–Presented by Fishouflage
June 30, 2011—Minnetonka, MN—Rising water on the Missouri River system hasn’t stopped Lake Oahe’s world-class walleye fishery from firing on all cylinders, which means that great fishing and winnings are on the agenda when the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit returns to Mobridge, South Dakota, July 22-24.
“The walleye fishing has been excellent this year in terms of numbers and sizes of fish,” reports Indian Creek Marina manager Jim Straight.
He expects much better fishing than MWCers found last season, when teams battled changing weather conditions as South Dakotans Corey Fiedler and Chad Schilling (above) trolled Berkley Flicker Shads to victory with a 10-fish MWC limit weighing 26.56 pounds: good for a $10,200 payday.
Based on a 75-team field, the top 15 teams this year 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 July 4 to register before the $100 late fee kicks in. Registration closes at midnight on June 17. For more information, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com; email:events@masterswalleyecircuit.com.
The MWC is open to all anglers. The Circuit’s popular team format—which lets you choose your partner and cut your costs—has stood the test of time for 26 tournament seasons. Teams enjoy testing their skills while competing for cash and prizes in a professionally-run yet friendly competition that creates a unique camaraderie among anglers, and fosters friendships that last a lifetime.
Plus, walleyes and saugers are winners in the equation as well. Since 1984, the MWC Conservation Fund has donated more than $275,000 to fisheries-enhancement projects in states where our tournaments are held.
Teams will launch out of Indian Creek Marina at 7 a.m. and return at 3 p.m., with weigh-ins held in Mobridge beginning at 3:15 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 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 second of three stops in the MWC West Division’s 2011 season. The circuit heads for legendary Cass Lake, Minnesota, out of Stony Point Resort September 16-18. 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.
