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.
