PWT Pro Tom Kemos Claims Day
One Lead at Merc Championship

Day one of the 2006 Mercury Championship will go down as the coldest PWT tournament yet. The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail top qualifiers faced 22-degree temperatures when they rolled out of bed, and 29 when they aimed down the Missouri River.

Water temps had dropped 20 degrees to 41 degrees since the world's best walleye pro anglers arrived in Bismarck, ND, one week ago. They qualified by virtue of their successes on the Super Pro series presented by MinnKota and the Regional Series presented by MotorGuide.

Combined with the 20 to 30 mph northwest winds, anglers faced tough conditions. However, Tom Kemos, Oconomowoc, Wis., landed a 4-fish PWT limit for 12.95 pounds. Like a NASCAR driver, he ran out of gas about 200 yards before making it back to the launch ramp. He turned on his bow mount trolling motor and with the power of Optima Batteries, made it back just in time.

The 2002 Bismarck Champion Keith Kavajecz, Kaukauna, Wis., weighed 11.82 pounds for second place. Jim Muzynoski, Bozeman, Montana, placed third with 11.10 pounds. Tom Backer, Fargo, the highest-ranking North Dakota pro, was fourth with 10.92 pounds. Aqua-Vu Rookie of the Year Pat Neu, Forestville, Wis., was fifth with 10.35 pounds. All had limits.

Kavajecz landed Coleman Big Fish, at 4.60 pounds. Day two opens with temperatures forecast to be cooler, with a warming trend to follow.

The largest day one fan turnout of any previous PWT Championship occurred, with many enjoying the youth activities at the Sport Show. Saturday's gala weigh-in ceremonies start at 6 p.m., with the Sport show open at noon. A smiling 250 youngsters walked home with Plano tackle boxes, and another 250 will do so Saturday. On Sunday, 1,000 youngsters will win Shakespeare rods and reels.

The PWT is an integral element of the In-Fisherman Communications Network headquartered in Brainerd, Minnesota, and PRIMEDIA, America's leading producer of targeted media. PWT promotional partners include: Mercury Marine, Lund, The Outdoor Channel, Berkley, Optima Batteries, Realtree, MotorGuide, Lowrance, MinnKota, Trilene, Frenzy, Blue Fox, Powerbait, Johnsonville Brats, Northland Fishing Tackle, Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle, GULP!, Coleman, Storm, Tommy Docks, Smooth Moves Seat Mounts, E-Village, Kwik Pfyt, Raymarine, Mack’s Lures, Rapala, Pflueger, Ram rod holders, Gerbing’s Heated Clothing, Aqua-Vu, Plano, Stowmaster.net, Navionics, Yellow Bird, Beckman, Drift Control, Gemini Sport Marketing, Yo-Zuri , Reef Runner, Bismarck/Mandan CVB, 701.222.4308 and North Dakota Tourism 701.435.5663.