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Lueck/Runquist Take Kraus-Anderson Walleye Classic Crown
By JOHN J. McRAE
The Pioneer of Bemidji

BEMIDJI, Minn. — A couple hours of prefishing and some past knowledge of the lake turned into the right combination for Kraus-Anderson Walleye Classic winners Harv Lueck of Cass Lake and Akeley’s Rick Runquist. The duo boated a winning total of 17.13 pounds to claim the championship of the Classic held Satur-day on Lake Bemidji. Using live bait rigs tipped with nightcrawlers, Lueck also boated the big fish of the day, a fine walleye weighing 6.93 pounds. Well known local anglers, Lueck and Runquist said they had precious little time for pre-fishing the tournament. "I really haven’t fished this lake much in years. I went out for three hours last Tuesday, found a spot and marked on my GPS," said Lueck.

And just where was the spot? a visitor asked. "In the middle of the lake," Lueck replied with a grin. The duo said they caught the majority of their fish between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., before strong winds started to blow. All the fish were caught the same way, on nightcrawlers. Tom Lami and Paul May of Park Rapids finished second, weighing in 16.16 pounds of walleyes. Ron Hanson of Hines and Dan Wavrin of Puposky were third with 14.78 pounds, while BSU alum Tim Les-carbeau and Megan Lescarbeau of Chisholm were close behind in fourth with 14.48 pounds. Rounding out the top five was the team of Brad Davis and Brian Davis of Bemidji with 13.93 pounds.

The tournament was contested in near perfect conditions with light winds and temperatures in the 50’s greeting anglers for the early morning start. Temperatures warmed to the low 70’s during the day with the wind picking up. A total of 262 fish were weighed in on the day with a total weight of 529.16 pounds — a 2.02 pound average. Several anglers also reported catching numerous fish in the 13 to 14 inch range, great eaters but not long enough to make the 14 inch minimum length limit for the tournament.

Anglers and organizers alike were lavish in their praise with how the inaugural tournament went off. "I thought the tournament was run very well," said Runquist. "There was a great crowd, the people were friendly — the whole thing was operated very professionally." Classic sponsors were also enthused. "We had positive comments from everyone," said Clint Bruestle, Kraus-Anderson north division senior vice president. "We’re extremely happy with how the day went. Things will be even bigger and better next year."

Next year’s tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. Organizers are also strongly looking at the possibility of expanding to a two day event next year. So, winners … you guys with the $5,000 in prize money. Will you be back? "Definitely," they both said with big smiles.

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Rank

Boat

Anglers

Total Fish

Day 1 Weight

Benson, Chad- Bemidji, MN