Swanstrom Jumps Into Day 2 Lead at Erie

April 17, 2008-Port Clinton, OH - Pro John Swanstrom of Superior, Wisconsin, brought in five walleyes weighing 41 pounds, 5 ounces Thursday to jumps into the lead in the FLW Walleye Tour season opener on Lake Erie in Port Clinton, Ohio, with a two-day total of 10 walleyes weighing 76lbs 3oz. 

“I’m feeling pretty good about things right now I just hope it holds up” said Swanstrom in front of an excited crowd.  Swanstrom will take a 1 pound lead into day 3.  A full field competes during the three-day opening round for one of 10 final round spots based on their three-day accumulated weight.  Weights carry over to day four, with winners determined by the heaviest four-day weight.

“Being in first place is great but I would rather come from behind to make the cut then be in first right now. The bite has been good the last two days but that might not be the case tomorrow.” Swanstrom told FLW reporters.

Sitting in Second place in the Pro Division is Chris Gillman of Chisago City, Minnesota bringing a 5 walleye basket weighing 40lbs 14oz bringing his two day total to 75lbs 3oz. 

Rounding out the top 5 Pro anglers are; Larry Stephen Smith of Berlin, Wisconsin with 10 walleyes weighing 72lbs 9oz; Scott Allar of Welch, Minnesota with 10 walleyes weighing 69lbs 14oz and Tom Brunz of Madison Lake, Minnesota with a 10 walleye basket weighing 67lbs 7oz.

Leading the Co-angler division is Jason Copeland Wellsville, Kansas of who caught five walleyes weighing 39lbs 2oz Wednesday while fishing with Chad Schilling of Akaska, South Dakota, then added another five walleyes weighing 34lbs Thursday while fishing with Tom Gatzke of Merrill, Wisconsin.

Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Jeff Sather of Montevideo, Minnesota with 10 walleyes weighing 70lbs 3oz, Randy Seidl of Appleton, Wisconsin 10 walleyes weighing 68lbs 6oz,  Kenny Henexson of Thornton, Colorado with 10 walleyes weighing 65lbs and Paul Huckno of Union City, Pennsylvania with 10 walleyes at 64lbs15oz.

Day two weights definitely improved on Thursday with 6-40 pound plus weights coming to scales compared to 3 on Wednesday.  Furthermore, 64 limits were brought in where only 52 where weighed on Wednesday.  Some of the success is due to the weather which has stayed stable with a high today in the mid 70’s and a consistent ssw wind around 20 mph. 

Scared by the extremely dirty water many anglers Wednesday chose to take the 50 mile run to the Detroit River which was a gamble that didn’t pay off for many.  Most of the big weights have been coming closer to launch site near Port Clinton where anglers are finding a decent, yet spotty, trolling bite.  On Thursday, most of the field were found in the main lake basin pulling boards looking for the big females.

“The mud is moving around with clearer water in spots.  If you can stay versatile and find the right water you will find the big fish” said pro angler Robert Blosser.

Tournament Director Sonny Reynolds predicts that the 10 slot cut line very well could be around the 90lb mark.  With the weather still predicted to stay in favor of the fisherman this very well could be the case.  Tomorrow will be the final day for 140 of the 150 team field so look for guys going all out to get into those final 10 spots.

The Nor Easter Club in Port Clinton will host daily takeoffs each morning at 7.  Friday’s weigh-in will be held at Water Works Park in Port Clinton beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be held at the Wal-Mart store located at 2826 E. Harbor Road in Port Clinton beginning at 4 p.m. The community is invited to attend daily takeoffs and weigh-ins, which are free and open to the public.