Team Verdict poses with the first place trophy upon return to Ludington. Pictured (from left to right) front row: Rob Pratcshler and Keith Shisler. Back row: Ryan Hacker, Lance Jambeck, Tim Pratcshler and Jeff Stolz.

To earn its victory over the 48 boat field, the team made a 15 mile run from Manistee south to Big Sable Point each day of the tournament.  The team identified the key pattern to catching the larger salmon while prefishing the area in the days prior to the event.  As is the case many times, it came down to location, location, location as Team Verdict fished on top of the famed "bank" in 50' to 60' of water both days and was able to keep the information secret from the fleet which primarilty targeted deeper depths.

The team has been tirelessly working toward this goal for years and finally had a weekend that included flawless execution along with the requisite amount of luck.  We were pleased to have Keith Shisler (aka Chinookeith), an honorary member of Team Verdict, on board for the weekend.  We were also glad to have our newest addition to the team, Lance Jambeck, aboard as well.  The team would like to thank our families and our sponsors (Traxstech, Yeck Lures, and Educated Angler) for their continued support.  Additionally, many thanks to the crews from Wood Wrocker, Polecat III, Luv Lur and Island Bender who all helped us get the win.