PMTT 2022 TOURNAMENT RESULTS

2022 PMTT LIEF LABS SPRING SHOOTOUT!

CAVE RUN LAKE, KY

APRIL 30th & MAY 1st, 2022

HOSTED BY MOREHEAD KENTUCKY TOURISM 

The Professional Musky Tournament Trail Opened an historic 24th Season with a visit to that venerable “Southern Capitol of Musky Fishing” … Cave Run Lake and host city, Morehead KY. Wild fluctuations in weather, water levels, water temps and spawn cycle made for some tough pre-fishing for the more than 200 anglers completing this event. But if there is any one thing we have also learned while following this group of ‘Hard Core’ Musky Hunters around the country some 20-plus years is that regardless of the adverse conditions, somebody always seems to figure it out, connects the dots and puts a fish or two on the board.

Shan Horsley of Tollsboro, KY. and Nick Adams of Camp Dix, KY, adept “Vertical Jiggers” with a proven record of worked in deeper water vertical jigging timber when Nick’s walleye flavored Bondy convinced a hard hitting, very clean 41.00-incher to join them in the boat Saturday and found themselves sitting at 4th going into Day Two. These veteran anglers weighed their options and unlike most around them found themselves unwilling to ’Ride or Die’, opting to change game plan… totally switching it up.

On Sunday they had decided to ‘Roll the Dice’ on throwing smaller, locally produced Burn’s Spinnerbaits up in Scott’s Creek. The gamble proved wise when at the end of a long cast Shan’s demure black/chartreus Burn’s spinnerbait became ‘Lunch’ for that much hoped for fish. A 35.75-inches impressive, tournament winning, KY Mountain Musky was slid into the net. This landed them in 1st Place, which also included the Recon Boats $1,000 Bonus Bucks and the Musky Hunter Big Fish Award for a total of $16,500.

2nd Place: Ron Haynes from Carol Stream, Illinois & Ladd Wildeson of Eagle River, Wisconsin, finished out off the lead Saturday, netting a meager 31-incher while splitting time between the lake’s two statistically highest producing areas: Zilpo Flats and Scott’s Creek. They chose to stick with it Sunday but soon found themselves second guessing as the time wound down with zero action in Scott’s, they moved back to the Flats. They hooked up on their second fish, a 38.5” on a Bulldawg to secure the second-place finish.

3rd Place: Fell to Day one leaders, Tim Smith of Ohio & Rick Simpson who also decided to “Ride or Die” with the plan that had earned them the lead to this point as did 2nd, 3rd, and most on the early Leaderboard… Yearning to duplicate even a smidgen of the previous day’s success, they worked hard to grind out just one more solid hook up and a shot at securing the Q-1 Win… and were certainly not the only anglers shut down and frustrated by the quick change in conditions brought on by the severe weather earlier that morning having reset the playing field....  they also blanked on Sunday.

4th Place: Brooks Hendrix & Justin Jackson had been right on the leader’s heels Saturday, just 2-pts out, casting white glide baits “super shallow” to cobble together the only other Day One Double on the Board, registering Musky of 31.75” & 35.25” … on what Brooks called his, “Secret Bait”. But try as they might, the “Secret Bait” was of no help Sunday, and they could not advance.

5th Place: Joey Rozanski & Mark Gillich, were working white/shad jerkbaits, “Super shallow”, near bait they found staging between timber and shoreline to put the biggest Musky of the weekend on the Board, a healthy 41.25-inch Beauty that they wound up being their only fish of the event. While over in Caney Creek, Anthony Rumple & Andrew Deverich, casting a variety of Big Rubber baits in white/shad patterns tight to shore, put a sassy 39-inch fish on the board that earned them the TRUE GRIP BONUS.

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 24 years as America’s 1st and only; truly National Professional Musky Circuit. Leading the way with new, challenging, and innovative Formats, featuring many of America’s Top Musky Fishing Destinations; Highlighting Freshwater’s most elusive and challenging fish and the fast-growing Community of Extreme Adventure Anglers who give er chase. Special thanks to our Q-1 Event Sponsor, LIEF LABS and our good friends at MOREHEAD TOURISM. Please Welcome our NEW Official Boat & World Musky Championship Title Sponsor, RECON BOATS of IOLA, WI, MERCURY MARINE; CHAOS TACKLE; MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE, MOTORGUIDE and to all of our wonderful Hosts and Site Partners for their support ; EAGLE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; THREE LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; LEECH LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; NORTHERNAIRE RESORT-THREE LAKES; LEECH LAKE 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. 

2022 PMTT MERCURY MARINE SUMMER CHALLENGE!

EAGLER RIVER & THREE LAKES CHAINS, WI

JUNE 25th & 26th, 2022

HOSTED BY THE THREE LAKES & EAGLE RIVER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Steeped in a rich musky angling history going back well more than a century, northeastern Wisconsin’s Vilas & Oneida Counties are home to many of this nation’s most storied musky waters, including the world’s largest chain of freshwater lakes. The area has certainly been one of the most popular destinations on the Professional Musky Tournament Trail since their inception just over 24 years ago. Evidence by the packed crowd attending the ‘sold out’, full field of over 125 teams for the PMTT- MERCURY MARINE’S SUMMER CHALLENGE. Held this past weekend on June 25th & 26th in the hospitable, always welcoming Three Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and the Eagle River area Chamber of Commerce.

Nolan Sprengeler and his partner Tim Willems, of the Plymouth, MN. area, were among the many with what they felt was a solid ‘Game Plan;’ one they had been tweaking on waters nearer home that appeared to be working well here They quickly went to work keeping an eye on their electronics, moving off breaks while looking for bait and musky relating to those bait schools. The duo cast ‘Rubber’ with a moderate retrieve, utilizing big hops in their retrieve and were quickly rewarded with the first of what would become, by days end, an unforgettable, record-tying, single day team effort of 8 Musky registered & released. Although it was a memorable day-on-the-water for many with 54 muskies registered day one, that saw multiple triples and doubles among them.

Greeted with lower temps, blue-bird skies and increasing winds on day two, many anglers saw their patterns fading fast. Day One Leaders, Sprengeler & Willems went immediately to the tactics that had vaulted them ahead of the field the day before. Number 9 slammed the Rubber, hit the net and was on the board in the first hour.  “We were throwing natural colored stuff, mostly brown/silver and really reading our electronics.,”Sprengeler explained. Moments later, capping off an already incredible performance with a tournament record-tying 10th musky.  “Sitting or suspending off breaks, looking for bait, typically deeper water, casting Rubber on 9’6” rods with sort of ‘Big Hops’ is something we do back home.”, shared Nolan very matter-of-factly from the winners podium Sunday afternoon. “It worked pretty good for us.” he followed with a smile.

Tournament Founder/Director, Tim Widlacki, announcing a Record PMTT Qualifying Event 1stPlace Pay Out of $23,880… MERCURY MARINE SUMMER CHALLENGE TITLE, RECON BONUS and TTAP TEAM BONUS. 

Well-known, successful local anglers, Matt Raley & Nate Osfar, closed out strong, making a big move up the Leaderboard, putting two much needed ‘Kickers’ on the Board for a Triple to earn 2nd Place & $5,180.

3rdPlace with a Double, taken on 10” WTD-style Top Water; Austin Wiggerman & Sam Stone. 

4thPlace with TTAP Bonus Fish (44”) with a Double taken Burnin’ Blades; Coltin Thomas & Anthony Cast

Musky Hunter Magazine Fish Bonus - 43.25” - Ralph & Matt Bigham 

Saturday Big Fish - 44.50” - Taylor Andrews & Matt Wallis 

Sunday Big Fish - 46” - Gus & Max Mantey

54 Musky Saturday, 28 Musky Sunday for a total of 82 muskies caught and released.

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 24 years as America’s 1st and only; truly National Professional Musky Circuit. Leading the way with new, challenging, and innovative Formats, featuring many of America’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 our Q-2 Event Sponsor, the great folks @ MERCURY MARINE; and to all of our wonderful Hosts and Site Partners for their outstanding support: EAGLE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; THREE LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; NORTHERNAIRE RESORT; RECON BOATS; LEECH LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; LEECH LAKE TOURISM; MOREHEAD TOURISM; CHAOS TACKLE; MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE, MOTORGUIDE; LIEF LABS and to our entire  family of Contributing & Associate Sponsors as well. 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. 

2022 PMTT MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE LATE SUMMER SHOWDOWN!

LEECH LAKE, MN

AUGUST 26th & 27th, 2022

HOSTED BY LEECH LAKE TOURISM & LEECH LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The 3rd leg of the PMTT was held on Leech Lake in northern Minnesota and Leech Lake certainly lived up to its reputation of being Big Water with Big Fish. The Musky Hunter Late Summer Showdown was Hosted by Leech Lake Tourism Bureau & The Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and was held at Horseshoe Bay Lodge & Moondance MDJ Saloon. PMTT Anglers caught and released 37 muskies over the two day tournament, as well as several mid to upper 40 inch muskies being caught, three 50 inch muskies were also boated by PMTT anglers.

The 1st Place winners were Mark Lijewski & Jason Mollen with 4 fish a 50", 47.25" 42.5" and a 40". They were the Day 1 Big Fish, both TTAP Team & TTAP Fish Winners and the Recon Boats Bonus winners. In 2nd Place was Brady Sinn & Sam Harvey with 3 fish, a 44.5". 42.5" and a 38". 3rd Place was Joey Rozanski & Mark Gillich with 3 fish, a 45.5", 43.5" and a 33.25"

Rounding out the top 5 in 4th Place were Collin Schlicht & Eric Larsen with 3 fish and in 5th Place Jace Loge & Darian Rubner with 2 fish, they were also the winner's of the Recon Boats Big Fish Video Bonus with a great video of a 50" muskie caught on Friday. Dave & Brock Jack were the Day 2 Big Fish and Musky Hunter Big Fish Bonus Winners with a 50" muskie.

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 24 years as America’s 1st and only; truly National Professional Musky Circuit. Leading the way with new, challenging, and innovative Formats, featuring many of America’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 our Q-3 Event Sponsor, the great folks at MUSKY HUNTER MAGAZINE and to all of our wonderful Hosts and Site Partners for their outstanding support: LEECH LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, LEECH LAKE TOURISM; RECON BOATS, MERCURY MARINE, MOTORGUIDE, LIEF LABS, CHAOS TACKLE; EAGLE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; THREE LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; NORTHERNAIRE RESORT; MOREHEAD TOURISM and to our entire  family of Contributing & Associate Sponsors as well. 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.

Coltin Thomas & Anthony Casto Win 2022 PMTT Top Gun Team of the Year!

Charlie Blackbird & Rob Hulleman Win 2022 PMTT Recon Boats World Championship!

Full update will be posted shortly

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.