Illinois’ first cast at a virtual fishing tournament resulted in anglers catching 434 qualifying fish.
Hooking fishermen was a little bit tougher. Held March 30 through June 30, the Illinois Walleye Challenge attracted 31 anglers who logged a combined 864 hours of fishing across 43 bodies of water. Half the 297 trips taken in Illinois during the tournament resulted in “zero fish caught.”
Sam Militello had the largest catch, a 28.5-inch walleye.
Midwest Walleye Challenge’s highest catch rate occurred in Illinois, but more participation wanted
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