Now that the waves’ spray has dissipated on the Lake Erie Walleye Trail tournament for this season, the competitors and all comers move on to landing that once-in-a-lifetime fish to gain the spoils in the annual Walleye Fall Brawl.

With 11,000 entered, it aims to be another slug-out until the final bell rings 12:01 p.m. Nov. 30. The 11,000 is “a handful less than last year ... maybe 50 or so,” said Jason Fischer, LEWT and Fall Brawl director.

Meanwhile, a legend and multiple-time champion of the LEWT circuit, including for 2025, Gary Zart, 58, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, will call it good with another Team of the Year title with his son Nicholas.

“Going out on top is a dream come true,” he said. “Doing it with my son makes it all the more special. He’s been with me on the boat since he w

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