#United States #La Crosse #Bassmaster Elite #Mississippi River #Pat Schlapper

Local Fishing Hero: Pat Schlapper's Bassmaster Elite Victory at the Mississippi River

The buzz surrounding the recent Bassmaster Elite tournament at the Upper Mississippi River is palpable, especially for local angler Pat Schlapper of Eleva, Wisconsin. Known for his deep understanding of the river's dynamics, Schlapper emerged victorious, amassing an impressive total of 66 pounds, 5 ounces over four days of competition. This win not only adds another trophy to his collection but showcases how local expertise can lead to significant success in competitive fishing.

A Winning Strategy

Schlapper’s performance was anything but accidental. Since the beginning of the season, he has invested countless hours familiarizing himself with the ever-changing conditions of the Mississippi River. "This one's so sweet, it means a lot to me," he stated, reflecting on the hard work and dedication that led to his triumph. With a strategy fine-tuned for the unique challenges posed by fluctuating water levels and varying weather conditions, Schlapper navigated the course with remarkable skill.

During the preliminaries, his standings fluctuated but ultimately remained strong. On the first day, he secured a fourth-place finish with a weight of 18-8, advancing to third by Day 2 with a bag weighing 15-4. Staying focused and adaptable, Schlapper maintained his third position leading into the semifinals, achieving a limit of 14-2. On Championship Sunday, he clinched victory with a final weigh-in of 18-7, marking the heaviest winning weight recorded in a Bassmaster Elite event on this river.

The Power of Local Knowledge

Schlapper’s advantage stemmed from a detailed local game plan. He opted to lock up to Pool 7—a decision he believed many competitors might shy away from due to potential time constraints. His familiarity with this area allowed him to effectively target vast expanses of eel grass, using his favorite techniques involving Big Bite Baits Jerk Minnow and Spro Bronzeye Frog for schooling fish. In contrast, Pool 8 became the venue for his primary catches during the tournament.

"I know Pool 7 better and I figured with the Classic qualification and a lot on the line, a lot of people wouldn't lock," Schlapper explained. His intuition and previous experiences paid off, as he successfully navigated through the dense vegetation and targeted specific structures in the water.

Battling Great Competition

Schlapper faced fierce competition from other top anglers, including fellow Wisconsin pro Caleb Kuphall, who ultimately finished in second place with a total of 63-9. Kuphall's strategy involved targeting undercut banks, and he relied on a time-tested technique learned over two decades of fishing. Despite leading for most of the tournament, he remarked on how the pressure intensified towards the end.

The complete stakes of the competition became clear when Schlapper's catch evolved from potential threats during fishing to moments of triumph as he reeled in key fish weighing over 4 pounds, including the day’s largest bass at 4-5. This decisive performance fortifies Schlapper’s reputation as a formidable angler on the Bassmaster circuit.

Looking Ahead

As Schlapper celebrates this victory, the road ahead remains bright. His triumph at the Mississippi River not only comes with a cash prize of $101,000 but also earns him an invite to the prestigious 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic. This victory echoes the importance of local knowledge in competitive fishing, proving that understanding one’s environment can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

In a sport where surprises abound, Schlapper emphasized the beauty of fishing on the Mississippi River, expressing his hope to return for future tournaments. The local waterways, with their rich ecology and dynamic environments, have proven a fertile ground for his talents, and the fishing community eagerly anticipates his next moves.