Big Erie Walleyes the Name of The Game for Max Wilson and Marc Wilson
Presented By: Ranger Boats
Ponca City, Oklahoma – April 14, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit ran its second qualifier of the season on Lake Erie out of Port Clinton, Ohio where the Lake Erie Walleye Trail joined for a joint event. The City of Port Clinton is great vantage point for anglers to reach all parts of the western basin, where a majority of walleyes migrate for their spring ritual. With big weights in mind, anglers eagerly battled wind and waves on day 1 for a phenomenal showing of both pre-spawn and post-spawn giant Lake Erie walleyes. Over 30 boats weighed 30 plus pounds on day 1.
One of those teams was Max Wilson and Marc Wilson (unrelated), who had 35lbs and 2oz after day 1. Max Wilson is no stranger to the spotlight, having won 3 other MWCs in his career, and cashing checks in multiple other events on large stages. Marc Wilson is a curveball, being from Ireland where he was an athlete that played Premier League soccer. They knew they were on the right fish, making a long run alongside a few other boats. The key to their strategy was keeping on the fish that were relating to structure, while avoiding the dirty water that was creeping closer by the hour. Their technique of casting a jig and nightcrawler is a common occurrence when using live sonar, but only at the right size fish and not losing time catching all the smaller walleyes in the school. It all paid off when Max and Marc weighed in on day 2, beating the leading team by only 12 ounces with a total of 73lbs and 13oz and proving they have what it takes to be Lake Erie Champions.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Earning a champions trophy in this Lake Erie Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier comes with a paid berth into the 2026 National Team Championship. Max Wilson and Marc Wilson took home $13,250 in Cash, $5,700 in Option Pot Cash, the NTC prize package valued at $1000 consisting of custom NTC jerseys, custom NTC plaques, and a cash travel stipend for a total of $19,950 in cash and prizes!
Lake Erie showed its potential for many teams, their weights and respective awards follow:
2nd: Alex Reslock & Thomas Laabs, 73-01, $6,550 Cash, $3,100 Option Pot Cash
3rd: Dylan & Jesse Nussbaum, 72-00, $4,300 Cash, $2,260 Option Pot Cash
4th: Michael Sitko & Eric Schenavar, 69-14, $3,300 Cash, $1,840 Option Pot Cash
5th: John Hoyer & Pat Mcsharry, 69-03, $2,750 Cash, $1,540 Option Pot Cash,
and the Lowrance Exclusive Bonus of $750
Honorably, the 9th place team of Keith Daniels and Todd Vesperman took home the Lowrance Trolling Motor bonus of $500 for running a Lowrance Ghost or Recon trolling motor, along side their cash winnings of $1,650, and option pot winnings of $1,120.
Overall, 198 anglers competed in this event representing 15 different states and the country of Ireland, catching 911 fish for a total of 5135 pounds of giant Lake Erie walleyes. This event saw an average weight fish over 5.5 pounds throughout 174 five fish limits. Notably, the heaviest bag of fish was only an ounce shy of 40 pounds, weighing in at 39-15 caught by Adam and Jim Swisher bumping them from 68th place on day 1 to a check-cashing 14th place on day 2.
The Big Fish award on Lake Erie typically takes a true giant, and this was no exception. Day 1 was won by a walleye that weighed 9lbs and 9oz caught by Tyler Elshaug and Tanner Paine. Day 2 Big Fish crushed the field at 10lbs and 15oz, caught by Jack Winters and Scott Kozlowski. Respectively, both teams were awarded their cash prize, and the team with the heaviest fish was awarded the Salmo Java prize of an AeroPress and two bags of their signature coffee.
As part of the 2025 MWC season, anglers will vie for a coveted spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Devil’s Lake North Dakota. 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. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.
Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. Overall payout 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/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Ranger Cup adds $8,000, alongside the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses which 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 2025 schedule includes six qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship on Devils Lake, North Dakota.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are looking forward to their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine and Salmo Java Coffee.
For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.
