Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Ventures to Geneva, Ohio for the Next Event Of 2024 Presented By: Ranger Boats
Ponca City, Oklahoma – July 4, 2024 – The Masters Walleye Circuit returns to Lake Erie for its incredible walleye fishery out of Geneva, Ohio on July 12-13, 2024. Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s is the title sponsor for this event on the destination location of Lake Erie. There is no shortage of walleyes to be caught on Lake Erie, and teams are expected to weigh full tournament limits with ease.
This will be a joint event with the Lake Erie Walleye Trail, appealing to many local anglers looking to test their skills against the MWC’s Toughest Anglers on Planet Earth. Although it is common to catch limits of 4-5-pound walleyes in this area, it will be most teams goal to chase down much larger walleyes to secure a top standing in this two-day event. A common technique this time of year to chase down these walleyes hiding out in 40-plus feet of water is trolling dipsy divers followed by spoons or worm harnesses. The deep side of Lake Erie lends itself to be a great place to use techniques such as lead core, wire or copper line, along with 2-3oz weights all of which assist baits to descend to the depths the fish are sitting during the heat of summer. However, there will be anglers attempting to target large single fish using forward facing sonars, such as Lowrance Active Target. Reports for July often consist of many fish nearby Geneva, meaning anglers don’t need to search a long way to be competitive.
Lowrance and Mercury Angler, Sammy Cappelli says this about the upcoming event: “The fish are everywhere, from Sandusky, OH to Dunkirk, NY. There will be a lot of fish caught but finding a couple 8-pound kickers to go with the average 5-pounders will be key.” Anglers are expecting roughly 32 pounds of walleye per 5 fish limit per day to be In The Money.
Event specifics include a 7:00 am (EST) take-off each day and 3:00 pm (EST) live weigh-in, both at the Geneva Marina on Padanarum Road in Geneva, Ohio on July 12th and 13th, 2024. 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 Lake Erie hosted out of Geneva, Ohio closes on July 8, 2024. Teams that are interested in signing up should 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.
While everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and fish all MWC events, or even just one that is local to you, for a shot at great paybacks and prizes, the NEW points structure for 2024 better protects those teams fishing 3 or more events. It is based, in part, on angler feedback received during previous seasons. MWC Rule #14 takes a deeper dive into 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.
Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered for that event. New in 2024 is a GUARANTEED minimum of $10,000 awarded for the First-Place prize, powered by Dakota Lithium, at every event. Overall payout is still awarded to the top 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 includes seven qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Registration is now open for all events. 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.
