JJ Debernardi Wins NWT Stop #2 on the Mississippi River!
2 weeks ago by Chris Munchow
Modified May 24th, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Walleye Nations Creations NWT Pro-Angler JJ Debernardi Takes the Win at NWT Stop #2 on the Mississippi River
Hjelm in Second, Nussbaum Ends in Third
Final Day Story Presented by Garmin
La Crosse, WI (May 23rd, 2025) – It’s been two years since JJ Debernardi took the emotional win at the NWT event on the Illinois River out of Spring Valley, IL. There, JJ was just starting his NWT career and fishing in honor of his recently lost friend Mike Hanson. The victory there was one many NWT anglers still talk about today and those same anglers knew it wouldn’t be the only time JJ lifted an NWT trophy.
The second stop of the 2025 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive delivered an intense showdown as anglers battled shifting conditions and challenging waters. JJ Debernardi, representing Walleye Nations Creations, entered with a calculated strategy and immense determination, aiming to capitalize on his experience and adaptability. With skill honed over years of competitive fishing, he navigated Pool 8 with precision, focusing on key structures to maximize his haul. His ability to read the river and adjust to its demands set the stage for a remarkable finale.
Fast-forward to today, JJ started the day in third place on the Mississippi River. Making the decision to stay in Pool 8, he went out with the intent of keeping himself in the hunt for a check. But instead, he brought in just enough to sneak past the Ranger Boats Pro-Angler Duane Hjelm thanks to weighing in a five-fish walleye limit of 16-14 which made his total 34-08 in two days of fishing. That two-day total gave him the victory taking home $15,000 cash and a brand new 2025 Nitro ZV20 boat package outfitted with Garmin electronics valued at $83,825.00.
Along with his winnings, he also received the Garmin Exclusive Electronics bonus of $500 and the Angler’s Advantage bonus, making his take home winnings $101,388. This is also JJ’s second Nitro boat in 3 years to take home thanks to winning an NWT event.
“I kept it safe and stayed in Pool 8 both days fishing wings and rocky structure with a Rapala DT10 and a rig tipped with a Mud Cat”, said the Illinois Pro-Angler. “To take home this win truly means so much, I really cannot even put into words at the moment.”
Although JJ missed a check at the first event on Lake Sharpe in April, the win today on the Mississippi River will put him well into the Top-40 cut line of 2025 Progressive Angler of the Year points getting him closer to hopefully make the championship event on the Bay of Green Bay in September.
Rest of the Top 10:
2.) Duane Hjelm Pierre, SD 33-13
3.) Dylan Nussbaum St. Marys, PA 31-01
4.) Kevin McQuoid Marathon, FL 30-09
5.) Danny Plautz Lakewills, WI 30-04
6.) John Hoyer Keosauquq, IA 29-11
7.) Carter Cournoyer Lake Elmo, MN 28-03
8.) Eric McQuoid Algoma, WI 27-13
9.) Peter Mart Utica, MN 26-08
10.) Bill Shimota Northfield, Mn 26-07
|
|
