The National Walleye Tour opened up their 2025 season this morning, pros filing out of Downs Marina one by one on a rainy day in Pierre. 93 boats in total are competing in this two-day tournament on Lake Sharpe, each angler hoping to bring in the five biggest walleye to weigh-ins.
Anglers waiting patiently for the starting announcements
Some boats wrapped with sponsors like Thomas Hyunh’s Northland Fishing Tackle Vexus boat pictured below. We got to talk with Hyunh before the tournament on Players Perspective podcast about his career, this tournament and the best ways to fish the Missouri, you can listen to that interview here.
Pro angler Thomas Huynh moments before heading out
Other boats boasting no sponsors, guided by younger anglers hoping to have the catch of a lifetime and possibly jolt themselves into a professional career. Of course, no NWT event can begin without the playing of the National Anthem!
The National Anthem played before the tournament commences
After the Anthem and invocation concluded, the anglers were sent out in their groupings right at 7:00 AM, those who went out first will go out last tomorrow.
Anglers heading out in their flights
The weigh-ins will take place today and tomorrow at the Marina near Steamboat park beginning at 3:15, and the public is encouraged to attend! You can meet the pros, get some autographs and take photos in front of the NWT Media Wall.
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