NPAA Pro Walleye Anglers Sweep FLW Championship; Steil Wins $105,000
Category: npaa
Oct 8th, 2009 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Oct 8th, 2009 at 12:00 AM
BISMARCK, N.D.- National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) pro walleye anglers finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 9th respectively in the recently concluded Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour Championship, presented by Berkley. NPAA executive director Cody Roswick said, “Watching these pros share their love of the sport before thousands of fans made me proud of what the NPAA is all about. Congratulations!”
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Only the top walleye pros, based on the 2009 season were invited to fish the richest walleye Championship in the world. NPAA member Scott Steil #183 of Richmond, MN claimed top honors and $105,000 paycheck in the Sept. 30 – Oct. 3rd event. The new Champion, running a Ranger/Evinrude boat on the Missouri River is at the peak of his walleye fishing career. Steil won an FLW Tour event at Cass Lake, MN in 2008, has six top ten FLW finishes, and a second place finish at the prestigious Wave Wacker Invitational in 2003. His sponsors include: Evinrude Outboards, Ranger Boats, Berkley, Humminbird, Minnkota, Cannon, Offshore Tackle, Costa Del Mar, Steil Insurance Services, and Rapid Sport Center in Ham Lake, MN.
Steil fished the Hazelton area of the Missouri River trolling lead core line, Berkley Fireline leaders, and a variety of crankbaits. Making multiple crankbait changes and noticing his fish were eating crappies, he ran his baits a bit higher than competitors, which allowed him to catch more and bigger fish. Steil said, “With the rain, wind, and current in the river the way they were, I had to use every trick in the book to keep those big fish hooked up.”
NPAA member Tony Renner #515 from Hutchinson, MN also trolled lead core with Berkley Fireline leaders and a variety of crankbaits to capture $39,000 and second place. After leading the event on Day 3 with a commanding 8lb. lead, Renner said, “I was honored to be in that position and used every skill I had to secure 2nd place.” Renner’s sponsors include: Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, JB Lures, and Lowrance.
NPAA Pro Dave A. Anderson #509 from Amery, WI also trolled leadcore, Fireline leaders, and crankbaits placing third winning $14,000. Anderson realized the walleyes bit better early each day and was on the top of his game. Anderson’s sponsors include: Warrior Boats, Mercury Outboards, Setyr Rods, Berkley, and Optima Batteries.
Placing fifth and winning $14,050 was NPAA member Todd Riley #19 from Amery, WI who recently won the AIM Walleye Series Championship and AIM “Angler of the Year” title in early September. This tops off a very successful year for Todd Riley who would like to thank all the friends and families who supported his creative boat wrap. His sponsors include: Minnkota, Humminbird, Evinrude Outboards, and Offshore Tackle.
NPAA member Tommy Skarlis #11 from Waukon, IA placed sixth winning $9,800 and defended his title as last year’s 2008 FLW Walleye Champion which was also held in Bismarck, ND. Skarlis’s sponsors include: Evinrude Outboards, Navionics, Ranger Boats, Berkley, Lindy Legendary Tackle, Humminbird, Minnkota, Offshore Tackle, Optima Batteries, Fenwick Rods, Abu Garcia Reels, Otter Outdoors, Strikemaster Ice Augers, Drift Control, Beckman Nets, Gemini Sport Marketing, and Tempress/Fish-On.
2009 FLW Angler of the Year, Chris Gilman #60 from Chisago City, MN finished ninth and is the only pro to qualify for all nine FLW Championships. Gilman won $7,700 and his sponsors include: Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Lowrance, Rapala, Suffix Fishing Line, and Minnkota.
In conjunction with the tournament, FLW and the NPAA teamed up to host the FLW/NPAA Youth and Family Fishing Clinic at Wal-Mart in Bismarck. NPAA members Paul Meleen #95 from Isle, MN and Eric Olson #165 from Red Wing, MN conducted a great seminar for the youth and their families, autographs were signed, and no child left empty handed. Roswick said, “Top pros and everyday walleye anglers who want to become involved as in-siders, belong to NPAA, which continuously strives to bring professionalism to the sport.” Roswick also thanked the NPAA supporting partners for their dedication to helping grow the sport of fishing. They include Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, Bartness Industries, Walleye’s Inc., Greater Insurance Services, Masters Walleye Circuit, AIM Walleye Series, OutdoorsFIRST Media and FLW Outdoors.
To learn more about the NPAA and its members go to: www.npaa.net