March 22, 2011—Minnetonka, MN—A high stakes, big-fish shootout awaits in the shadows of the Motor City when the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit visits the Detroit River and western Lake Erie April 16-17.
At press time, 90 teams have already signed up to compete, guaranteeing a total cash purse of $46,800 paying 18 places with first place at $14,400. 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. And with registration open through Sunday, April 10, the payouts will continue to grow as more teams register.
Anglers interested in competing in the MWC’s popular team format—which lets you choose your partner and cut your costs—should keep in mind that a $100 late fee kicks in March 28. For details or to register, click the Registration tab on this website.
Besides hefty paychecks, anglers can expect world-class walleye fishing. The tournament targets the same time frame as 2010, when Steve and Dan Bodinger (pictured above) won $17,400 in cash and contingencies with a hefty 10-fish MWC limit weighing 72.59 pounds.
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.
