2023 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals on Lake Okeechobee Day 2: Colby Schrumpf Leads with 47-05lbs

By EriK Gaffron

MLF PRESS RELEASE

CLEWISTON, Fla. – Lake Okeechobee impressed again on Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, with three pros catching more than 25 pounds on the day. Sacking up 25-6 to go with 21-15 from Day 1, Colby Schrumpf totaled 47-1 for the lead in Power-Pole Stop 1 Presented by Phoenix Boats. In second, Joshua Weaver tallied 31-9 on Day 2 for a 46-5 total, and “Real Deal” Michael Neal slipped into third place with 44-4. Tomorrow, the Top 50 pros will fish for the win on a truly spectacular Lake Okeechobee.

Schrumpf’s day started off strong with a pair of 5-pounders early and continued with a steady output of quality catches throughout the day.

“Probably in the first hour and a half I had two over 5 pounds in the boat and just slowly culled my way up,” he said. “Late this afternoon, I was able to catch a 5 1/2-pounder about midday. Then I caught a 4-pounder and made a nice cull with that. I left those fish so that way they’re ready to go tomorrow.”

TOP 10 BELOW

Bryan Schmitt Wins 2017 Walmart FLW Mississippi River with 61-6lbs!

Swim jig seals win.
by Rob Newell 
FLW PRESS RELEASE 

No one really knew what to expect when the FLW Tour pulled into to La Crosse, Wisconsin. Plenty of tournament history exists on Pools 7, 8 and 9 of the Mighty Mississippi, but most of it is after June when the spawn is an afterthought and summertime fishing is in full play.
Many Tour pros had never even been to this part of the Mississippi before, especially in May. Add to that high water conditions, uncertainty about the river’s grass habitat and - of course - the arrival of a nasty cold front during competition, and the Mississippi River essentially became a brand-new venue for most of the field.

Slow & steady swim jig gets big win! (Photo FLW)

When it was all over, though, Deale, Md. pro and Potomac River wizard Bryan Schmitt channeled his river experience into an impressive 61-pound, 6-ounce four-day total to win the FLW Tour presented by Evinrude on the Mississippi River. Schmitt beat back a challenge from talented Tour rookie Josh Weaver, who finished second with 58-11, and three-time Angler of the Year Andy Morgan, to take his first FLW tour victory, $125,400, and a huge amount of momentum going into next month’s season finale on Schmitt’s home water.
 “To win feels really good,” Schmitt says. “I’ve wanted this for a long time. I’m a big believer in momentum and I’m fishing really well right now, so I’m ready to get to the next event on my home waters on the Potomac and see what happens.”