WABASHA, Wis. (Aug. 10, 2009) - Mike Feldermann of Galena, Ill., won the Bass Fishing League Great Lakes Division bass fishing tournament on the Mississippi River Saturday with a five-bass catch weighing 16 pounds, 13 ounces. The victory earned Feldermann $3,756 and placed him one step closer to qualifying for the Mississippi River Regional Championship in Fort Madison, Iowa, Oct. 1-3, where he could ultimately win a new Ranger boat and a Chevy truck.
Feldermann said he caught his limit flipping a rat and frog near the dam.
Rounding out the top five boaters are Brian Fitzpatrick of La Crosse, Wis. (five bass, 15-15, $1,878); Kyle Von Ruden of La Crosse, Wis. (five bass, 15-1, $1,253); Jim Maloney of Roscoe, Ill. (five bass, 14-12, $876) and Scott Mrozinski of Sullivan, Wis. (five bass, 14-3, $751).
Jeff Krisher of Madison, Wis., took home the Boater Division Big Bass award, earning $490 for a 5-pound bass he caught.
Arden Damberg of Wheatland, Iowa, earned $1,878 as the co-angler winner Saturday thanks to five bass weighing 14 pounds, 6 ounces that he caught.
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Brad Wessling of Prairie Du Chien, Wis. (five bass, 13-0, $939); K.C. Schaible of Machesney Park, Ill. (five bass, 12-13, $627); Darrin Sharp of Waunakee, Wis. (five bass, 12-4, $438); and Michael Gray of Stoddard, Wis. (five bass, 11-14, $376).
Robby Tufte of Winona, Minn., earned $245 as the co-angler Big Bass winner after catching a 4-pound, 14-ounce bass.
The next Great Lakes Division event, a two-day Super Tournament, will be held on the Mississippi River in LaCrosse, Wis., Sept. 12-13.