Outside Iowa: Iowa’s walleye tournament fishing
I wonder if I can get through writing one of these articles without mentioning how weird this weather has been lately. Well, really I can’t do it. This weather has me thinking about fishing and tournaments earlier than I ever have. Fortunately, the weather has been conducive to getting out early and scratching that itch.
Tournaments really fulfill a need of mine to be immersed in the competitive spirit. It gives me another excuse to get on the water, (not that I need any more), but fortunately Iowa has ample opportunity for the competitive angler to scratch the same itch.
“The best two parts of fishing tournaments, whether its for bass or walleye, is first - the camaraderie and second - the education you receive each time you fish,” says Waukon native and professional walleye angler, Tommy Skarlis. “There are a lot of fringe benefits to competing, but as far as I’m concerned the very best of these is how you better yourself as an angler. Nobody wins every tournament and each situation is better suited for different anglers and their preferred tactics.”
“I suggest hanging around after each weigh-in and ask questions,” the Navionics pro continues. “Soak up as much information as you can. Then apply what you learned to the conditions you are faced with during your next outing. Let’s be honest, we all hit the water to catch fish and if we can learn something from other anglers to better our odds, why not take advantage?”
“A walleye tournament can greatly speed up the learning curve exposing anglers to traditional tactics, and even some lesser known or new techniques that are great for putting fish in the boat,” Skarlis says. “I began my fishing career competing with the anglers like those that make up the Iowa Walleye Trail (W.A.T.), which is headquartered out of Dubuque. It was at those events where I learned how to effectively fish the river, the Big Muddy.”
While many of these guys and gals may not pursue a professional fishing career, yet Skarlis considers them as contenders at any level.
Catching big walleyes on the Mississippi is an accomplishment in itself, but to compete against some of the finest river rats in the area and weighing a competitive bag is something to be proud of.
“One of the most important factors to bettering yourself as an angler,” Skarlis continues. “Is simply identifying what presentation tactics didn’t work. Once the event is over take notes on what other anglers are saying and learn from their mistakes as well as your own. When you get home, document the conditions and bait selections that worked and didn’t work, the next time you hit the water you’ll have a better understanding of where to start and what presentation to select.”
“Weekend tournaments are perfectly suited for the anglers who have regular jobs during the week, but can still get out the day before the event starts and get some pre-fishing in,” he says. “Most anglers who understand walleyes and the tactics that accompany successful walleye fishing can be very competitive at this level. The best part is by getting involved you will make some great friends. There is no question that the best part of these tournaments are the barbeques and conversations before and after the event!”
If you are looking for a great competitive group of Iowa walleye anglers, I suggest you look into the Walleye Angler’s Trail, (www.walleyeanglerstrail.com). Take a close look at your calendar and see what you can work in this year and I assure you, your scratch will be itched!
If you have any questions, I would be happy to help in any way I can! tha481@gmail.com
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit www.outsideiowa.com