Lake of the Woods was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, August 17, 2024, as 155 Warrior Boats took to the water for the 9th annual David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout. With two-angler teams aboard each boat, it was a day full of competitive spirit, camaraderie, and incredible fishing. The event, held in memory of David A. Andersen, has grown into one of the premier walleye fishing tournaments, drawing skilled anglers from across the region to Lake of the Woods—often hailed as the Walleye Capital of the World.
This year’s tournament didn’t disappoint. Conditions were favorable, and the anglers came ready to compete. But when it was all said and done, one team rose above the rest with an impressive performance that had everyone talking.
A Day of Fishing Excellence
As the teams launched their Warrior Boats and set out to various spots on the lake, the focus was on finding and landing the biggest walleyes possible. Teams were allowed to weigh in five fish, and it quickly became clear that the lake was producing some serious trophies.
Over the course of the day, anglers used a variety of tactics, from trolling crankbaits, pulling spinners and crawlers, live bait rigs, and other presentations all in pursuit of their five fish limit. It was a battle of both skill and strategy, as teams navigated the lake, adjusted to the conditions, and worked together to bring in the biggest walleyes they could find.
As the weigh-in progressed and numbers started to come in, there was no doubt that this year’s tournament had produced some extraordinary results. The top teams brought in some eye-popping weights, showcasing the incredible walleye fishery that Lake of the Woods continues to be.
The tournament uses the AIM Pro Walleye format of CRR, Catch, Record, Release. No fish were put in livewells or brought into the scales, but rather, images of them were.
The Winning Team: Heath Hagedorn and Chris Messerschmidt
Hagedorn and Messerschmidt’s win was the result of a day filled with precision, skill, and persistence. They worked together seamlessly, making all the right decisions on the water to find and land those monster walleyes. Their incredible performance earned them not only the top spot on the leaderboard but also the admiration and respect of their fellow competitors.
A Growing Legacy
The 9th annual David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout is much more than just a fishing tournament; it’s an event that brings people together to celebrate the legacy of David A. Andersen and to enjoy the world-class walleye fishing that Lake of the Woods has to offer. Over the years, the tournament has grown, attracting more anglers and sponsors, all while maintaining its focus on community, sportsmanship, and the love of fishing.
The tournament is also a testament to the strength of the Warrior Boat community. With 155 Warrior Boats on the water, it was a powerful display of loyalty and dedication to the brand. The tournament has become a signature event for the Warrior Boat Company, highlighting the high-performance fishing boats that so many anglers rely on to get them to the fish and back safely.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The success of the 2024 David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the many participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event such a memorable one. From the anglers who spent hours preparing for the tournament to the families who came to cheer them on, the sense of community was palpable throughout the weekend.
Mark and Tina Armstrong of Wigwam Resort were once again the hosts of this impressive annual event.
A special thank you goes out to everyone who traveled to Lake of the Woods to be a part of this incredible event. Whether you were a competitor, a spectator, or part of the support team, your presence made this year’s tournament one for the books.
As the sun set on another successful year of the David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout, plans are already underway for next year’s event. The tournament continues to grow in popularity and prestige, solidifying its place as one of the top walleye tournaments in the region.
Until then, congratulations once again to Heath Hagedorn and Chris Messerschmidt for their remarkable win, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s shootout such a tremendous success. We look forward to seeing you again next year on the beautiful waters of Lake of the Woods!
