Big payouts, big bags, and a dominant start to the season.
MONROE, Mich. (April 9, 2026) — Stop 1 of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive is in the books, with Lake Erie delivering big weights despite challenging conditions.
Pro Division Champion: Austin Tomasek
Total Weight: 86 lb. 9 oz.
Austin Tomasek put together the most consistent two-day performance of the event, separating himself from the field with nearly an 8-pound margin over second place. With that win, Tomasek takes home:
● $15,000 cash
● A brand new Ranger 620FS PRO powered by a 250 XL Pro XS FourStroke Mercury
● $500 Garmin contingency bonus for running a Garmin Force® Kraken trolling motor
Tomasek’s ability to stay dialed in across changing conditions proved to be the difference maker in a stacked field.
Tomasek on his win: “I came into this event really confident. All week in practice we were on big fish, just staying on them and making sure they didn’t move. Honestly, 80 pounds felt very doable, so I’m not surprised by the weight — but to get it done here, close to home, with family around… it’s a dream come true.”
2nd Place: Dylan Nussbaum
Total Weight: 78 lb. 10 oz.
Dylan Nussbaum made one of the biggest moves of the tournament, jumping from deep in the standings into second place with a massive final-day bag.
Nussbaum also earned:
● $21,000 total payout
● $500 Garmin contingency bonus for running all Garmin electronics
Nussbaum on his comeback: “I came into today sitting way back and honestly just decided to go fishing. First fish was an 8.5, then a 9.5 ten minutes later — it just kept going. To go from 40th to second like that, you really can’t ask for anything more.”
On his Garmin setup: “My Garmin electronics were everything today. Running that LVS34 out at 60 feet in shallow water let me see everything — even watching fish come up and hit the bait. In that muddy water, you had to be perfect, and that setup made all the difference.”
3rd Place: Chad Schilling
Total Weight: 77 lb. 10 oz.
Chad Schilling stayed consistent across both days to secure a third-place finish, battling through one of the toughest weather weeks leading into the event.
Schilling takes home:
● $16,000 in winnings
Schilling on the week: “It was a brutal week of weather — tornadoes, snow, wind — but it finally paid us back today. After getting a solid start yesterday, I was able to stay relaxed and just hunt for the right fish. Honestly, just thankful to put it all together after how tough it started.”
Co-Angler Champion: David Yoder
Total Weight: 78 lb. 1 oz.
On the co-angler side, David Yoder leaned on adaptability and teamwork to secure the win, making the most of every opportunity throughout the event.
Yoder earned:
● $10,000 in winnings
Yoder on his experience: “We covered a lot of water and my pro, Dan Harper, did an incredible job putting us on fish. I learned a ton out there — running LiveScope, fishing different areas — it was just a great experience all around. Honestly, I came out for a good time, and that’s exactly what it turned into.”
Thank You, Explore Monroe
A special thank you to Explore Monroe for hosting Stop 1 of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive.
From launch to weigh-in, Monroe proved to be the perfect stage for the season opener. Set on the legendary waters of Lake Erie, the region delivered not only incredible fishing, but also a welcoming atmosphere for anglers, families, and fans throughout the week.
Beyond the tournament, Monroe showcased everything that makes it a premier destination. From waterfront views to local restaurants, shops, and attractions, the community played a key role in creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Final Takeaway
Stop 1 of the National Walleye Tour delivered exactly what anglers expect from Lake Erie: tough conditions, big rewards, and standout performances. From Tomasek’s dominant win to Nussbaum’s massive comeback and Yoder’s co-angler victory, the season is off to a strong start with plenty of momentum heading into the next stop.
Anglers looking to carry that momentum forward can now turn their attention to Stop 2 in Mobridge, South Dakota, set for May 20–21 on Lake Oahe. With another premier fishery on deck and the season just getting underway, now is the time to get registered and be part of the action as the National Walleye Tour heads west.