Dec. 21, 2011—Minnetonka, MN— Registration opens Jan. 9 for the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit’s 2012 season. Two-person teams will be able to sign up online, by fax or regular mail to enjoy great walleye fishing while competing for thousands in cash and prizes on world-class walleye destinations from Colorado to Ohio.
The 2012 Cabela’s MWC qualifying schedule is as follows:
March 24-25, Illinois River at Spring Valley, Illinois
April 13-15, Detroit River at Trenton, Michigan
April 27-29, Pueblo Reservoir at Pueblo, Colorado
May 18-20, Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio
May 31-June 1, Mille Lacs Lake at Isle, Minnesota (held in conjunction with first two days of Cabela’s National Team Championship, which concludes June 2)
June 29-July 1, Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 27-29, Lake Oahe at Mobridge, South Dakota
Aug. 24-26, St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Sept 14-16, Cass Lake Minnesota at Stony Point Resort
More than $1 million in payouts are up for grabs in 2012. First place at qualifying tournaments pays $30,000 (based on full field). Plus, sponsor contingencies add thousands more at each tournament.
In addition, teams that fish at least three events are in the running for free berths in the Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. The top 45 point-accumulating teams from the 2012 season will be invited to the no-entry-fee, $100,000 2013 World Walleye Championship at Bays de Noc, Michigan, which carries a $25,000 first-place check. Teams that fish four qualifying tournaments also compete for the coveted title of MWC Team of the Year, which carries a $13,000 cash award.
Teams that sign up for three or more tournaments before noon (CST) on February 13 enjoy added perks. Considered “Premier Teams,” these earlybird entries have great odds of making the Championship, as Premiers are allotted 25 of the 45 total points-based berths (and are eligible for all 45). Premiers are also allowed to use convenient installment billing options, enjoy priority entry in all events, and qualify for the Okuma Premier Contingency, which awards $1,000 in great Okuma tackle packages at each qualifier.
New this season, all Cabela’s MWC anglers are eligible to compete for the MWC Recruitment Bonus, which awards a free 2013 tournament entry to the angler credited for bringing the most new teams to each 2012 qualifier. The entry (a full team fee) will be good for any of the Cabela’s MWC qualifiers in the 2013 season.
Single-tournament entries—which cost $650 per event—are accepted until midnight (CST) on Sunday the week of each event, although anglers are encouraged to register early to avoid being locked out of a full tournament. Also, a $100 late fee kicks in three weeks prior to the tournament. For the Spring Valley season opener—that’s March 4.
Teams may register by mail, fax, or online. Complete 2012 rules are posted under the “Registration” tab at masterswalleyecircuit.com. Full details, links for online registration and printable registration forms will be posted shortly. For more information, email:events@masterswalleyecircuit.com.
Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is looking forward to its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, Worldwide Marine Insurance, The Walleye Federation and RPM Outdoor Sports.
