Ponca City, Okla.—Dec. 9, 2015—In recognition of promoting the sport of fishing, protecting the nation’s fisheries resources and providing walleye anglers with professionally run team tournament competition for more than three decades, the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit has been named among the 2016 class of inductees to be enshrined into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.
“We are extremely honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said MWC president and CEO Robert Cartlidge.
“With a rich history spanning 32 years, the MWC is the only national walleye circuit that has withstood the test that decades of time can apply, all the others have faded away,” Cartlidge continued. “I firmly believe the reason for that is the support the circuit has received from its past and present directors, staff, sponsors and—most importantly—the anglers who fish the MWC. After 32 years, the MWC business model is proven and obviously works. But it works only because of the dedication, support and hard work from every one of these groups of people; the honor to MWC of being inducted is 100 percent a result of their efforts and they all share in it.”
Cartlidge also noted the number of top walleye anglers who cut their teeth on the circuit. “Many of the greatest walleye anglers of our lifetimes—including the best and brightest anglers of today—from all across the nation, got started on the MWC,” he said. “Many veterans and new up-and-comers fish it today. The fact that anglers of all skill levels can compete and do well on the MWC, in and of itself ensures the success of the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit well into the future.”
Fisheries conservation and teaching kids to fish are also cornerstones of the circuit. Each season, the MWC Conservation Fund and Youth and Family Fishing Clinics help make the walleye world sustainable.
Since 1984, the MWC Conservation Fund has generated more than $350,000 for fisheries conservation projects in states where MWC tournaments are held. And to encourage the next generation of anglers, the MWC holds multiple Youth and Family Fishing events each year where MWC anglers volunteer their time to teach kids and adults alike about fishing.
The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, located in Hayward, Wis., is the international headquarters for education, recognition and promotion of freshwater sportfishing. Each year it recognizes individuals, groups and organizations for their impact benefiting freshwater angling. Individuals and organizations are honored for outstanding achievements in fishing accomplishments regarding career success and innovation in competition, invention, science, education, conservation, communications, technology or other areas related to fishing.
Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Cabela’s MWC is open to avid walleye anglers from all walks of life, with registration for all qualifying events opening in January of 2016.
Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering its 15th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Abu Garcia, Lowe Equipment Attachments, Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Ranger Boats, MotorGuide, The Walleye Federation and Zippo Outdoor Brands. Associate sponsors include: Yellow Bird Fishing Products, Okuma, T-H Marine and Tight Lines Jewelry. For more information, visit masterswalleyecircuit.com, email info@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.
