2009 PMTT Fox Chain Qualifier #2 Results

Final Tournament Standings and our 2nd place/Big Fish 44" muskie

Further congrats to my long-time friend Tom Dietz and his partner David Foor on their 4th place finish. See you both in Eagle River!

Tournament Recap

Warmer weather and blue skies welcomed over 160 anglers from 11 states to the second event of the 2009 Professional Musky Tournament Trail May 2nd -3rd on the Fox Chain of Lakes in northern Illinois. The conditions were comfortable for the fishermen with air temps around 70 degrees, however the fish made it a challenge for them to be successful. Some of the muskies were recuperating from spawning and some were in the process of spawning which makes them think of their once a year ritual and not eating. A lot of muskies were just cruising around in the shallows as could be seen by the clear visibility on some of the lakes. This usually means tough fishing for any angler as was evident by the total number of muskies caught was thirteen.

Now we all know as in most tournaments, you put this many talented fishermen on a body of water and some will figure out these lethargic fish and capitalize on it. That they did. Russell Schneider of Harrison, Ohio and James Wells of Walton, Kentucky caught and released two beautiful muskies that were 42.50” and 39”. This is a very nice combo of fish especially in a muskie tournament of this caliber. With water temps in the 50’s the two anglers chose smaller baits, Mepps Spinners and Swim Baits and cast parallel to the shore as their technique. The two anglers generally are more efficient trollers but they had to change tactics as fishing sometimes goes and it paid off big time. For their efforts the two anglers took home over $12,000.00 in prize money and the first place hardware.

Second Place went out to two local area fishermen, Phil Gutmann of Lake in the Hills, IL and Bill Carlson of Cary, IL. These two anglers caught the largest muskie of the event at 44” inches while twitching a well known crankbait called a Crane 305. These two competitors were awarded for their efforts as they were also the big fish winners on Saturday and the winners of the prestigious Ranger Cup for an additional $1,000 and took home over $4,500 in cash.

Third Place went to a father and son team, Gary and Carson Lehnherr from the Madison, WI area. Dad, Gary caught the fish and Carson helped net a nice 40.50” muskie that was also the Big Fish of the day for Sunday for an extra $500. Keep in mind that Carson is 6 years old and the youngest PMTT angler to ever fish and/or place in a PMTT tournament ever. What a great story. Applause was loud as the young man talked on the podium while holding their trophy and check for over $2,700. His father said in between fishing and eating Carson also caught a nap or two.

Coming in fourth were Tom Dietz and David Foor, both from Ohio that boated a 37.75 incher while jigging, they took home over $1,500 in cash. Rounding out the top five was Brett Trump who managed to also boat a 37.75 incher while fishing by himself. It was enough to give him a fifth place finish and a check for $1,400 in cash.

Tournament Director Tim Widlacki thanked all of the PMTT’s fantastic sponsors, especially the Thirsty Turtle and the Antioch Comfort Inn and Suites for their support and for hosting the event. In addition Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Musky Hunter Magazine, Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, Keyes Outdoors Television, Rollie & Helens Musky Shop, Musky Mayhem Tackle, Crash's Landing, Chaos Tackle, Morehead Kentucky Tourism Commission and all the associate and contributing sponsors. Please let these fine folks know that you appreciate their promotional efforts in support of freshwaters most challenging fish … and those extreme anglers who chase her on the first, best and only truly National Professional Musky Circuit … the PMTT!
If anyone is interested in entering one of our last two events they are on the Eagle River Chain in Wisconsin and the St. Croix River on the Minnesota and Wisconsin border near Hudson. Please contact the PMTT as noted below.
To obtain more information on becoming a member of the 2009 PMTT, or to view event photo album, please visit them on the Web @ www.promusky.com or call PMTT office @: 815-478-4351

Tournament Winners:
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Ranger Cup Winners Phil Gutmann and Bill Carlson
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