–Presented by the North American Fishing Club
April 16, 2011—Trenton, MI—Due to strong winds and a National Weather Service small craft advisory with predictions of wave heights from 7 to 13 on Lake Erie today, the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is for the safety of its anglers limiting tournament boundaries to the Detroit River for Day One of the Circuit’s Eastern Division season opener out of Elizabeth Park.
Boundaries are Michigan and Canadian waters, from the upstream end of Pesche Island, downstream to a point 42 degrees 04′ below Celeron Island.
One-hundred and twelve teams are signed up to compete at this two-day team tournament. First place pays $16,350 and the event pays out to 22nd place at $750. Total cash purse is $58,240. Plus, sponsor contingencies from Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Lowrance, Berkley, Worldwide Marine Insurance, U2/The Oxygenator and the Big Fish Pot add thousands more to the total.
Plus, walleyes are a winner in the equation as well. Since 1992, the MWC Conservation Fund has donated more than $175,000 to fisheries-enhancement projects in states where our tournaments are held. At the Detroit River event, a $15-per-boat donation from each team’s entry fee—made via our non-profit affiliate Wildlife Forever—will benefit the Downriver Walleye Club’s efforts to protect the local fisheries.
The public is invited to the weigh-ins, which will be held at Elizabeth Park in Trenton, Michigan, starting at 3 p.m. (EST). The MWC and National Professional Anglers Association will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after Saturday’s weigh-in. The first 50 youths will receive rods and reels, and tackle packages courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.
This is the first stop on the MWC East Division’s 2011 season. The remaining Eastern schedule includes Lake Erie at Sandusky, Ohio, May 20-22, and the St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, August 26-28. The MWC’s 2011 trail is comprised of nine qualifiers in three divisions. Anglers fishing at least three events (from any division) accumulate points toward a berth in the no-entry-fee, $100,000 Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship; teams fishing four events are in the running for overall MWC Team of the Year honors and a $13,000 cash prize.
Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering its tenth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Energizer, O2 Marine Technologies, Northland Fishing Tackle, Ryjus, Reflections, Worldwide Marine Insurance, The Walleye Federation, Sea Grant and Wildlife Forever. Now heading into its 27th season, the Cabela’s MWC is the oldest team circuit in walleye fishing.
