Ponca City, Ok—May 22, 2019 —When surveyed, walleye anglers from around North America told the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit staff there is only a few places that has great fishing anytime of year, one of those places is Lake Erie. Spring, Summer or Fall, Lake Erie provides a world-class opportunity to catch a fish of a lifetime and plenty for the freezer.
The numbers and sizes of walleye now found in the Ohio waters of Lake Erie are staggering, with catch rates over five times better than the “exceptional” rating, and even better than that in the month of June! (source: 2019 OhioDNR update) Anglers will likely find most fish ranging between 17-22 inches, and the previous Lake Erie MWC tournament weights tell a story of a growing bags. Looking back in the archives at masterswalleyecircuit.com, one will find the final weigh-ins to continue a trend in the ‘heavy direction.
Presented by Lowrance, the June 21-22 event will take place at the mouth of the Portage River and pits the “Toughest Walleye Angler on Planet Earth” against one another, all for a share of the large tournament purse and prizes. The “Team of the Year” race and “World Walleye Championship” qualifying continues to add another level of competition headed into this, the 5th event of the season.
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/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 Jefferson Street Pier are free and open to the public beginning at 3:00pm both days June 21, 22. 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 Lake Erie tournament is close of business June, May 17. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.
Bass Pro Shops & 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.
