Takasaki Takes First Place on the Mississippi

For Immediate Release

Consistency is Key to Red Wing Success

Brainerd, Minn., May 11, 2009 – When Ted Takasaki went to the scales on Day 4 of the FLW event at Red Wing, Minnesota, he knew that he had done all he could. "My goal was to go out and catch 20 pounds again, and that's pretty much what I did," says Takasaki of his performance. He won the tournament with a combined four-day weight of 93.31 pounds.

Following two identical bags of 21.63 pounds on days 1 and 2, Ted brought nearly 30 pounds to the scales on Day 3 and entered the final day with a commanding lead over the rest of the field. His 20 pound, 11 ounce performance on Day 4 sealed the deal with nearly 15 pounds to spare.

Using the same trolling technique that earned him a second place finish in the previous FLW event on Lake Erie, Takasaki made sure to have a limit of fish each day. However, his biggest fish were taken with live bait. "My five big fish all came on a bottom bouncer and a Floating Lindy rig with an orange float," says Takasaki. Big fish is right – two four-pounders, two seven-pounders and an 11-pound giant were the kickers he needed to turn a consistent performance into a winning one.

The tournament allowed anglers to bring in eight fish and weigh the best five. So, even though culling was not allowed, Ted was able to catch a limit of decent fish before going hunting for the big bite. The extra confidence of having fish in the box with three to spare allowed him the patience to find the fish he needed.