Ponca City, Okla. — July 1, 2020 — Only a few times in the storied history of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit has the tournament arrived on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. July 10-11, teams will once again explore the massive flowage in search of their 5 largest walleyes to bring to the tournament stage at 4 Bears Casino, New Town, ND, presented by Ranger Boats.
The entire Missouri River system has an abundant walleye population and the Lake Sakakawea reservoir has arguably the largest size structure of the entire waterway. “This is big water” Jack Baker, Tournament Director said of the size of the lake and how the weather will affect plans. “This is water that will test you but will also spoil you when you’re on the right bite. We love going to destination fisheries, and this is as good as if not better than many walleye waters right now.”
As the tournament host, 4 Bears Casino is has made plans for anglers to stay, play and fish while in the area. With all the amenities fishermen look for, tournament participants will have fun on and off the water. Ample launch and dock space as well as rig parking available, anglers can lodge right where the tournament will launch from, cutting down on the cost of fuel.
Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event, and is 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, travel stipend, team jerseys and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option pot and sponsor bonuses from Ranger Cup, Lowrance, Okuma, AirWave and T-H Marine Atlas Awards add thousands more for distribution among the field.
Qualified teams from the 2020 season earning points in at least three qualifiers compete for coveted berths in the 2021 World Walleye Championship, set for October 2021 on the Mississippi River in Lake City, MN. 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.
Daily live weigh-ins will be held at the 4 Bears Marina beginning at 3:30pm both days July 10, 11. We encourage you to watch the weigh-ins live, online, at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on our Facebook page facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit.
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 36 years. MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2020 schedule includes seven qualifiers in seven states, plus the 2021 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. Registration is now open for all events, and the registration deadline for the Lake Sakakawea tournament is close of business Tuesday, July 7. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – The World’s Foremost Outfitters, are in their 19th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowe Equipment Attachments, Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Ranger Boats and The Walleye Federation. Associate sponsors include: AirWave Pedestals, Church Tackle, Berkley Fishing, Okuma, Power-Pole, Soft Steel and T-H Marine. For more information, email info@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.
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