LEWT Lorain Pro-Am ~ June 6, 2026 RECAP
The Lake Erie Walleye Trail returned to Lorain on June 6th (delayed until June 7th) for one of the most anticipated events of the season, and once again the LEWT Lorain Pro-Am delivered. After the unfortunate cancellation of the 2025 event, anglers were excited to get back to one of the trail’s premier destinations, and Lorain did not disappoint.
A total of 63 Pro teams and 22 Amateur anglers launched under favorable early June conditions, producing outstanding catches throughout the field. The event showcased just how healthy Lake Erie’s western and central basins continue to be, with anglers weighing an impressive 250 walleyes totaling 1,432.49 pounds in the Pro Division alone.
The tournament quickly turned into a heavyweight battle at the top of the leaderboard. When the scales settled, Nicholas Zart and William Dudas Jr. claimed the Lorain Pro-Am Championship with an incredible 39.90# limit, anchored by the tournament’s second-largest fish at 9.17#. The victory earned the team $15,320 and valuable Team of the Year points.
Finishing just behind the champions was the always-dangerous team of Nick and Ed Oleksy, who brought 38.83# to the scales, while Rande Woodland and Chris Ross rounded out the podium with 38.41#. Woodland and Ross also captured Big Fish honors with a massive 9.70# walleye, the largest fish weighed during the event.
One of the biggest storylines developing on the 2026 LEWT season continues to be the consistency of Nicholas Zart and Nick Oleksy. Both anglers have established themselves as some of the most effective forward-facing sonar fishermen on Lake Erie, and their commitment to mastering the technology continues to show in the results. Whether targeting suspended fish, identifying quality individual walleyes, or making critical adjustments throughout the day, both teams have become incredibly difficult to beat.
Tournament after tournament, Zart and Oleksy continue to find themselves near the top of the leaderboard. Their success is no accident. Countless hours on the water, relentless preparation, and a dedication to understanding fish behavior through modern electronics have allowed them to consistently put themselves in contention.
As the Team of the Year race progresses, both anglers are proving that they are not simply capable of winning events—they are becoming the benchmark that the rest of the field is chasing. When either team is within striking distance heading into weigh-in, the entire field knows they are a threat to take home the trophy.
Another impressive story from the Lorain Pro-Am came from Rande Woodland and Chris Ross, who made the trip down from Michigan to fish their first-ever Lake Erie Walleye Trail event. Competing against one of the most talented fields in LEWT history, the duo wasted little time proving they belonged, bringing an impressive 38.41# limit to the scales and securing a third-place finish.
Their day was highlighted by the tournament’s Big Fish, a giant 9.70# walleye, the largest fish weighed during the event. After experiencing the competition, camaraderie, and atmosphere that make LEWT special, Woodland and Ross made it clear they thoroughly enjoyed their time in Lorain and plan on returning for more action in the future.
Doughty Continues Building Momentum
Another feel-good story from the event belonged to Shane Doughty and Jim Leigh, who earned their first Lake Erie Walleye Trail payday with a fourth-place finish and 38.33#. For Doughty, the check represented another milestone in what has been an impressive stretch of tournament success.
Just weeks earlier, he cashed a check fishing the National Walleye Tour in South Dakota, making Lorain his second consecutive tournament payday. As he continues to gain experience and confidence competing against elite-level anglers, Doughty is steadily building momentum on his journey toward becoming a professional tournament angler.
Consistency at the Top
Tournament fishing is often defined not by a single great finish, but by the ability to consistently perform against the best competition.
That consistency has been on full display from Tyler Berthold and Devon Phillips, Mike Miller and Bryan Fisher, Brett Gilbertson, and Dan Harper and Craig Wood, all of whom have now cashed checks in consecutive LEWT events this season.
What makes their success particularly impressive is the style of fishing many of these anglers have embraced.
Casting to individual walleyes using forward-facing sonar has become one of the most effective — and demanding — techniques on Lake Erie. Success requires countless hours on the water, patience, confidence in electronics, and the discipline to trust what you’re seeing on the screen.
This group has demonstrated that commitment throughout the season, repeatedly putting themselves near the top of the leaderboard and proving that casting for walleyes is becoming an increasingly dangerous technique in tournament competition.
Persistence Pays Off for Defibaugh and Shipman
For Mike Defibaugh and Mitch Shipman, the Lorain Pro-Am was a rewarding breakthrough after battling through a few frustrating setbacks earlier in the season. Long known as accomplished “old-school” casters, the pair finally broke through and found themselves in the money with a ninth-place finish and 35.79#.
According to Defibaugh, the team’s strategy was built around blending traditional and modern techniques. They used Off Shore Tackle planer boards to efficiently cover water and locate active schools of walleyes before transitioning to forward-facing sonar to target and catch larger individual fish. By combining proven trolling tactics with today’s advanced electronics, the duo was able to capitalize on aggressive fish while upgrading throughout the day.
For Defibaugh and Shipman, the check was a welcome reward for their persistence and a reminder that experience, adaptability, and confidence can still compete with any approach on Lake Erie.
The Top 9 paid positions in the Pro Division were:
Nicholas Zart / William Dudas Jr. – 39.90#
Nick Oleksy / Ed Oleksy – 38.83#
Rande Woodland / Chris Ross – 38.41#
Shane Doughty / Jim Leigh – 38.33#
Tyler Berthold / Devon Phillips – 37.27#
Mike Miller / Bryan Fisher – 37.04#
Brett Gilbertson – 36.12#
Dan Harper / Craig Wood – 35.85#
Mike Defibaugh / Mitch Shipman – 35.79#
The Amateur Division also produced outstanding catches. Steven Thibert earned the Amateur Division victory with 37.04#, narrowly edging out Jason Howell with 36.12# and Zaiden Boswell with 35.30#.
The Top 5 Amateur finishers were:
Steven Thibert – 37.04#
Jason Howell – 36.12#
Zaiden Boswell – 35.30#
Gregory Licht – 34.97#
Edward Ray Lattie – 34.95#
While the victory officially belongs to Nicholas Zart and William Dudas Jr., the win carried special significance for Dudas. A longtime competitor on the Lake Erie tournament trail, Bill has spent years competing against some of the best anglers in the region, consistently putting himself in contention and compiling an impressive tournament resume. Despite numerous strong finishes and years of dedication to the sport, a LEWT Championship title had remained just out of reach.
That changed in Lorain.
With the victory, Dudas finally captured his first Lake Erie Walleye Trail Championship, cementing his place among the Trail’s winners and forever etching his name into LEWT history. It was a moment that many fellow competitors were excited to see, recognizing the years of commitment, perseverance, and passion he has invested in competitive walleye fishing.
Following the weigh-in, Dudas reflected on the accomplishment and noted there was only one thing that could have made the moment even more special. He wished he could have shared the victory with his longtime tournament partner and close friend, Mark Wilmot. The two have spent countless hours together chasing walleyes and competing across Lake Erie, making the championship a meaningful milestone not only for Dudas, but for the friendships and partnerships that define the sport.
For Bill Dudas, the Lorain Pro-Am was more than just another tournament victory—it was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and persistence. He now proudly joins the ranks of LEWT Champions.
Overall, the Lorain Pro-Am reaffirmed why it has become one of the most popular stops on the LEWT schedule. From the strong turnout and competitive field to the incredible weights brought to the scales, the event once again showcased the quality of Lake Erie walleye fishing and the passion of the anglers who compete on the trail.
The LEWT would like to thank all of our anglers, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and the City of Lorain for helping make the return of the Lorain Pro-Am such a tremendous success. With Team of the Year races tightening and momentum building through the season, competitors now turn their attention toward the next stop on the 2026 Lake Erie Walleye Trail schedule in Erie, Pa for an open event. Anglers can fish with unlimited anglers and have some fun competing for the same LEWT title everyone is searching for!
Tournament Statistics
Pro Teams: 63
Amateur Anglers: 22
Walleyes Weighed: 250
Total Weight: 1,432.49 lbs
Average Weight per Fish: 5.73 lbs
Average Team Weight: 22.38 lbs
Big Fish: Rande Woodland / Chris Ross – 9.70#
LEWT Huron ~ April 25, 2026 RECAP
Finally, a stretch of stable weather leading up to this event allowed teams to get some quality pre-fishing in. From the Islands all the way to Rocky River, anglers reported fantastic bites and consistent five-fish limits. It wasn’t about finding fish—it was about deciding where your best chance at a 40-pound bag would come from.
As tournament day arrived, conditions flipped. Northeast winds and light rain made for a completely different lake than what anglers had dialed in all week. Despite the change, the walleyes stayed fired up.
By weigh-in, the talk around the scales was simple – the fish were in a frenzy, and the bags were going to be huge.
1st Place – Dillon & Jesse Nussbaum – 43.17# (9.37# BF)
Dillon, a National Walleye Tour pro out of Pennsylvania, teamed up with his dad Jesse to take the win in dominant fashion. Known for fishing sporadic LEWT events but always performing at a high level, this time Dillon sealed the deal with over 43 pounds.
Fishing east of Lorain—stretching the traditional Huron boundaries toward Rocky River—Dillon targeted suspended fish throughout the water column. Casting jigs tipped with Z-Man plastics in the wind, he dialed in a program that produced five fish averaging over 8 pounds.
Beyond the water, Dillon is a tremendous resource on social media for anglers looking to improve boat setup, technique, and overall fishing knowledge. A true class act—and a well-earned win in Huron.
2nd Place – Nick & Ed Oleksy – 39.79# (8.66#)
Nick and Ed continue their tear on the field with another near-40-pound performance. Nick’s mastery of casting and forward-facing sonar continues to separate him from the pack, consistently putting big fish in the boat.
This finish keeps him firmly in the Team of the Year race without needing a substitute. He’s been knocking on the door—a win is coming.
5th Place – Adam Swisher & Ted Webster – 38.82# (8.11# Big Fish)
Traveling all the way from Kansas, this team times their annual Lake Erie trip around spring events. Despite no Masters Walleye Circuit stop in 2026, they made the most of this event – proving just how versatile they are.
A big-time performance from out-of-state anglers competing against a stacked local field.
6th Place – Fred Asbury & Brian Ulmer – 38.64# + 11.07# BIG FISH
Fred Asbury (subbing in) and Brian Ulmer went old-school—and it paid off. Pulling Off Shore boards with weighted crankbaits, they targeted deeper fish and landed the tournament’s Big Fish at 11.07#.
While forward-facing sonar dominates headlines, this was a reminder—trolling still wins on Lake Erie. Their fish were likely feeding on deeper bait, possibly white perch staging near spawning zones.
7th Place – Nicholas Zart & William Dudas Jr. – 38.43# (8.03# BF)
Nicholas Zart continues an unbelievable run, now approaching two full years of consistent top finishes—one of the most reliable teams on the trail.
8th Place – Brett & Sarah Gilbertson – 38.30#
Brett Gilbertson, alongside Sarah, battled through the day with Sarah fighting seasickness but staying tough. It was joked she was “keeping the walleyes company in the livewell” while Brett kept putting fish in the boat. A gritty performance.
9th Place – Francis Ball & Tom Nordyke Sr. – 38.01#
Another team proving trolling still competes at the highest level. Their deep-water crankbait program produced a strong 38-pound bag
10th Place – Ryan Buddie & Jason Kopf – 37.82# (8.48# BF)
Back together after a substitution earlier in the season, this duo continues to cash checks. A mix of old-school knowledge and modern technique makes them dangerous every time they hit the water.
11th Place – Mike Defibaugh & Mitch Shipman – 37.57# (8.44# BF)
Returning to trolling for the first time in a while, Mike and Mitch committed to a transition bite east of Lorain. Pulling boards and grinding through numbers, they put together a strong bag. As Mike joked – he forgot how much work trolling really is.
12th Place – Tyler Berthold & Devon Phillips – 36.87# (8.10# BF)
Thinking outside the box paid off. Fishing near the mouth of the Huron River after heavy rain, this team stayed close and trusted their pattern. Using barely a gallon of gas all weekend, they turned a local gamble into a check-cashing finish. Smart, efficient, and well executed.
Event Stats
62 Teams
285 Fish Weighed (100% Release)
Total Weight: 1,748.34#
Avg Fish: 6.13#
Avg Team Weight: 27.75#
Next Stop – Lorain Pro-Am (June 6th, 2026)
The Lake Erie Walleye Trail heads to Lorain for a Pro-Am format event, pairing amateur anglers with LEWT teams for a unique on-the-water experience. Amateurs will get a firsthand look at how the pros break down Lake Erie, while still competing for their own prizes. LEWT teams will continue under standard rules, competing for full payouts.
Bays Edge Cast & Jig OPEN
April 11, 2026 RECAP
Cold temperatures, bright sunshine, and a steady northeast wind set the stage for the Bays Edge Jigging Open on Saturday, April 11th. While the air had a bite to it, the conditions made for a great day on Lake Erie—despite a consistent NE chop that kept anglers on their toes.
A strong field of 43 teams launched in search of early-season walleye, and the results showed just how productive the western basin bite has become.
Taking top honors was Nicholas Zart, alongside teammate Joe Nadzam and son Drew Nadzam, who put together an impressive 39.99# limit to secure the win over a stacked field. Zart’s winning approach centered around efficiency, fish management, and trusting his electronics.
Utilizing Berkley Lab Series scented baits (set to be released May 5th), Zart and his crew focused on targeting suspended walleyes and worked through large numbers of quality fish throughout the day. Their strategy was a true “numbers game” approach, consistently catching fish in the 6–7 pound class and upgrading as the day progressed. Zart and his crew caught countless fish, culling multiple times to build their final leading bag.
A major factor in their success was how they used their electronics: Lowrance 2D sonar was used while on the move to locate active fish and mark key waypoints. They would then circle back and target those fish precisely using forward-facing sonar. This system allowed them to stay efficient, avoid wasted time, and maximize opportunities on high-percentage fish.
The combination of locating, marking, and then executing on individual fish ultimately proved to be the difference maker.
Forward-facing sonar once again proved to be a major factor, with many teams utilizing Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 paired with Summit Fishing Equipment shuttles to maximize efficiency across multiple anglers on board. The dominant technique throughout the day was casting and pitching jigs tipped with Berkley Lab Edition plastics around reef complexes and island areas.
One of the most notable approaches of the day came from Brett Gilbertson and teammate Damon Gohlke, who dialed in a textbook early-season pattern by specifically targeting pre-spawn females holding tight to the bottom.
Gilbertson made the run toward the reef complexes, focusing his efforts on isolated fish he identified using forward-facing sonar. Rather than fishing blindly through schools, he was selectively casting jigs at individual fish, carefully choosing marks that he believed were larger, pre-spawn females staging on structure. By staying disciplined and targeting bottom-oriented fish in key areas, Gilbertson was able to capitalize on quality bites—showing just how effective a precision casting approach with forward-facing sonar can be this time of year on Lake Erie.
Another strong pattern came from Nick Oleksy, Ed Oleksy, and Arthur Bailey, who focused their efforts around the “cans” (firing range area) targeting staging fish in a slightly different way.
Using Berkley Lab Series scented baits in combination with forward-facing sonar, the team was able to identify and pick off individual walleyes as they staged to spawn. Instead of keying strictly on bottom fish, Alexi and his crew noticed a number of quality fish sitting higher in the water column.
Adapting to what they were seeing, they began targeting these suspended marks—resulting in three of their five weigh fish coming roughly 5 feet off bottom. Their ability to adjust and capitalize on these higher fish proved critical and showcased just how important real-time sonar interpretation has become on today’s Lake Erie.
The bite was nothing short of incredible—every team that weighed in brought a 5-fish limit to the scales, showcasing just how strong the fishery is right now.
Top 11 Results
- Nicholas Zart / Joe Nadhum / Drew Nadzam – 39.99#
- Double G’s – Brett – 39.78#
- Nicholas Oleksy – 39.54#
- Nine Inch Males – Mike Miller – 37.99#
- Lyle Miller – 37.83#
- Team Trumbull – Marty Detwiler – 36.60#
- Tyler Reeds / Devin Dramine / Devon Phillips – 36.44#
- D’s Boys – Devlin McDaniel – 36.33#
- Jayden Wendel – 36.30#
- James Rieker / John Halasz – 36.04#
- Wooster Buildings – Robert Hustetler – 34.86#
The event paid out over $17,000 to the top 9, with an additional $700 bonus from Bays Edge awarded to 10th & 11th place finishers.
Big Fish Highlights
- Jim Taggart / Joe Boone – 10.08# ($720)
- Jayden Wendel – 10.04#
- Aden Yoder – 9.97#
- D’s Boys – Devlin McDaniel – 9.21#
- Lyle Miller – 9.01#
A HUGE THANK YOU to Bays Edge Bait & Tackle for hosting another outstanding event. From a fully stocked bait shop to comfortable condo rentals, Bays Edge continues to be a go-to destination for anglers fishing the western basin.
Next Stop: Huron, Ohio ~ April 25, 2026
The Quality Mark Inc. Lake Erie Walleye Trail is back in action in 2026!
Getting in the spring Magee Event is always a challenge. However, the venue, staff, and kick-off event atmosphere is always second to none. Ted Thomas and his crew go all out for the LEWT and have for years making Magee the standard for the first event of the season.
Magee East Recap ~ March 21, 2026
Top 10 Recap
Nick Oleksy and his father Ed captured their first LEWT victory, taking home $16,060. The duo targeted stained water near the “cans” (firing range area), vertically jigging Berkley swimbaits and Berkley Finishers. With over 60 boats in the field, they secured the Vic’s Sports Center Ranger Cup Bonus for $8,000.
Tyler and Devon committed to an eastward run, finding success east of Kelleys Island. Using Summit Shuttles and dragging jigs, they dialed in the right class of fish and narrowly missed the win, earning $4,060.
A new partnership in 2026, Zart and Dudas proved they’re contenders. Targeting stained water with FFS and plastics, the duo showed strong chemistry and consistency right out of the gate setting 2026 up for another strong team of the year run!
5th Place – Craig Schmitt & Richard Wilkes – 35.46#
Traveling from Kansas, Schmitt and Wilkes made the trip count. Casting plastics with FFS, they secured a solid payday and helped offset their travel—we hope to see them back again soon!
6th Place – Joe Gibson & Christina Henry – 35.42#
The first team trolling to crack the top 10, Gibson and Henry worked offshore boards and stickbaits east of the islands. A great start to their new partnership and strong Team of the Year positioning.
7th Place – Marvin Marner & Paul Glancy – 35.37#
A 10.03# kicker anchored their bag. While they looked to improve overall average, that big fish made the difference in a strong finish. Marvin and Glancy are proving to be annual contenders and keep the top 10 streak alive.
8th Place – Dave Hamilton & Troy Braun – 34.46#
A big milestone for this team—their first LEWT check. After grinding against top competition, they broke through with a strong finish.
9th Place – Mike Defebaugh & Mitch Shipman – 32.79#
Two well-known names teamed up and showed immediate promise. With their track record, this is a team to watch as the season progresses. There is no doubt they will be making a run at top finishes or a team of the year title!
10th Place – Dan Harper & Craig Wood – 32.70#
Consistent as always, this duo once again found their way into the top 10 by targeting stained water and casting to active fish. Dan being a local NWT Pro, fishing with Craig in the LEWT, always find ways to finish strong whether it’s west or east, they adapt and catch fish!
Honorable Mentions – Paid Placers
11th – Mike Miller & Bryan Fisher – 32.49#
12th – Brady Yonkers & Cole Carlson – 32.35#
13th – Robert Scott & Bill Holley – 31.95#
14th – Tim Bock & Mike Ruffo – 31.06#
Event Stats
Teams Fished: 67
Total Fish Weighed: 229
Total Weight: 1,259.13#
Average Weight/Fish: 5.50#
Average Weight/Team: 18.52#
Next Event – Cast & Jig OPEN
Our next stop is the Unlimited Angler Jig and Casting Only “Open” Event on April 11th, hosted by Bays Edge. Team Captains need a LEWT membership, all other guest anglers are free to fish. We’re expecting our biggest jigging and casting field since its inception and it’s shaping up to be an incredible event—don’t miss it!