2021 - West Rush Lake - #3

Cold.  Bitter.  Tundra.  Wind.  Freezing.  Brrrr!.

Let's start with an understatement.....It was Cold!

When we say ice fishing has come a long way, we normally talk about the electronics and tactics, but often times what gets left out is the clothing that's been created to keep you as comfortable as possible in extreme conditions.  It was put to the test today.

We had some teams decide that for their safety, they were going to sit this one out.  Everyone respects those decisions as I'm sure it crossed the minds of many other anglers.  We had some teams shack up the majority of the day to stay safe and comfortable. 

Then there were the die hards who decided they needed mobility over comfort - they dressed properly and executed their plan.  I seen the champs racing across the lake from South to North, holding a Razr Auger that looked more like an ice torch.  Then, 20 minutes later, after that decision didn't pay off - come racing back South.

We didn't get out to check on teams progress as much as normal due to the conditions.  Our volunteer team was setting up the weigh in and close to our phones to help with any mechanical issues that might arise during the day.  It didn't happen - we got zero calls asking for help.  In our minds, that was crazy - how could everything go right on such a cold day?  

It didn't.  Instead of our teams calling us for help - they reached out to other teams near by and those teams were willing to stop what they were doing and take care of their friends and competition.  This is why we all love the league and the people we have in it.  Add that to the fact the majority of people sacrificed their Saturday of pre-fishing to help out 50 Hometown Hero participants in our "Home of the Brave" Event the day prior - we can confidently say we have the RIGHT people in our league.

We had 23 of the 30 teams brave the elements on Sunday.  17 of those 23 came in with their full bag.

Jack Thomes and Jeremy Schwanz came in with big crappie at 0.81 lbs.

Paul Ghizoni and Evan Pheneger came in with big gill at 0.48 lbs.

The West Rush Lake Champs have been putting in the work and working their way up.  Last year, they finished 13th, 11th, 17th, 5th.  They took all they learned and put together a 10th and 4th place finish this year.  They were less than a 1/2 pound away from winning Waconia.

Sunday was their day and it was a long time coming.  They've put in the work and absolutely grinded.  They've taken what they've learned and put it into their plans.  They executed their plan better than the rest on this freezing cold day.

Now, they stand at the top and have the coveted plaques.  They join the ranks of Minnesota Made Tournament Winners.

Congratulations to Jacob Stolquist and Darrel Thole!!!!!

2021 West Rush Lake Results: