Ponca City, Okla. —August 1st, 2019 – Though the waters may not be raising at the levels they once were, it doesn’t calm the conversations surrounding the historical watershed that is Devils Lake in North Dakota. Presented by Rangers Boats, competitors on the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit will look to capitalize on the various structures and nuances that Devils Lake provides, as they compete August 16-17.
Suzie Kenner, Executive Director of the Devils Lake CVB says the community is ready for that anglers and families. “We always look forward to having the Masters Walleye Circuit in town. It’s a real fun group of men and women.” Suzie added “The Resorts and cabins are filling with reservations and the bait shops are ready for the anglers to fill up with what they need.” North Dakota’s Grahams Island State Park will play host to the weigh-in festivities and fish will be donated to the Devils Lake community’s free-will “Fish Fry and Corn Feed.” 
Two-time winning team of Troy Morris and Corey Heiser look to make this year’s event win number three for the artificial-bait only team. “The lake is so versatile, there is fish in 4 feet of water and 40 feet of water at any time of the year.” Troy Morris said. “Our two wins and our second-place finish were done with fish caught in three entirely different parts of the lake.” Troy added that memories will hurt you on this lake, you can spend a lot of time fishing places of the past and driving right over the new locations.
Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event, and is 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 and Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including paid entry, travel stipend, team jerseys and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option pot and sponsor bonuses from Ranger Cup, Lowrance, Okuma, AirWave and T-H Marine Atlas Awards add thousands more for distribution among the field.
Teams earning points in at least three qualifiers each season compete for coveted berths in a World Walleye Championship. Qualified teams from 2019 will fish the 2020 World Walleye Championship, set for October 2020 on the mighty Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. 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 final “best of 4” final standing each year.
As a bonus benefit to all MWC anglers as well as all TWF members nationwide, Official Sponsor Lowe Equipment Attachments offers a 20 percent discount off the MSRP on all its auger, trenching and grapple products available through Midwest Attachments, LLC. For information on that program, visit masterswalleyecircuit.com/tournaments/contingencies.
Daily live weigh-ins at the Grahams Island State Park are free and open to the public beginning at 3:00pm both days August 16, 17. If you can’t make it in person you can watch the weigh-ins live, online, at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on our Facebook page.
For the area youth, there is something for you immediately after the day-one weigh-in on Friday, we offer a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic in conjunction with the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA). The first 50 youth will receive a free rod-and-reel combo!
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 35 years and is open to avid walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2019 schedule includes eight qualifiers in six states, plus the 2020 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. Registration is now open for all events, and the registration deadline for the Devils Lake tournament is close of business August 12th. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s – The World’s Foremost Outfitters, are in their 18th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowe Equipment Attachments, Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Ranger Boats and The Walleye Federation. Associate sponsors include: AirWave Pedestals, Church Tackle, MotorGuide, Okuma, Power-Pole and T-H Marine. For more information, email info@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.
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