Butz and Sommers Crown Themselves with Astounding Win at World Walleye Championship

  • Filed under MWC News

  • September 30, 2024

Butz and Sommers Crown Themselves with Astounding Win at World Walleye Championship

Presented By: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Ponca City, Oklahoma – September 30, 2024 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit have crowned a new Champion team at the World Walleye Championship in Alpena, MI. Wayne Butz (Abrams, WI), with his partner Joe Sommers (Stevens Point, WI), took first place with a very heavy lead of 50lbs and 3oz, nearly 15lbs ahead of the rest of the field. Many teams struggled to catch walleyes on Lake Huron, with a number of anglers unable to sort through the vast amount of salmon and trout in the system. Those that put together a working program in their pre-fishing time were also thrown a curveball, as the Great Lakes wind seemed to disappear on the first two tournament days causing the walleyes to be very selective about eating. This Lake Huron Championship is certainly one for the books, as it tested the anglers to their absolute limit, and proved who was worthy to wear the 2024 World Walleye Champion rings.

With a very manageable boat ride, Wayne and Joe had two programs figured out at the quarry and Chigger’s Island. Spending most of their time casting at walleyes with their Lowrance Active Target, they weighed a whopping 22lbs and 15oz on day 1, an incredible start to their dominating performance holding a 10-pound lead going into day 2. The next day was slightly underwhelming, depending on perspective, as they were only able to get 3 of their very important bites to the boat for 10lbs and 8oz. When prompted on stage on day 3, Sommers said, “Wayne does a great job of making the right decision at the right time.” He went on to elaborate that it was not the first time Wayne has made a season-saving call, and that’s exactly what he did on day 3. With the wind picking up and boat control getting tough, they made the switch to trolling nightcrawlers and landed 3 fish on their first pass, unknowingly sealing the fate of their first ever World Walleye Championship win.

Winning the 2024 World Walleye Championship, Butz and Sommers have forever engraved their name in the history books of the walleye fishing world. They received the first-place prize of $15,000 in cash as well as: a Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor valued at $3,799, the $1,000 Lowrance Bonus, the Okuma Bonus $200 value, package from local sponsor Salmo Java, and perhaps the most coveted, Custom World Walleye Champion rings and trophies, for a total of nearly $21,000 in cash and prizes.

The remaining of the top five earned their spots in the Championship, proved they were able to compete and won the following:

2nd: Romeo Bourdage & Mark Haugerud, 35-09, $7,500 cash and Lowrance HDS 9 Live

3rd: Don Marx & Caden Laqua-Marx, 30-14, $5,000 cash

4th: Jason Maraskine & Steve Vandemark, 27-13, $3,000 cash

5th: Adam Hume & Mike Karner, 22-00, $2,750 cash

Overall, 32 two-man teams hailing from 11 different states and 1 Canadian province caught 113 fish with an average of nearly 3.5lbs. Thanks to Lew’s sponsorship, big fish winners of day 1 and 2 were awarded with $200 in Lew’s gift cards, to be used online at www.lews.com. Day 1 winners were Wayne Butz and Joe Sommers with a healthy Lake Huron walleye weighing at 6lb and 4oz. Jerry and Liza Plourde took the day 2 Lew’s award with a walleye weighing in at 5lb and 2oz.

Lowrance being a main sponsor, provided a Lowrance Ghost trolling motor to the 1st place team of Butz and Sommers, a Lowrance HDS 9 Live to the 2nd place team of Bourdage and Haugerud, and the $1,000 Lowrance bonus was also awarded to 1st place. With a sweep of sponsor awards, Butz and Sommers also took home the $200 Okuma Bonus. Winner of the Dakota Lithium Comeback Award, consisting of 3 batteries and chargers was Joe Miller, jumping from 15th place into 10th on the final day.

Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered in that event. New for 2024 is a GUARANTEED minimum $10,000 first place prize powered by Dakota Lithium at every event. Overall payout is still awarded to 20% of the field, providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earns a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses from Ranger Cup, Lowrance, Dakota Lithium, and Okuma will add thousands more for distribution among the field.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40 years. The MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2024 schedule included seven qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are in their 23rd season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Lew’s Fishing, Dakota Lithium, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, Church Tackle, FishLab, Okuma, and T-H Marine. For more information, email support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

MWC Live Coverage

  • Filed under MWC News

  • September 25, 2024

2024 Masters Walleye Circuit  World Walleye Championship – Lake Huron, Alpena, MI

LIVE coverage of 2024 Masters Walleye Circuit World Walleye Championship – Presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Fishing, Sept. 26-28, 2024 at 3:30pm CT.

LIVE Leaderboard will begin updating once the weigh-in begins at each event click the BLUE link below!

LIVE Leaderboard

LIVE video will be done where a suitable internet connection can be secured lakeside and will be shown below. Live streaming video will go live a couple of minutes before the published weigh-in time for that event if we have a connection.
Check out our Live Facebook feed coverage. CLICK HERE

Masters Walleye Circuit Looks to Crown its 42nd World Walleye Champions on Lake Huron

  • Filed under MWC News

  • September 24, 2024

Masters Walleye Circuit Looks to Crown its 42nd World Walleye Champions on Lake Huron

Presented By: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Ponca City, Oklahoma – September 23, 2024 – The Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) is officially ending its 2024 season with the final event, the World Walleye Championship, in Alpena, Michigan fishing Lake Huron. No stranger to Lake Huron this year, MWC anglers have already weighed many large fish out of this lucrative Great Lakes fishery, and many are hoping it is repeatable.

With team of the year having been crowned for 2024, (watch for the press release with this years’ story), the final award to fight for this season is the World Walleye Championship, which is the longest running championship in the Walleye Fishing World. Anglers will battle it out for this prestigious title, as well as the Championship Rings and Trophies. In addition to the Champions bonuses, the minimum payback will be $15,000 for first place, and a Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor, as well as the normal season bonuses from sponsors are still available. These include the Lowrance HDS Pro + Active Target $1,000 bonus, Okuma reels with their $200 bonus, and the Dakota Lithium Comeback award of 3 Lithium batteries and chargers worth $4,200 that will be awarded to the team that makes the biggest jump in the standings from day 2 to day 3! Topping all that off will be a Lowrance HDS 9 for second place, $200 Lew’s gift cards for Big Fish on day 1 and 2, as well as some packages from local sponsor Salmo Java, and the option-pot bonus which is available to all teams at time of registration.

Reigning champion of the 2023 World Walleye Championship, Tom Sieburg, will be defending his title in Alpena with his son Jake. “Winning this would mean the world to me and my son. It’s our first big event together, and his first time fishing the great lakes” Tom said. Jake countered “I’m just happy to be here doing this with my dad, it’s so different than home (Nebraksa) and it’s a trip I’ll remember forever.”

Teams consisting of two anglers are allowed to weigh 5 fish over 15 inches, and have no more than 6 fish in the livewell at one time.  Culling is allowed at this event, per state regulations in Michigan, allowing anglers to upgrade their weights throughout the duration of their fishing time.

Event specifics include a 7:30 am (CST) take-off each day and 3:30 pm (CST) live weigh-in on all three days of the event, September 26-28. Registration will begin at 4:00 PM on September 25, at JJ’s Steak and Pizza House. All other proceedings will take place at the Alpena Marina. Spectators are encouraged to join in person, as the weigh-in is free and open to the public, or follow the action live online at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on the official Facebook page, facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit.

As part of the 2024 MWC season, anglers vied for a coveted spot in the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Teams could participate in as many events as they wish, with points earned in at least three qualifiers necessary for an invitation to the World Walleye Championship. Those earning points in at least four qualifiers compete for “Team of the Year” honors, including a $10,000 sponsorship package and thousands more in cash and prizes to the top 10 teams in the “best of 4” final standing each year.

The MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to find a partner, sign up and fish all MWC events, or even just one that is local to you, for a shot at great paybacks. Additionally, the points structure for 2024, based in part on angler feedback received during previous seasons, better protected those team’s efforts who are fishing 3 or more events each season. MWC Rule #14 details the specifics of how to earn points, based on the number of events attended. For anglers looking to compete for “Team of the Year”, and/or gain entry into the World Walleye Championship, it is recommended to fully understand the necessary steps to ensure they are earning points as intended.

MWC pays back more than 100% in cash and prizes each season and each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered. For the entire 2024 season, the winners of each event were GUARANTEED a minimum of $10,000 First Place prize, powered by Dakota Lithium. The top 20% of the field at each qualifying event earned a check providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earned a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses from Ranger Cup, Lowrance, Dakota Lithium, and Okuma added thousands more for distribution among the field.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40+ years. The 2024 schedule included seven qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details and the recently announced 2025 schedule.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are rounding out their 23rd season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit, with only the World Walleye Championship remaining in this 2024 season. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Lew’s Fishing, Dakota Lithium, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, Church Tackle, FishLab, Okuma, Salmo Java, and T-H Marine. For more information, email support@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.

Zothman and Foehrenbacher Strike Gold In Cass Lake, MN

  • Filed under MWC News

  • September 18, 2024

Zothman and Foehrenbacher Strike Gold In Cass Lake, MN

Presented By: Lew’s

Cass Lake, Minnesota – September 17, 2024 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit rounded out another qualifying season with the annual return to Cass Lake, Minnesota, hosted by Stony Point Resort. In contrast to normal fall patterns in mid-September, fishing proved tough for many anglers as the walleyes held on to their summer patterns. Cass Lake was very stingy, not willing to give up many bites to anglers throughout the week, proving that everything had to come together perfectly to secure a win. Winning team, Dave Zothman (La Porte, MN) and James Foehrenbacher (Bemidji, MN), read the playbook perfectly, pulling off an early lead on day 1 with an even 19 pounds. Knowing they had their over slots patterned, they spent little time chasing them on day 2, using the majority of their fishing time searching for the correct sized unders. Upgrading their day 2 weight by over a pound, Zothman and Foehrenbacher locked up 1st place securing their first win together after being tournament partners for 15 years.

While they are Minnesota locals, the bite was still tough for them catching only 10 fish a day on average throughout the week. Heading due north from the launch and only driving for about 8 minutes, they were sitting on a pile of big fish that was untouched by any competitors. These unpressured fish allowed them to get the brunt of their weight quickly, which allowed them more time to find the biggest fish under 20 inches. Nearly all their fish came on live bait, whether it was large chubs vertically rigged or casting jigs with smaller live baits. When asked how it felt to win this staple event, Zothman said, “Stony Point is an awesome place to be, and I couldn’t be more happy to finally win an event with James(Foehrenbacher) after fishing together for 15 years.”

In this Masters Walleye Circuit win, they have become Cass Lake Champions, and also secured a spot in the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) on Lake Francis Case in Pickstown, SD. Dave and James took home the $12,600 cash, the NTC prize package, valued at $1,000, including paid entry, custom NTC jerseys, custom NTC qualifier plaques and cash travel stipend, pairing all that with winning the Okuma Reels bonus for a grand total of nearly $14,000 in cash and prizes.

The remaining of the top five fished hard and took home the following awards:

2nd: Michael Juelson & Trenten Juelson, 38-09, $6,200 cash

3rd: Toby Kvalevog & Zach Christenson, 36-09, $4,150 cash and $1,000 Lowrance Bonus

4th: Aaron Templin & Paul Thorne, 34-10, $3,200 cash and Ranger Cup Bonus

5th: Matt Newell & Mark Newell, 34-07, $2,650 cash

Overall, 94 two-man teams spanning 10 different states caught 561 fish weighing a very respectable 1593lbs total. During this event, which was presented by Lew’s, each of the 188 anglers competing was given a $100 gift card for www.lews.com. Thanks to Lew’s, $18,800 was paid out at registration, prior to the first fish being caught.

Additionally, the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses from Ranger Cup, Lowrance, Dakota Lithium, and Okuma added thousands more in prizes for the anglers.

The Big fish of the event weighed a very healthy 8lbs 9oz and was brought to the stage by Tom and Scott Albrecht. Kvalevog and Christenson had the largest one-day bag at 20lbs and 10oz, being one of only two to clear the twenty pound mark. Ranger Cup winner with 33lbs and 1oz was Dylan Maki, finishing in 7th place after day two. The Dakota Lithium Comeback Award consisting of (3) Dakota Lithium batteries and chargers valued at over $4,200, were Timothy Bymark and Brian Gronewold for their jump from 80th place to 53rd place on day 2. Winner of the $1,000 Lowrance bonus was Tony Kvalevog, weighing 36lbs and 9oz for a two day total to finish 3rd overall. The $200 Okuma Bonus was awarded to the 1st place team of Zothman and Foehrenbacher.

Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered in that event. New for 2024 is a GUARANTEED minimum $10,000 first place prize powered by Dakota Lithium at every event. Overall payout is still awarded to 20% of the field, providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earns a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses from Ranger Cup, Lowrance, Dakota Lithium, and Okuma will add thousands more for distribution among the field.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40 years. The MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2024 schedule included seven qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are in their 23rd season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Lew’s Fishing, Dakota Lithium, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, Church Tackle, FishLab, Okuma, and T-H Marine. For more information, email support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.