Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Prepares For South Dakota’s Bitter Lake
Presented By: Dakota Lithium
Ponca City, Oklahoma – July 8, 2024 – The Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) makes its first appearance in Webster, South Dakota to provide a chance for anglers to compete on Bitter Lake on August 9-10, 2024. Dakota Lithium is the Presenting sponsor for this event in the ever-growing watershed of the Waubay Lakes area.
Bitter Lake now encompasses over 15,000 acres, a massive increase from the 3,000-acre lake it once was, providing many opportunities for anglers to fish a rapidly growing walleye population. Webster’s Former President of Webster’s Chamber of Commerce, Eric Hanson, alongside current president Katy Marx, “We’re thrilled to have an event come to town and provide an opportunity to give back to the community, as this paves the way for many other charitable events.” Hanson when given an opportunity to talk about the fishing says “The bite is always on at Bitter Lake, the guys will just have to find them.”
Teams consisting of two anglers are allowed to weigh 5 fish over 15 inches, however, there is a slot limiting anglers to one fish over 20 inches in their allotted bags to protect the future of the fishery. This will require a fair amount of strategy by the anglers, as weighing the right fish will be a vital decision.
Event specifics include a 7:00 am (CST) take-off each day and 3:30 pm (CST) live weigh-in on both August 9th and 10th, 2024. Morning take-offs will be at the East Access on Bitter Lake, followed by weigh-ins at Boomer’s Outback Hotel, 476 US-12 E Webster, SD 57274. 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
Registration for this tournament on Bitter Lake hosted in Webster, SD closes on August 5, 2024. Sign up today for your chance at the $10,000 first place check guaranteed by Dakota Lithium. Just visit www.masterswalleyecircuit.com/registration or call the Federation National Office at (580) 765-9031.
As part of the 2024 MWC season, anglers will vie for a coveted spot in the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Teams can 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 NEW points structure for 2024, based in part on angler feedback received during previous seasons, better protects 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 are GUARANTEED minimum of $10,000 First Place prize, powered by Dakota Lithium. The top 20% of the field at each qualifying event earns a check 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 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 includes 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.
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.
