The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail is producing two separate Pro-Am tournament series this season, each consisting of four events. Amateurs and co-anglers thus have even more opportunities on great waters at the best times of the year, to fish with and learn from the pro anglers.

Amateurs and co-anglers may apply to fish one tournament or as many as they wish. They fish three days at each event; use the pro's gear; ride in the pro's boat; learn electronics, walleyes tactics, boat control, where to fish, make new friends, learn about new waters; win prizes, and much more. Many amateurs fish a system with the pros, then return the next year for their fishing vacation after learning about lodging, bait shops, launch ramps, spots for big fish, and best methods. Many buddies make a fishing vacation out of each PWT tournament they fish.

Amateurs and co-anglers become integrally involved in each day's fishing. They work with the pros, utilizing their methods and fishing their spots. During the course of each tournament, two things happen: (1) they see and use many methods and variations of tactics while fishing alongside the pros, and (2) they become proficient walleye anglers.

This year, the array of waters includes some favorite sites like Chamberlain, Winneconne, Mobridge, and Escanaba; a return to some great fisheries like Devils Lake, Mille Lacs, and the Keweenaw Waterway in Houghton, Michigan; and new systems like Ottertail Lake in central Minnesota. The Mercury Championship has been held in Houghton in September, but late June is the prime season for these walleyes.

The Super Pro format is an invitational for the top 50 walleye pros. They were rated on PWT accomplishments: average place finish, number of top 10 place finishes, Championships fished, and total money won. The list includes all the active past Champions, Optima Top Guns, Johnsonville Anglers of the Year, and numerous walleye pros who appear on TV and in magazines. The 2005 Johnsonville Angler of the Year, Mike Gofron, says: "I look forward to this new program. It gives my partners a real look at the waters and how to fish them with the limited number of boats. I'm also anxious to work with my new amateur partners -- I can't believe how many great friends I've made over the years by sharing my boat with them."

TOP RANKED PWT SUPER-PROS 1. Perry Good 2. Keith Kavajecz* 2. Mike Gofron* 4. Gary Parsons* 4. Ron Seelhoff* 6. Mark Martin* 6. Rick Olson* 8. Gary Gray 9. Dan Stier* 9. Mark Brumbaugh* 11. Dan Plautz* 11. Tommy Skarlis* * Tied for points.

All the PWT top-ranked "walleye dozen" have indicated they'll fish the Super Pro series. Together, they represent 29 PWT victories, eight Johnsonville Brats Anglers of the year, eight Mercury Champions, and all the top money winners. Approximately 50 PWT pros plan to fish the Super Pro, including "Mr. Walleye," Gary Roach; the 2005 Mercury Champion, David Andersen; the father-and-son duos of Dan and Danny Plautz and Gary and Chase Parsons, and identical twin brothers Marty and Scott Glorvigen.

The PWT Regional series includes four tournaments open by invitation to those pros wishing to fish one, two, three, or all four events. Those electing to fish all four tournaments will continue to accrue points towards Super Pro status. They'll also fish for Championship slots and Super Pro ranks by finishing at the top, and those who finish first through fifth in 2006 get invited to fish the Super Pro in 2007. A total of 20 Regional anglers could make the Championship. The Regional series is also a Pro-Am and, at $450 per 3-day tournament for amateurs and co-anglers, is one of the best values in the fishing world.

The PWT award-winning television series again airs for 26 weeks, covering all the tournaments and winners, all the action and fun. Each show airs three times per week on The Outdoor Channel.

Amateur and co-angler entries are now being accepted for each event -- call PWT headquarters at 218-829-0620 for applications, or visit the PWT website at professionalwalleyetrail.com.

View the 2006 Tournament Schedule.