McDunn and Boland’s winning strategy involved adapting to the changing conditions on the fly. Initially casting for their catches, the team noticed baitfish congregating in deeper waters. Making a crucial adjustment, they switched to trolling smaller shad and crappie-style baits around the baitfish and bottom structures. By working their baits precisely at the 12-foot depth mark, they managed to land a 39-inch and a 38.25-inch musky. The 39-inch catch proved to be the difference-maker that secured their victory.
Trolling emerged as the dominant tactic for the weekend, with approximately 70% of the top 10 teams relying heavily on this method. The low water levels forced the muskies off obvious shallow cover, requiring anglers to find baitfish schools in deeper water to locate the predatory fish. [1]
Top 5 Finishers at Cave Run Lake
The leaderboard show cased the skill and adaptability of the PMTT’s elite anglers:
Place
Team
Caught
Strategy Highlights
1st
Josh McDunn & Sean Boland
39″, 38.25″
Adjusted from casting to trolling deeper baitfish schools with crankbaits.
2nd
Fred Lederer & Vlad Neko
37.5″, 34″
Trolled Ziggy crankbaits in frog patterns 10 feet down over 25 feet of water.
3rd
Ken Trail & Michael Handlogten
37.25″, 33.25″
Used Hot Tail dive and rise baits worked aggressively in deeper water.
4th
Paul Frautschi & Tom Bayer
34.5″, 34.5″
Trolled main lake points and brush consistently in 12 feet of water.
5th
Keith Strasser & Kevin Strasser
40.25″ (Day 1 Big Fish)
Trolled after locating bait sliding deeper off flats and wood.
Special Awards and Bonuses
The event also featured several special awards and bonuses, highlighting the PMTT’s commitment to rewarding its anglers:
•Recon Boats Winner Bonus: Josh McDunn & Sean Boland – $1,000
•Recon Boats 1st Fish on the Board Bonus: Alec & Dan Germann $500 (Day 1), Ken Trail & Michael Handlogten $500 (Day 2)
•Day 1 Big Fish: Keith & Kevin Strasser $500 (40.25″)
•Day 2 Big Fish: Tom Steinbarth & Matt Benson $500 (40.25″)
*Thorne Bros Bonus – Top 10 teams $100 gift card each.
•TTAP Bonus Team: Fred Lederer & Vlad Neko
•TTAP Bonus Fish: Keith & Kevin Strasser (40.25″)
PMTT Tournament Director, Tim Widlacki, acknowledged the Trail’s deep appreciation to their many outstanding sponsors for both their continuing support and the important part they have played and are playing now in our growth over the past 27 years as America’s 1st and only, truly national, Professional Musky Circuit. Leading the way with new, challenging, and innovative formats on some of the country’s top musky fishing destinations; Highlighting freshwater’s most elusive and challenging fish and the fast-growing community of extreme adventure anglers who give her chase. Special thanks to VitaWorks and to the Host Site Sponsors, Morehead – Rowan County Tourism. And to all the trails sponsors, without whose help this memorable year will not have been possible: RECON BOATS, MERCURY MARINE, THRONE BROS, THREE LAKES AREA VISITORS BUREAU, VACATION OKOBOJI, LAKE OF THE WOODS MINNESOTA, JERRY’S RESTAUTART & BAR, LAKE OKOBOJI RESORT and our entire family of Contributing & Associate Sponsors. Please let them all know how much you appreciate what they do whenever you get the chance by returning their support when you can… they are a vital part of our growing PMTT Family
Looking Ahead to the Summer Challenge
The PMTT now sets its sights on the Q2 Mercury Marine Summer Challenge, Hosted by the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau. This next qualifier will take place on the Three Lakes and Eagle River Chain of Lakes in Wisconsin on June 27th and 28th, 2026.
For more information on the Professional Musky Tournament Trail, complete tournament results, or to sign up for future events, please visit www.promusky.com