Ultimate Match Fishing Season 4- Outdoor Channel - Friday Nights at 9pm
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David Walker does just enough to advance to the Championship Match with win over Dave Lefebre
In a fascinating display of tournament strategy, FLW pro and defending FLW Series Angler of the Year David Walker did exactly what he needed to do to advance to the UMF Championship Match by defeating fellow FLW angler Dave Lefebre on Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle. With the victory, David Walker is now just one match away from claiming the UMF title belt and the $50,000 grand prize purse.

In a replay of his round one match victory over Scott Martin, Walker decided to pull the plug on Lefebre in the fourth quarter will a narrow lead in the live well and no need to fish any longer.

“It’s Dave Lefebre and it’s Lake Dardanelle” said Walker. “He’s too good and this lake is too full of quality fish to give him man opportunity out of the back of the boat. Plus, I knew that if I could hold on, I could let some of my other spots rest for the championship match.”
“I can’t blame him one single bit” said a dejected Dave Lefebre. “If I’m in his position, I don’t even hesitate to sit him down in the fourth quarter. There’s too much at stake at this stage of the competition and it’s really my fault for getting into this position in the first place. If my fish would have been on, then he has to fish in the fourth quarter to beat me.”

After a slow first half that saw both anglers fish defensively, Lefebre headed to an offshore spot in Illinois Bayou, a spot that had helped him narrowly defeat Harold Allen in the quarterfinals. And while he was able to land a fish, it wasn’t enough in the end to overcome Walker’s advantage.

“This game has so much strategy…so much mental preparation that it gives you a case of the jitters” said Walker after his victory. “Fishing against the clock is one thing, but when you have the guy you’re fishing against in the boat with you and you can see his every move, it will make you a little nervous, especially when he sets the hook.”
And as in any tournament situation, boat traffic and fishing pressure played a part in the match. After taking control in the first period, Lefebre was forced to move several times due to boats being on his spots. The match took place on a Saturday, and both anglers knew it would be tricky.
“It happens” added Lefebre. “Boat traffic, fishing pressure, it’s what we have to deal with on a daily basis in our profession and there’s no getting around it.”

Asked if he was dejected by pulling up to a spot only to see a local angler land a 3-pound bass, Lefebre lamented, “It wasn’t the highlight of my day that’s for sure. But you can’t let it get to you. You have to overcome and play your game. I have no regrets in this match. I didn’t get the bites and it cost me a win. That’s fishing.”

David Walker will now have time to sit and ponder his next match for the UMF Title. He’ll face either Mark Davis, a Bassmaster Classic champion and 3-time Angler of the Year; or his good friend and fellow FLW pro Andy Morgan whom he narrowly defeated in the quarterfinals after tying on overall weight. Walker won the match on the first tie breaker, big fish.

“I don’t know if I have a preference” said Walker. “Both Mark and Andy are great fishermen, and it’s going to be a tough battle regardless who wins. I’m sure Andy would love to take another crack at me after our quarterfinal tie. That would be fun.”
Miss a Match? Get results, reviews and competitor analysis for all of the 2008 matches here.
THE ULTIMATE MATCH FISHING QUARTERFINALS ON LAKE DARDANELLE
Field Reports from Lake Dardanelle native and pro angler Zach King on how the pros will fish to win..READ MORE...
Questions about tactics, tackle and more? Click above for links to the pro's websites or HERE to contact UMF!
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