Tommy Skarlis Takes Commanding Lead At Dubuque AIM Walleye Tournament
Category: article
Jun 22nd, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jun 22nd, 2011 at 6:12 PM
Navionics Pro Tommy Skarlis is an Iowa resident. He’s well known as a tough competitor and a river specialist, and is a favorite for many at this event. All that considered…
He put on a clinic today on the Mississippi, CRRing a total of 7 fish for 51.05 pounds and a very convincing lead totalling more than double second place Brett King’s weight. Tommy said he was delighted to find the quality of the fish he was on as high as it was, and is fairly confident the bite will hold there. No other details were offered, not surprising since the Dubuqe AIM runs three days.
Brett King, current JJ Keller Angler of the year leader, had a solid day recording 7 fish for 24.7 pounds. Brett is a solid three plus pounds ahead of Robert Lampman, a well known Pro fishing his first AIM event.
Robert Blosser, 2010 Angler of the Year and one of the most consistent anglers in professional walleye angling over the last two seasons, is just a bit over a pound back from third.
Veteran Pro Ross Grothe is in fifth, Harry Miller Jr sixth, Veteran River Pro Maury Schmerbach seventh, Clayton Freiburger eighth, Rich Mealey ninth, and Young Gun Joe Okada rounds out the top ten.
Fishing conditions are reportedly very tough on the Mississippi this year as high water, rapidly fluctuating levels, and cloudy water conditions compounded a late warm up. Almost every technique including 3 way rigs , jigging, trolling cranks and more, and the majority of the Pros talked abut not being able to find the big fish they know are there in any consistent manner during pre-fish, but the pattern came together for many today and most feel will improve as the next two days progress.
The field of 32 Pros will leave tomorrow at 7 AM and will weigh back in at 4 PM. Watch for video, images, on the water reports, and more tomorrow during the day, and join us at www.aimfishing.com for the live weigh in.
The field will be cut to 16 Pros after tomorrow’s tally for the final day, competing for over $50,000 in cash and prizes including a new Mercury powered Crestliner Boat and $5000.00 cash for the win.
Further information about AIM as well as up-to-the-minute updates about tournaments can be found at the AIM web site: www.aimfishing.com. The next tournament is the season ending AIM International Walleye Championship at Akaska, SD on September 15 to 17. This tournament will also crown the 2011 AIM J. J. Keller Angler of the year who will receive a $10,000 prize.
Anglers Insight Marketing, LLC (AIM) is a unique tournament organization which is owned by stockholders, the majority of which are Professional walleye anglers. AIM® Professionals are among the “All Stars” of professional fishing, with cumulative HUNDREDS of years of tournament experience, including countless tournament victories, series championships, and Angler of the Year titles. This insight and knowledge is now being employed to provide the finest tournament experience for the participants, and the maximum exposure for the host tournament sites and corporate partners.
Additional AIM Marketing Partners:
Bay Mills Resort & Casino, Lund Boat Company, Mercury Marine & MotorGuide, Yamaha Marine, Crestliner Boats, JJ Keller Fishing Team, The Reel Shot, Navionics, Oahe Wings & Walleyes, John Butts Outdoors, Luck E Strike Lures, National Fleet Graphics, Worldwide Marine Insurance, Pier of d’Nort piers, Reef Runner Lures, Hatcams, The Judge Tournament Ruler, Rite in the Rain Paper, Come By Chance Resort, G2 Angling, M419 Guide Service