Chris Gasser - 4/7/2003

Most fisherman will tell you tournaments are won by whoever catches the most pounds of fish, but a mere .01 of a pound was enough for the team of Carlyle Schliem and Bruce Dohman to come up victorious at the opening World Walleye Association South Dakota Team Challenge event held in Chamberlain, South Dakota on Lake Francis Case at scenic Cedar Shores Resort.

Despite frigid temperatures and approaching snowstorm, Schliem and Dohman found success by trolling crankbaits on leadcore line in 12-16ft of water in the Carpenters Bluff area. Their 14.30 pounds was just enough to edge out the second place team of Lee Pulse and Scott Handle who weighed in 14.29 pounds. The .01-pound margin of victory is the closest finish in the history of the World Walleye Association. Pulse and Handle s basket did include the big fish of the tournament, which was a 5.65-pound walleye and won them the big fish pot.

Jeff Nelson and Earl Jacobson placed third with 13.55 pounds.

The next stop on the WWA South Dakota Team Challenge tournament trail will be May 4th at Traverse.

For complete standings on this tournament or all the WWA events or for information on fishing the WWA, please visit the WWA website at www.worldwalleye.com.

WWA SD Qualifier - Lake Francis Case Results