Hoyer in Second, Debernardi Sits Third
Day-1 Story Presented by Garmin
La Crosse, WI (May 22nd, 2025) – For the second stop of the 2025 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive, many of the top professional walleye anglers in the nation are competing on the Mississippi River this week out of La Crosse, WI. The event has drawn some of the nation’s top anglers, all vying for supremacy on this storied fishery.
The Mississippi River, known for its dynamic currents, community holes and hidden hotspots, set the stage for an unforgettable first day of competition at the National Walleye Tour (NWT) Stop #2.
With perfect weather conditions and a highly competitive field, the Mississippi River proved to be both challenging and rewarding as anglers maneuvered through its diverse terrain. Ranger Boats Pro Bill Shimota’s skills and keen understanding of the fishery set him apart early in the event, showcasing the importance of preparation, adaptability, and a bit of luck to excel in such a prestigious event with a five fish limit weighing in at 19-05.
“Today everything just fell into place for me”, said the Minnesota angler. “I was able to have a good boat number which allowed me to get to my primary hole that I found consistency in during practice. I was fortunate for that, because on a fishery like this against these guys, everything is going to get found”.
Bill reported that he and his Co-Angler caught multiple keepers today, and threw back multiple overs, but sticking to his guns and trusting his gut, he kept the right over walleyes that helped propel their bag to just shy of 20-pounds.
“Tomorrow will go right, if I can get back on my primary spots. I have a higher boat number tomorrow but if I get my chance to crack on them, things will go our way I believe.
Rest of the Top-10:
2.) John Hoyer 18-10
3.) JJ Debernardi 17-10
4.) Duane Hjelm 16-13
5.) Mark Begotka 16-12
6.) David Landsteiner 16-12
7.) Chris Berglund 16-07
8.) Dylan Nussbaum 16-01
9.) Drake Herd 15-14
10.) Tommy Kemos 15-03
Full Pro-Angler results here: https://outdoorteamworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-NWT-La-Crosse-WI-Day-1-Standings-Pro-Only.pdf
Leading the Co-Angler side is Green Bay, WI angler Joel Nickel with 19-05
Full Co-Anglers result here: https://outdoorteamworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-NWT-La-Crosse-WI-Day-1-Standings-Pro-Only.pdf
2025 National Walleye Tour Schedule:
● April 24-25 Pierre, SD Lake Sharpe
● May 22-23 La Crosse, WI Mississippi River
● July 10-11 Alpena, MI Lake Huron
● August 7-8 Dunkirk, NY Lake Erie
● September 3-5 Marinette, WI Bay of Green Bay
For more information on the National Walleye Tour, including the 2025 tournament schedule, fact sheets, photos, and official tournament results from past events, visit nationalwalleyetour.com. Subscribing to the NWT e-newsletter is the best way to receive up-to-date information, registration announcements, sponsor incentives, and Outdoor TeamWorks news.
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About National Walleye Tour
National Walleye Tour (NWT) is part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For live updates and information, follow NWT on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nationalwalleyetour.comto catch up on all the action.