left to right 1st Place John Higgins and Doug Hoster  2nd Place Dan Palmer and Marc Hoster

3rd Place  John Dalzot and Tom Giachetto Jr.

The Illinois river found the Saugers were hungry on Sunday for the First Illinois Walleye Trail Tournament of the 2007 Season.  Thanks to Hennepin Marine and Lund Boats the teams were served a great dinner before the rules and Orientation meeting. Teams from Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois found the river in ideal conditions with water level about 1-1 1/2 feet above pool, 50 degree surface temps, good current with water clarity about 6 inches.  Over half the field of 51 teams (28 teams) caught a limit of 6 fish for the scales.  The team of Doug Hoster and John Higgins from Seneca, Illinois weighed the heaviest basket of 13.59 pounds and also had big Sauger 3.77 pounds.  That earned them a check of $1,785.00 and additional $510.00 for biggest fish.  Doug and John found there fish downstream of Hennepin using a jig and minnow in about 12-14 feet.  Second place went to the team of Dan Palmer, Rockford, Illinois and partner Marc Hoster from Seneca with 13.39 pounds for $870.00.  Placing third was the team of John Dalzot, Spring Valley and Tom Giachetto, Jr. from Ladd, Illinois with 13.36 pounds for $515.00.  The next Illinois Walleye Trail Tournament will be the 2 day Illinois Governors Cup on November 11,12, 2006 at Spring Valley Illinois.  We would like to Thank our fine Sponsors Lund Boats, Hennepin Marine, Mercury Marine, The Inhibitor, Cabelas, and J&M Marine.