–Presented by Lowrance
May 26, 2011 Minnetonka, MN—Big walleyes and winnings are on the agenda when the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit returns to Devils Lake, North Dakota, June 24-26.
“Any style of fishing can win,” said Al Freidig, MWC angler and director of the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce. “You can slip-bobber, jig, pitch cranks, troll—you name it. At last year’s Chamber tournament in June we had walleyes come from 2 feet to 36 feet of water, and everything in between.”
With water levels on the rise again this year, the MWC is focusing on the main lake, with the big lake’s bridges serving as boundary markers. “That still leaves 100,000 acres of water to fish,” notes Johnnie Candle—a Devils Lake resident and reigning Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Champion. “I’m looking forward to the new challenges. Most people don’t fish the main lake this time of year, even though it’s widely acknowledged that the area holds the lake’s biggest walleyes. This will be a learning experience for locals and traveling teams alike.”
The MWC event is being held in conjunction with the 35th annual Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Walleye Fishing Tournament. MWCers can sign up for the Chamber tourney and fish two competitions at the same time. For details on the Chamber event, visit http://tourism.devilslakend.com/?page_id=26&post_id=2750.
Based on a 75-team field, the top 15 teams will share a $39,040 cash purse, with the victors claiming a $12,340 first-place check. Sponsor bonuses including Cabela’s Angler Cash, Berkley Baits, Cabela’s MWC Premier Team, Ranger Cup, Lowrance HDS, and U2 the Oxygenator add another $3,700 to the table. Plus, anglers have the option of entering the Big Fish Pot, which pays cash awards for the top three walleyes each tournament day, and could add nearly $4,000 to the payouts.
Teams have until June 5 to register before the $100 late fee kicks in. Registration closes on June 19. For more information, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com; email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com.
Teams will launch out of Grahams Island at 7 a.m. and return at 3 p.m., with weigh-ins held at the park, beginning at 3 p.m. A built-in “bad-weather day” allows for two full days of competition even if foul weather prevents teams from getting out either Friday or Saturday. The MWC and National Professional Anglers Association will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after the first day’s weigh-in. Along with hands-on fishing tips from the MWC anglers, the first 50 youths receive rods and reels donated by the NPAA, and tackle kits courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.
This is the first of three stops in the MWC West Division’s 2011 season. The circuit visits mighty Lake Oahe at Mobridge, South Dakota, July 22-24, and heads for legendary Cass Lake, Minnesota, out of Stony Point Resort September 16-18.
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.
