First open Water Tournament in the books for 2014

It has been a week since I got home from the first open water walleye tournament of the 2014 season, the Cabelas Masters Walleye Circuit Detroit River shootout. I am still missing the vicious thumps and dead weight feelings in my Streamside Predator rod. As always Detroit River walleye action never disappoints and the action is incredible. Having my long time Friend and tournament partner David Wagler makes the trip that much better. I can say without a doubt that our average catch was probably 5 lb hogs if I count everything. Keep in mind we were always fishing for big fish. We knew big fish was the key to winning the tournament so why prefish for small fish. Navionics always key to my prefish strategy in locating good spots and starting points to any water approach. It shows me depth contours and the ever important steep and gentle drop-offs. This year Canadian waters were open for the tournament and Navionics information help me identify some great potential fishing areas in new waters for me. Freshest data is always important factor when visiting new waters too so make sure you check it out and be up to date. The prefish started slow for us but it quickly ramped up through the week. Mud flats were the key as well as water temperature. Water temperature was key in identifying areas where walleyes were just beginning their spawning activities and probably held the biggest females. Once we identified the colour pattern, bait common structure it became a feeding frenzy with non stop spawn holding females. Water clarity was also a factor in determining the colours to run. Bulking up your baits in the spring spawn also triggers the big fish bite. Weather changed on us many times and adjusting the cadence of your jigging action was really important. Sometimes it was aggressive and other times we needed to slow it down with a definite pause. Our first day during tournament started really slow for us and we battled all day. We were confident in our spots and approach but couldn't get the right bites. We tipped the scales with 29+ lbs for 5 fish. We decided to do the same things on Day 2 and our day was quite a bit better. When we got the fish to the scales they added up to 38+ lbs for a 5 fish limit. Still not enough to win even if we did that both days. However we redeemed ourselves a little bit. We ended up 48th out of 117 boats, not bad but really not what I was hoping for. Lots of things learned that can really help in the future. Next up is the Cabelas National Team Championship out of Green Bay May 28-31. This is a big money event with 250+ teams. Top 25 fish day 3 and that is what we are striving for. Weigh ins take place in the Historical Lambeau Field parking lot. Can't wait for this one. Really want to give a shout to Crestliner, my 2050 Raptor powered by my 300 Verado really ran well and it will be another fun year. Being prepared for all weather was extremely important for us and I have to say that the Ice Armor gear from Clam kept me on the water each day. The sub zero boots are the best winter/ice fishing boots I have ever owned. Ice armor's thermolite liner socks and base layer poly top/bottom were the perfect combination for wicking moisture under my ice armor suit. Guys and Gals check out their lineup and you will not be disappointed. Top notch gear with the angler in mind. Rod Glove will keep your boat organized but also protect your investments. If you don't have any check them out. Small price to pay for added protection. Thanks again to all my supporting partners out there who keep me on the water fishing!