Cabela’s MWC Mississippi River Tournament Moved to Lake City

-Presented by MotorGuide

May 25, 2011—Minnetonka, MN—Due to flooding at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino landing, the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit has received approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to move the Red Wing tournament to Lake City, Minnesota.

The DNR is allowing the Circuit to fish Pools 3 and 4 of the Mississippi River, but not the St. Croix River as originally planned. Still, with both pools in play, MWC anglers still have the chance for great fishing as they compete for thousands in cash and sponsor contingencies from Cabela’s Angler Cash, Ranger Boats, Lowrance, Berkley, Worldwide Marine Insurance and U2/The Oxygenator. Plus, the Big Fish Pot adds even more cash to the winnings, and presenting sponsor MotorGuide is awarding the winning team with a brand-new wireless trolling motor.

The Circuit has a long tradition of launching at Lake City, and while it is unfortunate to have to move an event, the new location will still offer MWCers a world-class venue.

Local site coordinators Ed Labrash and Spence Kuehl, from the Frontenac Sportsman’s Club, have secured McCahill Memorial Park in Lake City for the weigh-in festivities. The public is invited to the weigh-ins, which begin at 3 p.m. daily. The Cabela’s MWC and National Professional Anglers Association will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic following the Day One weigh-in. The first 50 youths will receive rods and reels courtesy of the NPAA, and tackle packages from Northland Fishing Tackle.

The tournament is scheduled for two full days of competition beginning Friday, June 3, and includes a built-in “bad-weather day” in case foul weather prevents teams from getting out either Friday or Saturday. For details or to register, click on the registration tab above, or email:events@masterswalleyecircuit.com

Be forewarned, registration closes at midnight May 29.

The MWC is open to all anglers. The Circuit’s popular team format—which lets you choose your partner and cut your costs—has stood the test of time for 26 tournament seasons. Teams enjoy testing their skills against the best walleye sticks on the planet in a professionally-run yet friendly competition that creates a unique camaraderie among anglers, and fosters friendships that last a lifetime.

Plus, walleyes and saugers are winners in the equation as well. Since 1984, the MWC Conservation Fund has donated more than $275,000 to fisheries-enhancement projects in states where our tournaments are held. At the Lake City event, a $15-per-boat donation from each team’s entry fee—made via our non-profit affiliate Wildlife Forever—will benefit the Frontenac Sportsman Club’s efforts to help the DNR protect local fisheries.

This is the second stop on the MWC Central Division’s 2011 season. The remaining Central tournament is August 5-7 at Bays de Noc, Michigan, in conjunction with the Cabela’s National Team Championship. The MWC’s 2011 trail is comprised of nine qualifiers in three divisions. Anglers fishing at least three events (from any division) accumulate points toward a berth in the no-entry-fee, $100,000 Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship; teams fishing four events are in the running for overall MWC Team of the Year honors and a $13,000 cash prize.

Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering its tenth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Energizer, O2 Marine Technologies, Northland Fishing Tackle, Ryjus, Reflections, Worldwide Marine Insurance, The Walleye Federation, Sea Grant and Wildlife Forever. Now heading into its 27th season, the Cabela’s MWC is the oldest team circuit in walleye fishing.