{"id":164856,"date":"2026-04-13T22:04:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T22:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/164856\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T22:04:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T22:04:21","slug":"86-pounds-seals-as-tomasek-dominates-nwt-stop-1-lake-erie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/164856\/","title":{"rendered":"86 Pounds Seals As Tomasek Dominates NWT Stop 1 Lake Erie!"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\u00a033 seconds ago by Chris Munchow\u00a0
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Modified Apr 13th, 2026 at 4:41 PM<\/p>\n


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Pro Division Champion: Austin Tomasek<\/p>\n

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Total Weight: 86 lb. 9 oz.<\/p>\n

Austin Tomasek put together the most consistent two-day performance of the event, separating himself from the field with nearly an 8-pound margin over second place.<\/p>\n

With that win, Tomasek takes home over $100,000 in cash and prizes:<\/p>\n

Tomasek\u2019s ability to stay dialed in across changing conditions proved to be the difference maker in a stacked field.<\/p>\n

Tomasek on his win:<\/p>\n

\u201cI came into this event really confident. All week in practice we were on big fish, just staying on them and making sure they didn\u2019t move. Honestly, 80 pounds felt very doable, so I\u2019m not surprised by the weight \u2014 but to get it done here, close to home, with family around\u2026 it\u2019s a dream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch Weigh-in!<\/p>\n

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2nd Place: Dylan Nussbaum<\/p>\n

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Total Weight: 78 lb. 10 oz.<\/p>\n

Dylan Nussbaum made one of the biggest moves of the tournament, jumping from deep in the standings into second place with a massive final-day bag.<\/p>\n

Nussbaum also earned:<\/p>\n

Nussbaum on his comeback:<\/p>\n

\u201cI came into today sitting way back and honestly just decided to go fishing. First fish was an 8.5, then a 9.5 ten minutes later \u2014 it just kept going. To go from 40th to second like that, you really can\u2019t ask for anything more.\u201d<\/p>\n

On his Garmin setup:<\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u00a0Garmin electronics<\/a>\u00a0were everything today. Running that\u00a0LVS34<\/a>\u00a0out at 60 feet in shallow water let me see everything \u2014 even watching fish come up and hit the bait. In that muddy water, you had to be perfect, and that setup made all the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

3rd Place: Chad Schilling<\/p>\n

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Total Weight: 77 lb. 10 oz.<\/p>\n

Chad Schilling stayed consistent across both days to secure a third-place finish, battling through one of the toughest weather weeks leading into the event.<\/p>\n

Schilling takes home:<\/p>\n

Schilling on the week:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a brutal week of weather \u2014 tornadoes, snow, wind \u2014 but it finally paid us back today. After getting a solid start yesterday, I was able to stay relaxed and just hunt for the right fish. Honestly, just thankful to put it all together after how tough it started.\u201d<\/p>\n

Co-Angler Champion: David Yoder<\/p>\n

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Total Weight: 78 lb. 1 oz.<\/p>\n

On the co-angler side, David Yoder leaned on adaptability and teamwork to secure the win, making the most of every opportunity throughout the event.<\/p>\n

Yoder earned:<\/p>\n

Yoder on his experience:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe covered a lot of water and my pro, Dan Harper, did an incredible job putting us on fish. I learned a ton out there \u2014 running\u00a0LiveScope<\/a>, fishing different areas \u2014 it was just a great experience all around. Honestly, I came out for a good time, and that\u2019s exactly what it turned into.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Thank You, Explore Monroe<\/p>\n

A special thank you to Explore Monroe for hosting Stop 1 of the\u00a0Bass Pro Shops<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Cabela\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0National Walleye Tour<\/a>\u00a0presented by\u00a0Progressive<\/a>.<\/p>\n

From launch to weigh-in,\u00a0Monroe<\/a>\u00a0proved to be the perfect stage for the season opener. Set on the legendary waters of Lake Erie, the region delivered not only incredible fishing, but also a welcoming atmosphere for anglers, families, and fans throughout the week.<\/p>\n

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Beyond the tournament,\u00a0Monroe<\/a>\u00a0showcased everything that makes it a premier destination. From waterfront views to local restaurants, shops, and attractions, the community played a key role in creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.<\/p>\n

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Stop 1 of the National Walleye Tour delivered exactly what anglers expect from Lake Erie: tough conditions, big rewards, and standout performances. From Tomasek\u2019s dominant win to Nussbaum\u2019s massive comeback and Yoder\u2019s co-angler victory, the season is off to a strong start with plenty of momentum heading into the next stop.<\/p>\n

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Anglers looking to carry that momentum forward can now turn their attention to\u00a0Stop 2 in Mobridge, South Dakota<\/a>, set for\u00a0May 20\u201321 on Lake Oahe. With another premier fishery on deck and the season just getting underway, now is the time to get registered and be part of the action as the National Walleye Tour heads west.<\/p>\n

About National Walleye Tour<\/p>\n

National Walleye Tour (NWT) is part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For live updates and information, follow NWT on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or visit\u00a0www.nationalwalleyetour.com<\/a>\u00a0to catch up on all the action.<\/p>\n

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