Masters Walleye Circuit Looks to Crown its 42nd World Walleye Champions on Lake Huron
Presented By: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Ponca City, Oklahoma – September 23, 2024 – The Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) is officially ending its 2024 season with the final event, the World Walleye Championship, in Alpena, Michigan fishing Lake Huron. No stranger to Lake Huron this year, MWC anglers have already weighed many large fish out of this lucrative Great Lakes fishery, and many are hoping it is repeatable.
With team of the year having been crowned for 2024, (watch for the press release with this years’ story), the final award to fight for this season is the World Walleye Championship, which is the longest running championship in the Walleye Fishing World. Anglers will battle it out for this prestigious title, as well as the bonus of being able to compete in four qualifying events in the 2025 season, completely paid for with a travel stipend and paid lodging. In addition to the Champions bonuses, the minimum payback will be $15,000 for first place, and a Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor, as well as the normal season bonuses from sponsors are still available. These include the Lowrance HDS Pro + Active Target $1,000 bonus, Okuma reels with their $200 bonus, and the Dakota Lithium Comeback award of 3 Lithium batteries and chargers worth $4,200 that will be awarded to the team that makes the biggest jump in the standings from day 2 to day 3! Topping all that off will be a Lowrance HDS 9 for second place, $200 Lew’s gift cards for Big Fish on day 1 and 2, as well as some packages from local sponsor Salmo Java, and the option-pot bonus which is available to all teams at time of registration.
Reigning champion of the 2023 World Walleye Championship, Tom Sieburg, will be defending his title in Alpena with his son Jake. “Winning this would mean the world to me and my son. It’s our first big event together, and his first time fishing the great lakes” Tom said. Jake countered “I’m just happy to be here doing this with my dad, it’s so different than home (Nebraksa) and it’s a trip I’ll remember forever.”
Teams consisting of two anglers are allowed to weigh 5 fish over 15 inches, and have no more than 6 fish in the livewell at one time. Culling is allowed at this event, per state regulations in Michigan, allowing anglers to upgrade their weights throughout the duration of their fishing time.
Event specifics include a 7:30 am (CST) take-off each day and 3:30 pm (CST) live weigh-in on all three days of the event, September 26-28. Registration will begin at 4:00 PM on September 25, at JJ’s Steak and Pizza House. All other proceedings will take place at the Alpena Marina. Spectators are encouraged 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 vied for a coveted spot in the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Teams could 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 “best of 4” final standing each year.
The MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to find a partner, sign up and fish all MWC events, or even just one that is local to you, for a shot at great paybacks. Additionally, the points structure for 2024, based in part on angler feedback received during previous seasons, better protected those team’s efforts who are fishing 3 or more events each season. MWC Rule #14 details the specifics of how to earn points, based on the number of events attended. For anglers looking to compete for “Team of the Year”, and/or gain entry into the World Walleye Championship, it is recommended to fully understand the necessary steps to ensure they are earning points as intended.
MWC pays back more than 100% in cash and prizes each season and each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered. For the entire 2024 season, the winners of each event were GUARANTEED a minimum of $10,000 First Place prize, powered by Dakota Lithium. The top 20% of the field at each qualifying event earned a check providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earned 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 added 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 since 1984 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 2024 schedule included seven qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details and the recently announced 2025 schedule.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are rounding out their 23rd season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit, with only the World Walleye Championship remaining in this 2024 season. 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, Salmo Java, and T-H Marine. For more information, email support@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.
