "Sorry". The post I put up was for the early pioneers of pro-am tourneys not team tourneys. So you my friend are wrong. He was one of the very first.

I second the mention of David Kraft. He is not only one of the old veterans, but one who is unselfish and compassionate. Last year at the FLW in Green Bay, after two days, he was in the hunt to cash a good check. On day three, his amateur draw was a gentleman who had just had major surgery, and not in good physical shape. Dave's fish were twenty six miles from the launch, and rather than complain to the tournament director, he simply fished close to the launch. I'm sure the co angler doesn't even know the sacrifice Dave made. People who have this kind of compassion and caring for their fellow man are the true pros in my eyes. My hat is off to you Dave, and I wish you only the best in the future. You give new meaning to the word "winner"--Mike Beuerle

How about John Peterson,Reggie Thrill(sp?)Bruce Deshano,Kennan(SP) Miller, Teddy T and some that only fished the first few years- Bill Kutka, Ranger Rick Boras, Billy Vojak and my MWC partner Bob Blackburn.

Great Post, Hugh! You're "spot on" with your tribute to the pioneers of the Pro-Am Walleye Tournament format. My first experiences with the PWT evolved after contact with perhaps the finest tournament director of all time, Mark Dorn! Mark not only advised me on how to get started, but also put me in contact with Fargo-Moorhead walleye pro's Brian and Kevin Olmstead! What a lucky break for me! As an amatuer division contestant, I learned more about walleye fishing and tournament preparation from Brian and Kevin, than I could have ever learned on my own! I've fished with Gary Parsons, Perry Good, Mike McClelland, Ron Seelhof, Marty Glorvigen, Gary Roach, Sam Anderson, Pete Harsh, Dave Kraft, Bob Newton, Kevin McQuoid and Northland Tackle President, John Peterson, as well as legendary anglers such as Randy Amenrud and Al Sholtz! The point is, all of these anglers have changed the shape of my outdoor world. They have enlightened me with their wisdom, and they have made my angling experiences more enjoyable through their contributions to innovative products and their development of a wide array of bait presentations and presentation options! All of them have had a hand at opening the door of opportunity for all of us who enjoy and appreciate the sport and treasure the resource! I wonder how many people have jobs in the marine/fishing industry today because of these pioneers? I wonder who will continue to "carry the torch" and "wave the banner" when these legends lay down the gauntlet and pass the challenges and oppotunities on to the next generation? I think back to 1989, the very beginning of my venture into competitive walleye fishing, and I contemplate what has been discovered, what has been developed, what has been refined, and what has been contemplated! To all who have played a part in this fantastic journey . . to Marv Koep, Ron and Sharon Hunter, Al and Ron Lindner, Jim Wentworth, Claude Kelso, Jim Kalkofen, Howard Lund and a host of media personalities, THANK YOU for making a difference . . THANK YOU for the gift . . THANK YOU for the memories! And, a special mention for our tournament pioneers who face medical challenges today . . to Gary Gray and "Chief" Papineau . . my thoughts and prayers are with you both . . the hearts of all you have touched through your passion for this sport are with you now and always! God's Comfort and Blessings to you!

Minnesota Marv

Marv

Thank You for the kind words for all the Pro's. Especually, thank you for Chief & I.

I tried to fish a couple of events this yr, but, it has come time for me to remain on the sidelines and just watch. I enjoy WC, and the folks that make it all happen,

There sure is a list of legends, among those mentioned above, Bob Sr, Mike, Gary Roach,Harsh, just to name a few. And others who have brought the sport of tournament fishing to the level it is at now.

I hope there will be a new list, when the old list, is only a list, sothat tradition can carry forth, for others to grow with. I met a lot of very "Special People" out there fishing tournaments, and I truely believe I can call them all friends. For all the Co-Anglers, I fished with, they were Great, and so where my competitors, sometimes fiesty in competition, but friends on shore. It was the rush, one gets from the competition, and I miss that. Boy, do I miss that!

So to all My Friends at WC, thank you for your thoughts,and Prayers

Marv:

Good to hear from you again. It's been a long time since our paths have crossed. Thanks for the great post.

Dave Kraft

Some key people need to be mentioned is the organizer of the first Midwest Walleye competitions,I might add held in South Dakota. John Christenson from Aberdeen SD and two very key sponsors for these first events was Super 8 Motels and Silverline Boats. These events started the interest in competive angling. I recall sitting in Tony Deans living room taping some programs and having a chance to listen to Al and Ron Lindner talk about how the event, being held below the dam on Lake Sharpe would shape competive angling in the future.

Hey guys what about myron jake jacobson. from mandan north dakota. fished mwc and pwt from day one. now he is 76 years old but still kicking. he helped a lot of people on the pwt.

Jeff;

Yes, indeed . . "Jake the Snake" is truly one of the original pioneers, and he stayed in the game for a long, long time! Beyond being a force to be reckoned with on the water, Jake was one of the real gentlemen of this great sport! Jake and the Olmstead Brothers worked together at many of the tournaments in the early and mid-90's. As a "tag-along" amatuer, it was my privilege to get to know Jake . . he is truly one of the "characters" of professional walleye fishing and a leader in the promotion of the sport! Myron, may the sunrises be breath-taking and the breezes be gentle! "Best Wishes" to you!

Minnesota Marv

The Theyerls were The MWC team of the year a bunch of times. They could do it all. When Mike started fishing the PWT I had the good fortune to work with him. I was a MI boy and knew little more than trolling, Mike taught me rigging and jigging. Boy could that man jig fish. Mike would still be at it and on top but he didn't like playing those sponcer games.

Bago Guy...

I never hit the water that I dont think of Gary Gray and how he is doing. My wife and I remember him in prayer every day.

I had followed the PWT for some many years and dreamed of fishing an event if they ever came to my neck of the woods. (EAST) I also looked over the pros, their fishing styles, accomplishments and Gary was the guy that stood out to me that I would like to be in the boat with for a day. 2001 the PWT made their trip east to Dunkirk NY and I nearly had a heart attack when I turned on my computer and had email from Gary inviting me to prefish with him! I prefished with him for 4 or 5 days and again for almost a week when they returned in 2003. Much of my success I have had fishing as well as the expertise to venture into guiding and become a Lake Erie charter came from learning from Gary.

Beyond fishing, Gary has been a friend. With his military background his wisdom and practicle help that he supported us with when our son was in Iraq helped us through some tough times.

Gary...get healthy, and I hope to again share a spot in the boat with you.


Check out Walleye Central Business Directory! http://www.walleyecentral.com/wcdirectory/yellowresult.php?goal=Detail&ckey=141&primaryField=description&category=Charters+-+Great+Lakes&textToFind=

Marv,would you mind sharing with us what so many of these individuals have done for fishing, the resource and the business. Perhaps the merits are too much to mention but would you mind listing a few that come to mind. Thanks

Very cool post! I am not tourney guy, but have always followed them from the start, and reading the names here is like going back to my first In-Fish subscriptions I had in college, and other mags and papers I always studied more than my books ;) It is wierd, but I fealt like I knew a lot of those people, even though I had never met them.

As a user of products they dreamed up and refined, and a user of the tactics they write/wrote about, I thank them all. Looking forward to learning more from todays pros and writers as well. Keep the good stuff coming, and maybe someday I will actually try a tourney as amatuer or some lower level team event.

I wish good health to all those who are feeling a bit lousy. Some of my partners are gone now, and some are in need of some health improvement as well. Fishing, whether doing it or reading about it, can make a guy feel better :)

I'd add in Ted Takasaki, wasn't he right in there are the start as well?

-Box

http://www.walleyecentral.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=103808

Gary . . .you gotta be kidding me, right?? I'm not a name dropper, but when respect is given to the individuals listed, I have to "assume," (bad word), that we all have an idea what these pioneers have contributed. But, if you would like few examples . . here goes: Bob Probst, Sr. - perhaps, IMHO, the most effective and productive Missouri River guide of all time! Mike McClelland - if my memory serves me correctly, Mike was the catalyst behind the first crankbait trolling guide . . published back in the early 90's! And, he's one heck of a tournament stick! Claude Kelso - widely recognized as THE INVENTOR of the BOTTOM BOUNCER, and among the earliest to refine the presentation on the Missouri river system, and, while Claude was with us, he was a fun guy to visit with at Dakota Mart in Pierre! And what about Gary and Keith, also known as "P&K"??? I remember how everyone wondered what they were doing with "that computer stuff" back in the early 90's! I think they were "inventing" GPS! LOL! And, Gary Roach, "Mr. Walleye!" What would you like me to add to that? Did you know that he served in the military, and was among the initial cadre of the Nisswa Guide League, founded (I believe) by Marv Koep! It is my understanding that Gary is also a pretty fair musician!!!! Add to that his television, printed media, and personal appearance history in support of the angling experience . . and well, it's easy to understand why he's appropriately tagged as "Mr. Walleye!!" The Glorvigen Brothers blend a solid tournament angling background with a unique and profitable business acumen . . and lets' see, how many Championships do they have???? Al and Ron Lindner, Amenrud, Romine and Hunter are all legendary anglers, professional communicators, and product innovators. How about Mark Martin?? Wasn't he the FIRST PWT CHAMP? Have you ever attended one of Mark's seminars? It ain't alot of "fluff," but it sure is alot of "stuff!" "Stuff" you can use every day in almost every situation! Thus far, every person mentioned has, IMHO, made significant contributions to the sport! On a more personal level, I respect and admire these "early days" walleye tournament veterans. There was no path for them to follow back then! They are all trailblazers to some degree! There was no recipe book or roadmap to success when they started out . . . they had to write it themselves. Mistakes were made . . . lessons were learned . . and changes were introduced to make this sport and business more viable! Todays tournament competitors have the benefit of the years of experience by those who have gone before them . . . today's touring pro's, and recreational anglers alike, are more effective and efficient on the water because of the early lessons learned through trial and error . . and today, the cooperation of fisheries management and local conservation clubs, which has been coordinated and nurtured through various tournament organizations, is vital to the overall success of each event! I mean . . look at the boat check in procedures utilized by the FLW! Or, how about the water-tank weigh-in procedures? What about the real-time, digital scoreboards and up-to-the-minute standings as posted on high-tech video screens?? Where did all this stuff come from?? It came from "DAY 1, SQUARE 1, and TOURNAMENT 1!" That's when it all started . . the ideas of the pioneers . . . the courage of the organizers . . . the trust and faith of the manufacturer's, and the support and enthusiasm of the communities where the early events were held! And so, Gary . . .can I, or will I "detail" each and every milestone . . .each and every paradigm . . of course not! I'm not qualified to do that . . nor am I any type of fishing authority or walleye tournament historian! All I know is what these anglers, tournament administrators, manufacturer's and promoter's mean to me . . personally! I AM GRATEFUL to each and every one of them! They HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE along life's way . . and that's a good thing . . .a very good thing! Sincere thanks to them all! I would be happy to discuss my walleye trail experiences, adventures, and recollections with anyone at anytime . . just drop me an e-mail at minnesotamarv@yahoo.com! As stated earlier, I'm no authority . . just an old walleye fisherman who has had more fun on the water than I deserve!


Minnesota Marv

Marv, before your come down on me for my statement to share some of what the "pro's" have done. Let me share that my intent of asking the question is so "you" could enlighten all of us, even the critics.
I have the very first taped interview with the Lindners that Joe Fellegy did prior to the first Infisherman issue. Joe was kind enough to give me a copy.My writing,seminars and experience goes back to the first issues of the Infishererman and Fishing Facts on crappies and some walleyes. With that being said I have come in contact with many of the old timers you mention here long before tournament angling was a icon. Forgotten, are the tackle folks that help make it all happen. Just spent some time on Lake Superior with the now retired President of VMC hooks. To hear her say what tournaments have done for fishing speaks highly to the future of competive angling. Let me also point out that I was present at meetings this particular one up in a resort in Canada, with the Linders, Csanda, Stange and other contributing writers. These meetings were a brainstorm session on the future of the Infisherman and article ideas. This meeting was a year or so before the first Professional Walleye Trail event. It was clear in that meeting the goal of the first Professional Walleye tournament was to expand the dimension of walleye fishing by bringing on some new faces and discovering and sharing these unknown ideas and techniques which would surely surface due to quest to be on top and cash a check. The competive "pro's" of the past and future continue to contribute to that. You see Marv,early walleye tournaments orginated in South Dakota by John Christenson, seeing how tournaments could impact fishing postively, fishing those earlier events the Lindners and the Infisherman,took it up several notches with the Professional Walleye Trail. I give the Infisherman the credit for having the foresight and take the chance to host the first major pay back event. really without their efforts the outcome could of been far different.

Ok, this is a fun post...I'll throw out a couple more names:

Skip Guindon (wrong spelling of course)
Jeff Jones (now Real Estate guru of Fond du Lac)
Tom Bruno (former Baseball pro, now guide on Oahe)

What about Randy Amenrude?

Wasn't he one of the early pioneers?

Thank you for sharing, Gary! You have indicated that you were involved in the "Genesis" of walleye tournament fishing, certainly at a much higher level, and years before me, and I thank you for your contributions to this sport as well! As I stated in the previous post, I'm just a walleye fisherman, who has had the privilege of learning from and fishing with the best in the business, at that time! I am no expert, nor am I an authority on this business. I stand in awe of what the pioneers and originators of this great sport have done, and I continue to be amazed at the accomplishments of the new generation of competitive walleye anglers and promoters. As we dwell in the midst of some of thoughest marketing times in recent marine history, I am of the opinion that the "saving grace" for this industry will be the anglers who continue to raise the bar and seek new frontiers in both competitive and recreational angling. Linked with promoters and journalists from all levels of media, they will prove to be an undeniable force and presence that will sustain a wounded marketplace! Now, having said that, I will end my contributions to this post with this . . . When I originally responded to this topic, as so appropriately started by Hugh, I did so to add my thanks and congratulations to the pioneers! For me, it goes without stating, that today's anglers are carving out their own trail in the angling archives . . they are making their own history! Twenty years from now, perhaps another "Hugh" will be thanking them as well . . I surely do hope so, because I am sure they will have earned the admiration and respect of legions of "up & comer's" and just plain folks, like me! This expression of gratitude is not about ME! It is not about WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED, or WHAT I HAVE DONE! It is not about MY RECOLLECTIONS! It is about an expression of gratitude! It is about thanks to others for their gift! It is about respect, and it is about anticipation of things yet to come! I do not care about the intricate, little details of who was at what meeting and when the lindy rig first got "dunked!" And, unlike some, I do not care WHO gets credit for deeds done and challenges met . . just so the person responsible for the accomplishment is recognized appropriately. What does interest me is the personalities of the competitors, the motivation of the originators and sustainer's of the sport, and the personna of the communities and businesses that dare to take a chance! I believe it is far more interesting to read a history book than to write one . . .and that, to me, is the great mystique of this sport . . .the book continues to be written . . and it will continue to be read by anglers from 8 to 80, for generations yet to come! 'Nuf said!

Minnesota Marv

Fred, thanks for the kind words!

Yes, he was, and a Great one. He was gary Roach;'s partner in the MWC day's, and they won the first Spring Valley tournament.


Another pro, from the earky days, who all will remember, was good old Jeff Jertsen, God rest his soul. Jeff past away a few yrs back, while fishing witjh his son, I believe.

And, I cannoy forget my old MWC partner, Bill Klotzbuecher, heck, I can still remember how to spell his name.

To all the Trail Blazers, thank you, and for all who posted here, thanks for remembering the old guys.

PS; I think tey should have a "old Timer's ' event!!!

Gary Gray

Wow, what a list!

I can't think of many that were missed right off, but were Dan Plautz and Jack Liban in there? And I second Bob Newton! I may be biased due to fishing the 1990 season with him and still being friends, but Bob can catch walleyes like few I have ever seen.

I think one of the most important reasons we have walleye pro's is due to two great people, Bob and Bev Kazkowski.

Oh yes i remember the good old days on the mwc. it was so much fun! Gary you and Billy were probably the best sticks then. we sure had some good times. Hey if you ever get up to the townsend area look me up. steve baugnet