Green Bay lived up to its reputation as one of North America’s premier walleye fisheries on Day One of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive. Anglers brought impressive catches to the scales as the race for the Green Bay title and the Progressive Angler of the Year crown intensified heading into Championship Day.
By the end of weigh-in, Randy Topper claimed the Day One lead, while Rapala Pro Duane Hjelm and Tom Huynh positioned themselves within striking distance. With one day remaining, nothing is settled as anglers prepare for a final push on Championship Day.
Randy Topper Takes the Day One Lead
Duane Hjelm sits in second, Tom Huynh is third, and Kristin Meyers leads the co-angler division heading into Championship Day.
Randy Topper sits atop the leaderboard after bringing 49 pounds, 4 ounces to the scales on Day One of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive at Green Bay. Topper’s impressive catch gives him the overnight lead heading into Championship Day, but a talented group of anglers remains within striking distance.
Holding second place is Rapala Pro Duane Hjelm with 45 pounds, 14 ounces, while Tom Huynh rounds out the top three with 44 pounds, 5 ounces. Both anglers remain firmly in contention and will look to make a move when competition resumes tomorrow.
In the co-angler division, Kristin Meyers leads the field after weighing 49 pounds, 4 ounces, putting herself in a strong position entering the final day of competition.
Progressive Angler of the Year Race
The Progressive Angler of the Year race continues to be one of the biggest storylines of the season.
Entering Day One, just a single point separated Ranger Pro Eric McQuoid and Beau Schilling in the AOY standings. After the first day of competition on Green Bay, McQuoid has expanded that advantage to 10 points heading into Championship Day.
With one day of competition remaining, every position on the leaderboard carries significant implications as anglers continue their pursuit of the year’s most prestigious season-long title.
Fans Followed the Action Live
Fans were able to experience the action throughout the day with LIVE coverage from Green Bay.
Coverage included the morning takeoff as anglers launched for Day One competition, followed by LIVE on-the-water coverage featuring Ranger Pro Eric McQuoid and Rapala Pro Duane Hjelm. The broadcasts provided an inside look into tournament strategy, fish catches, and the decisions competitors faced while targeting Green Bay walleyes.
Championship Day Begins Tomorrow
Championship Day begins Friday morning as anglers return to Green Bay for one final day of competition.
Fans can once again watch the LIVE takeoff before following on-the-water coverage throughout the day. Be sure to tune in for the Championship Day weigh-in to see who captures the Green Bay title and how the Progressive Angler of the Year race takes shape heading toward the season finale.
Thank You Oconto County Tourism & City of Oconto
A huge THANK YOU to Oconto County Tourism, the City of Oconto, local businesses, volunteers, and community partners for serving as the host of this week’s event.
Your support and hospitality help make this tournament possible and create an incredible experience for anglers, families, and fans.
From registration and the rules meeting through daily takeoffs and weigh-ins, Oconto continues to showcase why Green Bay is considered one of the premier walleye fisheries in North America.
We appreciate everything the Oconto community does to welcome the National Walleye Tour and look forward to an exciting Championship Day on Green Bay.
