Local fisherman finishes strong in top tournament
George Noleff
12:08 AM, Jul 27, 2015
Cleveland – Ryan Buddie says he’s been dreaming of this all summer. This weekend he once again got the chance to prove why he is one of the best walleye fishermen on the Great Lakes. Buddie finished fifth out of a field off 129 in the prestigious Cabela’s National Walleye Tour Green Bay Tournament held in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The North Ridgeville angler is one of the top walleye tournament pros, usually fishing dozens of tournaments every year. But, this year he’s been on hiatus due to training for a new job, and this was the only tournament he could fish this summer.
“It felt good to get back on the water,” said Buddie. “I just wanted to get back to fishing, finishing in the top five was unexpected, but it’s awesome.”
This year’s Green Bay event was won by a pro from that area Cameron Lewis. Green Bay is home to many of the top walleye anglers on the professional circuit.
“To compete with guys of that caliber, and to finish ahead of so many of them on their home water is special for me,” Buddie said.
His two day total of 62.43 pounds came on a variety of methods familiar to Lake Erie walleye enthusiasts.
“I used crankbaits, mainly Flicker Minnows, and I trolled nightcrawler harnesses. I found the fish on my electronics and would use one program. If it worked I stayed with it. If it didn’t I would change. I caught fish on both.
Buddie is also one of the top walleye and steelhead guides on Lake Erie. While he isn’t fishing as many tournaments this year, he does have a little something extra planned for the fall. He’s targeting the Master Walleye Circuit World Championship that will be held in Huron in October. Since Lake Erie is his home water, he has to be considered on of the top contenders for that title.
You can find out more about where and when Buddie is fishing, as well as get his personal fishing advice on his web page ryanbuddie.com.
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