Harris and Walz finish on top at Mr. Pike

SEELEY LAKE - Fishermen and women braved the weekend weather to finish out the annual Mr. Pike tournament June 13 and 14. Though less than 10 teams fished the event, it was still a celebration.

"It is just about us friends coming out and having fun while trying to beat each other," said organizer DJ Harris. "Just another fishing trip."

Harris, who with teammate LeeRoy Walz, finished first in the tournament with a total of 37.8 pounds including the largest fish of the tournament weighing 8.6 pounds. They collected $300 total. The pair had a solid catch for both days, catching at least 15 pounds each day.

As a tournament, only three teams caught large enough fish to weigh in for the second day. Though smaller fish were biting for the competitors, the large northern pike seemed vacant from the lake over the weekend.

Fewer people attended the event than usual, especially non-locals which Harris attributed mostly to the coronavirus. Some other reasons included other fishing competitions going on around the state and a person or two just not getting out of bed for the second day.

"Maybe half of what we usually expect is here," Harris said. "I think the one team from Bozeman might have already packed out of here."

Instead, the remaining competitors on the beach appeared as one large family enjoying a day out on the lake, just with a little more angst to see who beat who in the guaranteed top 10 pool.

Just behind the first place was Nathan Walls, who finished with a total weight of 30.87 pounds, and received $175. 

Corbin Keaster rounded out the top three, as he brought in three pike caught on the second day for a total weight of 18.8 pounds. He won the remaining $125.

Keaster said, "It feels good to get out and get some fish."

 

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