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 BROOKLYN, Mich. – Area angler Zach Bivins just smiled when it was announced last February that the Midwest Open Ice Fishing tournament would be held at Devils Lake in 2016.

“We love that lake,” Bivins said with a big grin on his face.

That grin may have disappeared last Friday when it was announced that the 2016 tournament would be moved to Wamplers Lake because of poor ice conditions at Devils Lake.

“Wamplers Lake is safe enough already and should be ready for the Jan. 31 event,” tournament director Tom Knutson of Knutson’s Recreation said. “We had 4 inches of ice last week.”

Knutson said Wamplers Lake – unlike Devils Lake – is in a bowl and it is round in shape.

“Wamplers does not have a lot of points that can separate with warm temperatures,” Knutson said. “The wind lays in a bowl and helps it freeze.”

Last year Steve and Brian Romsek of the Grand Rapids area took home the top prize of $20,100 by catching 5.36 pounds of crappies and bluegills.

Zach and Isaac Bivins finished second with 5.29 pounds to earn $3,500. It was their first big check in the event.

“I fished the tournament as an individual when it began,” Zach said last year after the runner-up spot. “I started fishing with my brother when it became a team tournament.

“We fished flawlessly and didn’t screw up . . . we just didn’t find any big fish.”

They still could be considered top contenders for a big check. The tournament invites the top 20 two-man teams back, plus any former championship teams. There are also qualifying tournaments and entries set aside for anglers from New York to North Dakota.

The field consists of 150 two-man teams with a total payout – for prize money and merchandise – of more than $35,000.

“The fishermen have been very patient waiting for any announcements on the tournament,” Knutson said. “With the change of venue, nobody has a leg up going into the 2016 tournament.”

Knutson said a number of teams pre-fished Devils Lake this past summer. There has been little ice fishing in the area until recently. Temperatures are expected to dip near zero the next few nights.

“Guys who have fished in the tournament before, know Wamplers Lake,” Knutson said. “We were just there two years ago.

“This was our only option as the other lakes have a good chance of opening up.”

 

2016 Midwest Open Ice Fishing tournament

 

When: Sunday, Jan. 31

 

Where: Wamplers Lake from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Be a part of it: See the weigh-in Sunday, Jan. 31, beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Columbia Central High School, 11775 Hewitt Road, Brooklyn.

 

Returning champions: Steve and Brian Romsek of the Grand Rapids area

 

Top prize: $20,100 to the top two-man team

 

For more information on the 2017 Midwest Open Ice Fishing tournament: www.midwestopentournament.com

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