Those who didn't know any better probably thought 14-year-old Canton resident Chris Merbler was just an interested bystander during the final weigh-in at the Mack's Lure 100 Walleye Tournament held last month on Saginaw Bay.

That is, until all the fish were weighed and Merbler and his fishing partner/dad, Ron, approached the podium to collect their seventh-place check of $450.

"It's always exciting at the weigh-ins," said Merbler, who will begin his freshman year at Canton High School in two weeks. "I'm usually the only kid in these tournaments, so it surprises some of the adults who have been fishing their whole lives when I beat them."

The Saginaw Bay event was one of four stops on the 2007 Michigan Walleye Tour. One-hundred two-person teams were entered, making the Merblers' accomplishment that much more impressive.

"We were in third place for quite a while, but we dropped a little bit once all the boats came in," said Merbler.

Not far from 1st

The Merblers' five-walleye total of 19.69 pounds was less than five pounds off the first-place pace set by the duo of Chris Pavlicheck (Owendale, Mich.) and Thad McCathy (Bay Port), who reeled in $2,500 for their efforts.

"We were fishing in 35 to 40 feet of water using Walleye Kid Custom Crawler Harness lures that my dad and I made ourselves," said Merbler. "The best color crawler harness was one we call 'Neon Perch' - it has a gold spinner blade with orange and bright yellow beads.

"My dad and I always split our winnings," admitted Merbler. "I usually put mine right in the bank."

The Merblers placed 45th in a tournament held earlier this year on the Detroit River.

From the lake to the 'Net'

The younger Merbler's passion for fishing doesn't stop once he steps out of his family's boat. He oversees his own fishing Web site - www.walleyekid.com - and has published a book that lists information and phone numbers for bait shops, hotels near hot fishing spots and boat-ramp locations.

The Web site , which is geared toward kids and adults who share his love of lures, is stocked with information on the best places in Michigan to find walleye, how-to videos and photo galleries of kids like himself who have reeled in large fish.

Big heart

Proceeds from Merbler's information book will be donated to "Benefit 4 Kids," a charity that allows children who suffer from serious illnesses enjoy the thrills of big-time fishing and hunting trips.

"I saw an advertisement for (the charity) and thought it would be a neat thing to donate to," said Merbler.

To order a copy of the "Walleye Kid's Fishing Phone book," visit Merbler's Web site or e-mail him at chris@walleyekid.com.