PMTT 2008 Eagle River

Mercury Marine's Summer Challenge
Eagle River, Wisconsin
June 21^st & 22^nd, 2008

Wojtusik's Win Mercury's Summer Challenge on Eagle River Chain!
A Come From Behind Finish Is TWICE As Nice!

Ranger Cup Winner Event Big Fish - 40" Sunday Big Fish - 39 1/4"
Jeff Kozlowski & Eric Berquist Roland Schneider & Tom Rizzo Ron & Rich Weidner

Final Results - PMTT Q-3 @ Eagle River Chain, WI June 21^st & 22^nd, 2008

Team Wojtusik Win PMTT Mercury Marine Event.
Tournament Director,
Tim Widlacki

The third leg of the 2008 ten year anniversary season of the PMTT, “Mercury Marine’s Summer Challenge” was held June 21st & 22nd on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes in northeastern Wisconsin. The more then 200 anglers that had registered to compete from 12 different states were in for a tough bite. The Eagle River chain, known throughout the fishing world for its over abundance of muskies has been very stingy this whole year so far and this event was no different. The weather had been very inconsistent leading up to the tournament. Basically, the water temps and local conditions were about three weeks behind and the fishing was tough.

The team of Dan and Mike Wojtusik, local brothers from the area know this water well. They won this PMTT event two years ago in 2006 and are almost always on the board every year during this event. “This water has been very good to us over the years”, stated Dan. Under mostly sunny skies and temps around the seventy degree mark, the Wojtusiks put on a show and registered three fish during the tournament. Place in the fact that there were only 17 muskies caught during the two day event makes this even more impressive.

“The first day we worked fast, throwing white spinnerbaits at weedbeds and covered water, stated Mike. The Wojtusiks boated one fish on day one, but changed their presentations for the second day. “On day two we really slowed it down and cast weighted suicks, a jerk bait that we could pause for a long time after pulls. We would pull and just wait and wait. And then jerk a couple more times and wait again”, stated Dan. They fished off the breaklines in deeper water trying to target schools of baitfish and their unique presentation, patience and efforts paid off. They were the only team to catch three muskies of 35”, 38.50” & 39” and take home over $15,000 and the first place trophies.

Coming in second was the team of James Reiter of Vernon Hills, IL, part of a team that won this event last year and his partner Cesar Saucedo also from IL. They were the only other team to catch at least two muskies during the event. They caught one each day of the tournament but were unable to score a third fish to have a shot at the win. They worked small baits at the creek mouths and took home the second place hardware and almost $4,000 in cash for their efforts.

Third place went to Tom Rizzo from Loves Park, IL. and Roland Schneider from WI. They caught a 40” musky, the biggest fish of the tournament on Saturday casting bass size baits to lead after day one, but were unable to hookup on Sunday. They took home over $3,200. In fourth place were Ron and Rich Weidner, a father & son team from Spring Grove, IL. with the day two big fish of 39.25” and a check for almost $2,400. Rounding out the top five was the winners of the prestigious Ranger Cup award for an additional $1,000 and a total of $2,600 to the team of Jeff Kozlowski and Eric Berquist, both from IL. with a 38.75” fish.

On hand to speak to the crowd was Steve Lindahl, from Ranger Boats. “New model innovations, a Ranger Cup Program that has paid out nearly 4 million dollars and long time relationship in support of and working with great organizations like the PMTT are proof positive that Ranger Boats is way more than just the best built fiberglass boat available today… they are our partners in ensuring a brighter angling future for all of us”, stated Lindahl.

Tournament Director Tim Widlacki thanked all of the PMTT’s incredibly fantastic sponsors, especially Mercury Marine for their continued support and for sponsoring the event. Also, the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and all of their sponsors for hosting the event. In addition Ranger Boats, Musky Hunter Magazine, Lake Shelbyville Tourism, Heckel's Marine, Keyes Outdoors Television, Rollie & Helens Musky Shop, Morehead Tourism Commission, Wildlife Energy Drink, Extreme Muskie Expo's, Bemidji, Crash's Landing and all the associate and contributing sponsors. Please let these fine folks know that you appreciate their promotional efforts in support of freshwaters most challenging fish … and those extreme anglers who chase her on the first, best and only truly National Professional Musky Circuit … the PMTT!

To obtain more information on becoming a member of the PMTT, results or to view event photo album, please visit them on the Web @ www.promusky.com or call the PMTT @: 815-478-4092