Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Comes to Wisconsin’s Famed Lake Winnebago
Presented by Mercury Marine
Ponca City, Oklahoma – The third stop on the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) heads to the middle of walleye country on Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, WI. On May 31st and June 1st, teams of anglers will meet up at one of the top tournament destinations in the country. Lake Winnebago has been a host to every major walleye circuit in the country over the past four decades. Anglers every year ask to come back and the MWC was obliged to fulfill that request and give anglers a shot at glory during this stop of the season, presented by Mercury Marine
Whenever the question arises, “What is one of the best fishing destinations in the walleye world?”, Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin almost always makes its way into the conversation. And for good reason, too. Lake Winnebago, the Fox and Wolf Rivers and upper lakes are home to millions of walleyes. Lake Winnebago itself is over 50 miles long and the rest of the system opens another 70-plus miles of water for teams to pick apart. Each section of the “Bago” system creates opportunities for anglers to fish however they want. Although trolling the upper-lakes is popular during this time of year, emergent weed growth on the south end of the main lake can also hold big numbers of fish as well.
MWC winner from Spring Valley, Ross Hertensteiner had this to share about the upcoming tournament on Lake Winnebago. “We’re really excited to get out and learn Winnebago. My father, John, has fished Lake Winnebago a lot over the years. It sounds like there is a lot of techniques that will come into play. Pitching jigs, slip bobbers and trolling. All these things to do with a variety of lakes and rivers to pick apart. This should be a fun tournament!”
Event specifics include a 7:00 am (CDT) take-off each day and live weigh-ins both at Menominee Park in Oshkosh, WI at 3:15 pm (CDT) on May 31st and June 1st, 2024. Spectators are welcomed to join in person as the weigh-in is free and open to the public, or follow the action live online at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on the official Facebook page, facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit
As part of the 2024 MWC season, anglers will vie for a coveted spot in the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Teams can participate in as many events as they wish, with points earned in at least three qualifiers necessary for an invitation to the World Walleye Championship. Those earning points in at least four qualifiers compete for “Team of the Year” honors, including a $10,000 sponsorship package and thousands more in cash and prizes to the top 10 teams in the final “best of 4” final standing each year.
While everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and fish all MWC events or just 1 that gets close to you, for a shot at a great payback and prizes, the NEW points structure for 2024 better protects those teams fishing 3 or more events. It is based in part on angler feedback received during previous seasons. MWC Rule #14 now explains that MWC teams that register for the last two (2) events each year and have not fished any previous MWC events that season, can still fish and win BIG, but with only two possible scores from the last two events they cannot advance so points don’t matter to those anglers and so they will receive none. They do matter to MWC teams who have fished all year and are working on qualifying for the World Walleye Championship (WWC) or a Team of the Year (TOY) titles, their points at the last two events of the season will now be awarded based on their fishing abilities only against others on in same position. I.E. those fishing 3 or more events.
Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. New for 2024 is the GUARANTEED minimum $10,000 first place prize powered by Dakota Lithium at every event. Overall payout is still awarded to 20% of the field, providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earns a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses from Ranger Cup, Lowrance, Dakota Lithium and Okuma will add thousands more for distribution among the field.
Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest-running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40 years. The MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2024 schedule includes seven qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. Registration is now open for all events. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are in their 23rd season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Lew’s Fishing, Dakota Lithium, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, Church Tackle, FishLab, Okuma, and T-H Marine. For more information, email support@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.
