Walleye tourney under way on Missouri River

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Wisconsin pro angler Todd Riley has the early lead in the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour Championship.

The four-day tournament that began Thursday is being held on the Missouri River in North Dakota, with daily weigh-ins at the Bismarck Civic Center.

Riley, of Amery, Wis., and amateur partner Jimmy Cox of Bono, Ark., brought in five walleyes weighing 23 pounds, 4 ounces the first day, for a lead of more than 7 pounds. Pros and amateurs are randomly paired each day and fish for a combined boat weight. Pros compete against other pros, and amateurs compete against other amateurs.

The tournament features more than 100 competitors from 16 states and Canada. It will award as much as $150,000 cash to the winning professional.

Last year, Iowa pro angler Tommy Skarlis took a first-day lead and held on to win the title.