PMTT 2021 TOURNAMENT RESULTS

The Professional Musky Tournament Trail Kicked Off an amazing 23rd Season with an air of excited anticipation and anxiousness to reclaim some semblance and normalcy as 105 Teams, representing 12 States, gathered to visit the familiar, ruggedly beautiful mountains of Eastern Kentucky’s Cave Run Lake in Morehead, KY this past weekend in what has become an annual event graciously hosted by Morehead Tourism.

Generally considered a predictable numbers lake, 23 years have also shown this Highland Reservoir system to be wildly unpredictable in Spring when subjected to the fickle whims of Mother Nature’s usual suspects. Flooding rain, cold/muddy/heavy stained water, near freezing temps and the inevitable hard draw down to try and get to summer pool were not in the anglers favor. Water temps had flatlined in the mid-50s for the past month and were keeping most fish in what seemed to be an extended negative-to-neutral pattern. 

With temps in the low 40s and the promise of a cold rain did little to dampen the spirits of this eager field of musky hunters Saturday morning and an inconsistent smattering of musky began to hit the nets as steady, cold, wind-driven rains delivered only 13 muskies registered, up to 45.75”. With no one doubling up by the end of the day, things were still wide-open for Day 2. With no runaway leaders, a positive weather change in the forecast and parts of both major & minor moon phases hitting during tourney hours, everyone was excited for day 2.

Well-known local anglers, Scott Salchli & Anthony “Pork Chop” Smith, both from Morehead, Ky. had been among those able to get on the board the day before and having lost a nice one and moving others, the duo was very hopeful of a good finish. They were targeting a very tight area Salchli had located earlier and had been nervously babysitting near the popular Scott’s Creek Marina. They were focusing on a near shore stretch, setting up in about 10-feet of water and casting white/chartreuse Hot Tail Gliders up in the minus-2ft range with a painstakingly slow retrieve to provoke a strike.  

Immediately out-of-the gates and finding their spot unoccupied, the pair set to work right where they had left off the day before and put two more muskies in the boat. Registering three muskies up to 37.50" over the course of two days in an honestly tough bite put them in 1st Place and crowned the champions of this annual event as they took home more than $15,000 cash payout! 

2nd Place was earned by James Reiter & Cesar Saucedo of the Chicago area who registered the only double of this event. Also working Glide Baits in shallower water but off main lake points that produced a pair of nice sized musky hitting the bumpboard at 37.25” & 38.25” respectively the second day that were enough to have won if not for that late heroics of the eventual winners. There efforts earned them a total of 110 points and with the TTAP award, they took home over $5750 for their 2nd place finish.

3rd Place: Event BIG FISH: MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE BIG FISH AWARD… was claimed by Brad & Chelsey Sheridan, a husband-and-wife Team out of South Dakota who Registered a beautiful 45.75” Musky that ate a Homemade White crankbait being trolled in 20’-25’water through bait clouds they had located. 4th Place went to veteran local angler Darrell Seasor and Virginia Guide, Ken Trail, working a white, RED OCTOBER TUBE in areas holding bait at 10-to-15-foot, using a mix of jigging and casting that put a fat 43.50” in the net. While 5thPlace and the TTAP BIG FISH BONUS went to Dennis Sweeney and Jerry Ulaszek of Illinois, casting white Bull Dawgs off points to register a musky of 42,25”

In closing, Tournament Director Tim Widlacki, expressed his deep appreciation to our many outstanding Sponsors for their continuing support and the important part they have played in our growth as the 1st and only truly National Pro Musky Circuit; Highlighting Freshwater’s most elusive and challenging fish and the Community of Extreme Anglers who give chase over the past 23 years. Special thanks were given to the great folks at MOREHEAD TOURISM, who have been with us since our very first Season… 23 years ago. EAGLE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISTORS CENTER; MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE, MERCURY MARINE; RANGER BOATS; KEYES OUTDOORS; CHAOS TACKLE; MOTORGUIDE; VITAMINERALS; LAKE CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE RESORT ASSOC; TREELAND RESORTS; THREE LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; EAGLE WATERS RESORT; VISIT BEMIDJI; RUTTGER’S BIRCHMONT LODGE; MOTORGUIDE and our entire family of contributing & associate sponsors. Please let them know you how much you appreciate what they do whenever you get the chance… these are difficult times for many businesses so show them some Musky Love when you can…and they are an important part our growing PMTT Family.

Let’s go Musky Hunting…Wahoooooooooo!

Daily Live Streamed Updates during the Event can be viewed using your Facebook APP or watch the posted Live Stream videos from our Facebook Page. 

To obtain more information on becoming a member of the PMTT, or to signup for any PMTT Event, please visit us on the web at www.promusky.com or call the PMTT office at 815-478-4092. 

PMTT - MERCURY MARINE’S SUMMER CHALLENGE SETS NEW RECORD!

Setting the stage for the PMTT - Mercury Marine’s Summer Challenge and to better highlight both the amazing Fisheries they visit and the talented, hardcore Anglers who chase these elusive Monarchs of Freshwaterwith the development of some exciting and innovative Format changes. The PMTT, longtime partner, Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and neighboring Three Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce were able to put together one of the most impressive Venues of the Pro Trail’s 20+ year history… The Musky Community was treated to an absolutely impressive display of Record-Breaking performances by some of the Nation’s best competitive Musky Anglers this past weekend as a Full Capacity Field gathered for the Mercury Marine’s Summer Challenge on the storied waters of the World’s largest connected Chain of Freshwater lakes. 

The action started slowly on Day-1 but soon a ‘Window’ opened, and they were off to the races with over 30 Musky were registered well before Noon. Multiple Teams were reporting Doubles & Triples, up to 43.50-inches, ending the first day with an impressive 59 Fish on the Board! Day-1 Leader Board was populated by a strong showing of ‘Local Sticks’… with both 1st& 2nd Places, Local Guides, bringing 4 Fish to the Board. In 3rdPlace with a Double after the first day… Local brothers Dan & Mike Wojtusik, one of the top musky sticks in the area.

Day-2 started producing right after Take-Off with the top teams hitting it hard & early, sticking and bagging Fish from the start. The Lead changed hands several times throughout the morning as the top 3 teams amassed 5 fish each. Truly an exciting climax to what was to be an historic, Record Breaking Event with 91 muskies caught and released for the 2-day event! When the final tally was completed… Team Wojtusik had earned the 1stplace win with both the TTAP Top Finish Contingency Pay Out and Back-to-Back Titles at the same Venue, a feat accomplished but one other time in the PMTT’s 22-year history with 5 Musky, taken on Lake X B-52s, for the Victory and over $22K!!

“We had a couple of things going “, explained Dan from the Winner’s podium. “We were targeting both the deeper basin and shallower weed oriented fish. The key for us were the ‘Windows’ that presented themselves early and late in the day. I feel that fish up shallow can indeed be triggered, even in a neutral/negative state, with the right cast… a reaction strike can be evoked, which is near impossible for deep fish. Watching for those ‘Windows’ and timing your shots was absolutely key. I think we worked out the timing thing quite well today!” he said in closing.

2nd Place went to popular local residents, Father and Son Guides… Team Hardcore… Chris & Peter Bilchraz. Who put 5 Musky on the Board throwing Rubber, including the MHM BIG FISHcontingency with a 42-incher. “Running and Gunning”, explained father, Chris. “We hit humps & weeds holding bait we had located the days prior to the Event.” Peter added, Wind was a factor in both fish location and bait presentation. “I’ve learned that these fish set up in specific, fairly predictable areas because of the wind and adjust bait cadence according to the mood of the fish.”

3rd Place was earned by another pair of well-known local residents and area Guides, Tyler Maney & Ryan Brockwho also put together a 5 Fish Bag over two days, Running & Gunning… Burning Blades. Tyler said,” We moved around a lot, hitting weed edges with fast burning blades. Rounding out the top 5 were Mark Lijewski & Jason Mollen in 4th Place with 3 fish and Marcus Torgerson & Jimmy Klink in 5th Place with two fish, one of which was a 45 ½” which was the Event Big Fish.

PMTT Tournament Director, Tim Widlacki, acknowledged the Trail’s deep appreciation to our many outstanding Sponsors for both their continuing support and the important part they have played in our growth over the past 23 years as America’s 1st and only, truly National Professional Musky Circuit. Leading the way highlighting freshwater’s most elusive and challenging fish and the fast-growing Community of Extreme Adventure Anglers who give Her chase. Special thanks to Event Sponsor MERCURY MARINE and  to all of our wonderful Hosts and Site Partners without whose help this memorable Event would not have been possible: RANGER BOATS; EAGLE RIVER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; THREE LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; EAGLE WATERS RESORT; MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE; KEYES OUTDOORS; CHAOS TACKLE; VITAMINERALS; LAKE CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE RESORT ASSOC; TREELAND RESORTS;; VISIT BEMIDJI; RUTTGER’S BIRCHMONT LODGE; MOTORGUIDE; MOREHEAD TOURISM and our entire  family of Contributing & Associate Sponsors. Please let them know how much you appreciate what they do whenever you get the chance… show them some Musky Love, returning their support when you can… they are a vital part our growing PMTT Family 

UP NEXT – BEMIDJI/CASS LAKE, MN – August 27th & 28th , 2021

Let’s go Musky Hunting…Wahoooooooooo! 

Daily Live Streamed Updates during the Event can be viewed using your Facebook APP or watch the posted Live Stream videos from our Facebook Page.

To obtain more information on becoming a member of the PMTT, or to signup for any PMTT Event, please visit us on the web at www.promusky.com or call the PMTT office at 815-478-4092. 

PMTT- MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE LATE SUMMER SHOWDOWN BEMIDJI & CASS LAKES, MN

The 2021 Professional Musky Tournament Trail’s 23rd regular season came to an exciting conclusion this past weekend as a near Full Field at 125 teams of the nation’s top tier competitive musky hunters excitedly gathered in the historic Northwoods Minnesota town of Bemidji. Northern Minnesota rightfully boasts of having some of the Country’s best Musky waters for both size and numbers and of those, given the innovative PMTT format, these Pros were going to be given the opportunity of splitting their considerable talents between both the Bemidji & Cass Lake systems…. And man did they deliver!

Anticipation was mounting in the days prior to Take Off as Cold front conditions: spotty rain, threat of T-storms, often strong winds & consistently overcast skies; offered the region a much-welcomed respite from the negative effects brought on by weeks of near drought, hot temperatures, coupled with low/dropping water levels on these ever-clearer water systems; and experienced competitors knew that this was just what the Doctor ordered.

1st Place Winners: Brothers Ty Sennett of Hayward, WI and Tait Sennett of Princeville, IL were coming into this event one of a small group having registered fish in all the previous Qualifiers and hoped to keep that streak alive heading into the RBWC on their home waters next month. Wasting little time getting down to business right out of the gate…. They went to work!  First one early; then giving them a little more confidence of a solid day on the water came a second…. then came that much hoped for Tournament Day making third Musky! “We didn’t have much time to pre-fish but did mark some fish on side scan and went back to those areas day one and fished them.”, shared Ty.

Starting what was to become a rare ‘Wire-to-Wire” Win… with three fish on day one and another on the second day giving them a four fish total up to 42.50” … and enough to see them bringing Home $17,500 cash! Explaining the brother’s winning tactics, Ty said, “We were just throwing Musky Mayhem baits and burning the crap outta them. Crank ‘em till your arms hurt… then go faster. Color wasn’t even an issue really… just speed!”

2nd Place: Marcus “Torgy” Torgerson & Jimmy Klink of Eau Clair, WI. Have, not so quietly, cobbled together a notable pair of back-to-back PMTT Qualifying performances. Following a 5th Place & Event Big Fish outing in Eagle River / Three Lakes with an impressive hard-charging Day 2 effort, earning the confident pair 2nd Place honors. “Contrary to what most were doing, we were throwing Top Water.”, said Torgerson. They netted a beauty that measured 49.25 to go along with a 42.25” & 38” that vaulted them into 2nd for a total of $4,360.  

3rd Place: Clayton Spiess & Nick Amorose, a Trail Team out of Eagle River, WI have been steadfastly grinding away all Season. They boated three muskies up to 41.25” on rubber and took home $3.200.

Coming in 4th Place was the team of Nicklas Kushernerik & Marc DiMatteo with two fish up to 45.50” on bucktails. Rounding out the Top 5 is the team of Tom Rizzio & Jeff Blanck with three fish up to 38.25” on bucktails and jerkbaits.

The 2021 PMTT TOP GUN Standings are very tight as we head to Chippewa Flowage with only 11 pts. Separating the Top Three Places who have ALL Registered Fish in each Qualifier:

1. Clayton Spiess & Nick Amorose - 453pts

2. Dan & Mike Raczynski - 445pts

3. Ty & Tait Sennett - 442pts

The 2021 RANGER BOATS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is a three-day event being hosted by LAKE CHIPPEWA RESORT ASSOCIATION & Headquarted @ TRELANDS RESORT on the Chippewa Flowage this coming September 24th, 25th & 26th, 2021. Only the TOP 40 TEAMS as determined by Qualifying Points are Invited to compete in one of the most challenging events in all of Musky Fishing

PMTT Tournament Director, Tim Widlacki, acknowledged the Trail’s deep appreciation to our many outstanding Sponsors for both their continuing support and the important part they have played and are playing now in our growth over the past 23 years as America’s 1st and only, truly National Professional Musky Circuit. Leading the way with new, challenging, and innovative Formats on some of the Country’s Top Musky Fishing Destinations; Highlighting Freshwater’s most elusive and challenging fish and the fast-growing Community of Extreme Adventure Anglers who give Her chase. Special thanks to Event Sponsor Musky Hunter Magazine and to all of our wonderful Hosts and Site Partners without whose help this memorable Event would not have been possible: VISIT BEMIDJI; RUTTGER’S BIRCHMONT LODGE;  EAGLE RIVER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; THREE LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; RANGER BOATS; KEYES OUTDOORS; CHAOS TACKLE; MOTORGUIDE; VITAMINERALS; LAKE CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE RESORT ASSOC; TREELAND RESORTS; MOREHEAD TOURISM and our entire  family of Contributing & Associate Sponsors. Please let them know how much you appreciate what they do whenever you get the chance… show them some Musky Love, returning their support when you can… they are a vital part our growing PMTT Family.  

Let’s go Musky Hunting…Wahoooooooooo! 

Daily Live Streamed Updates during the Event can be viewed using your Facebook APP or watch the posted Live Stream videos from our Facebook Page.

To obtain more information on becoming a member of the PMTT, or to signup for any PMTT Event, please visit us on the web at www.promusky.com or call the PMTT office at 815-478-4092.

2021 PMTT RANGER BOATS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The Professional Musky Tournament Trail brought their amazing 23rd Season to an exciting conclusion this past weekend as the Top 40 Teams, determined by points earned competing in a series of challenging national qualifying events, gathered on one of the most historic and revered Musky fisheries to be found anywhere across North America…. Wisconsin’s Legendary Chippewa Flowage, for what has become the single most prestigious event in all competitive Musky angling…. The PMTT/RANGER BOATS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

The PMTT/ RBWC is a unique, hard-earned, Invitation only contest featuring an exciting 3-Day Format highlighting the Top 40 Qualifying Anglers in a two day ELIMINATION ROUND, where they must register a legal Musky for the opportunity to move on to the FINAL DAY/CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND and a shot at taking home both the RBWC Title and a new RANGER BOAT & TRAILER, powered by a  MERCURY MARINE outboard package… as well as accruing points for the highly coveted TOP GUN Team of the Year Award.

A mix of all weather from sunny skies, calm, windy, partly cloudy and rain were all seen during this tournament. The first morning started a bit slowly as fish were moving and though a few fish were hitting the net, it wasn’t until the high skies gave way to cloud cover and then rain… that the action picked up a bit with a couple Musky near the 4-foot mark being amongst the 14 fish registered by days end. 13 Teams had ‘Punched a Ticket’ for that All Important Final Round, with husband & wife, Rick & Sarah Hoover of PA, last year’s TOP GUN Team, putting the Day’s Big Fish, 47.25-inches, on the Board while father and son, Chris & Peter Bilcharz of Three Lakes, WI. claimed the early Lead, being the only Crew able to produce a double in the opening round, with Musky of 46.75 & 37.50-inches

Day two started off with a “Boom!” Just minutes into the morning, Bob Bauer & Gary Vilcek of IL, who had gone straight away to a spot where they had encountered what they believed to have been a quality fish the day before, put the hooks into 51.25-inches of angry “Flowage Gold”! When Day 2 was over; 15 Musky had added to the Total. 19 Teams had been able to make the cut with 5 Doubles and a 51.25-incher at the Top of the Board and all Teams with at least one… it was still wide open! The Season now excitingly came down to One Day.

1stPlace - 46.75 / 43.25 /37.50 -Chris and Peter Bilcharzof Three Lakes, WI had been left outside of the action Day Two. Targeting shallower, wind-blown weed/rocks & weed/wood combo spots they found to be holding bait, casting blades in tight to shore and ripping them back through the weeds, they were moving numbers of fish that were unwilling to bite as the Lead began to change hands multiple times around them. “We would make note of the better spots and would go back when a Major or Minor window hit. Wind, weeds and ‘Bite Windows’ were a real factor for us,” said Peter. The last hour of the last day… overcast skies, wind… a Minor coming up… and there She was… that elusive, desperately needed third Musky… a Beautiful 43.25-incher that went for Peter’s handcrafted blade bait, putting them back in for the late Lead that held to put them over the Finish Line and earning them the 2021 PMTT/RANGER BOATS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Title.

2nd Place – 51.25 / 42.25 - Bob Bauer & Gay Vilcek of IL, started the day in 5th Place with that amazing 51.25-incher the day prior and very quickly made a move, hooking up with a 42.25-inch kicker that was the first fish of the morning, bumping them into 1st until the late day, nearly holding for the Win. “We never fished soooo hard for a 30-inch Musky in our life.”, explained Vilcek. “5 1/2 hours to catch one legal sized fish for the Win… and we just couldn’t get one to go!”

3rd Place – 42.50 / 40.50 / 33.50 - Mark Lijewski & Jason Mollen of Minocqua, WI Moved a lot of fish over three days and were the only Team registering fish each day. Suicks in natural patterns ripped through the weeds was working for them all weekend. “We fished hard, covering a lot of water and though we used a few baits, Suicks got our bites for us. “Said Lijewski, adding, “We had so many missed opportunities. I was slowing the retrieve up a bit to work them cleaner through the weeds and still had a couple just not get to the hooks, losing one just two casts after our last fish, in the Figure-8.”

4th Place – 45.00 / 34.25 / 31.50 – Nicklas Kushnerik & Marc DiMatteo utilized 6-inch Phantom Glides in perch/natural patterns, moderately ripped through weeds to put three Musky in the net the first two days, holding a solid Lead coming into the Championship Round. “We were right on ‘em,” shared Kushnerik. “We moved another 7 or 8 fish today without getting even one biter!”

5th Place – 46.25 / 39.25 – Husband & wife, Brad & Chelsey Sheridanof SD had a bit of a tough start, going 0-for-3 on their ‘Prime Spot’ Friday. Deciding to make a run to where they had seen a low 30’s while prefishing, hoping to make the final cut, they ripped Lake X Toads in Fireball through shoreline weeds and were soon rewarded with a solid 39.25-incher. “Brad threw the same bait for three days.”, laughed Chelsey. Deciding to return to the same area Sunday morning, Brad’s X-Toad was soon in the toothy maw of a feisty 46.25-inch Beauty that held up for 5th

PMTT TOP GUN Team of the Year Award – By far, the most prestigious Honor in all competitive Musky Angling and something that every Touring Pro strives to earn. Skill, dedication, passion… and more, those earning “TOP GUN” Honors are indeed a cut above and our 2021 Winners are certainly no exception.

2021 PMTT TOP GUN - Team of the Year Award

1st Place – Ty & Tait Sennett - 593 pts

2nd Place – Dan & Mike Raczynski - 590 pts

3rd Place – Nicklas Kushnerik & Marc DiMatteo - 479 pts

PMTT Tournament Director, Tim Widlacki, acknowledged the Trail’s deep appreciation to our many outstanding Sponsors for both their continuing support and the important part they have played and are playing now in our growth over the past 23 years as America’s 1st and only, truly National, Professional Musky Circuit. Leading the way with new, challenging, and innovative Formats on some of the Country’s Top Musky Fishing Destinations; Highlighting Freshwater’s most elusive and challenging fish and the fast-growing Community of Extreme Adventure Anglers who give Her chase. Special thanks to RBWC Event Sponsor RANGER BOATS and to all of our wonderful Hosts and Site Partners without whose help this memorable Event would not have been possible: LAKE CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE RESORT ASSOC; TREELAND RESORTS; MERCURY MARINE, CHAOS TACKLE, EAGLE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; THREE LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE; KEYES OUTDOORS; MOTORGUIDE; VITAMINERALS; VISIT BEMIDJI; RUTTGER’S BIRCHMONT LODGE; MOREHEAD TOURISM and our entire  family of Contributing & Associate Sponsors. Please let them know how much you appreciate what they do whenever you get the chance… these have been some difficult times for many businesses in our industry so won’t you please show them some Musky Love, returning their support when you can… they are a vital part our growing PMTT Family 

Let’s go Musky Hunting…Wahoooooooooo! 

Daily Live Streamed Updates during the Event can be viewed using your Facebook APP or watch the posted Live Stream videos from our Facebook Page.

Sign up soon for the 2022 PMTT Trail and come check us out this winter at your local Musky Sport Show and follow us on our Social Media. For information or to view event photo album, please visit us on the web at www.promusky.com or call the PMTT office at 815-478-4092. Again, thank you everyone for following us through this rough year with the pandemic and all else in the world this year. We all here at the PMTT wish you good health and look forward to hitting the water again in 2022.