MWC team of Vandemark and Fox Help Shine Spotlight on the St Mary’s River Incredible Walleye Fishing

MWC team of Vandemark and Fox Help Shine Spotlight on the St Mary’s River Incredible Walleye Fishing

Presented by Mercury

 

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. — August 15, 2021 — When the anglers first made plans to launch in to the St Mary’s River from Aune Osborn park in Sault Ste. Marie, MI many would have never planned the winning bags would be caught less than 1 mile away from the launch and park. The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC), presented by Mercury, had teams planning and fueling-up for 20-60 mile runs to locations thought to hold the winning fish. The duo of Steve Vandemark (Linwood, MI) and Jerry Fox Jr. (Harrison TWP, MI) had completely the opposite plan, closer to the launch, the better. 

Jigging in current breaks with jigs as small as 3/8 oz, the team found a way to boat over twenty pounds of fish both days of competition. “There isn’t as much current in the river as we are used to seeing in the years we have come here to fish.” Said Steve after accepting the large trophies just off stage. “We love coming up here and we have been close to winning here before, it feels so good to finally get it.” The pair used lots of past experience to best a field of local anglers loaded with incredible talent.

After the first day, the team of Jacob Hubbard and Kyle Bricco, from Sault Ste. Marie, had the lead with 21 lbs. and 3 oz. but came up with only 13 lbs. 15 oz. on the second day. The eventual second place team, again a local pair of Matt Gregg and Dane Stanaway had 15 lbs. and 1 oz. after the first day, within striking distance of the lead, then found themselves in the hotseat leading the event for most of the weigh-in after placing 20 lbs. and 5 oz. on the scale on day two. It came down to the final basket of Steve and Jerry’s before Matt and Dane were dethroned by over 6 lbs.

For their winning effort, Vandemark and Fox cashed over $13,500 in checks, including the $1,000 Lowrance bonus and a spot in the 2022 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) in Mobridge, SD. The NTC bonus will include paid entry, custom NTC jerseys, custom NTC qualifier plaques and cash travel stipend a $1,000 value!

Let’s have a look at the top-five teams and what they’ve won:

2nd: Matt Gregg & Dane Stanaway 35-06, $4,400 cash and $2,200 option pot cash

3rd: Jacob Hubbard & Kyle Bricco 35-02, $3,040 cash and $200 Okuma Reel Bonus

4th:  Wayne Butz & Joseph Sommers 29-15, $2,100 cash and $1,400 option pot cash

5th: Dan Johnson & Larry Rhoads 26-14, $1,750 cash and $900 option pot cash

The anglers caught 265 fish weighing a total of 774 lbs. 09 oz. during the event. The Berkley Big Fish of the event was 8 lbs. 5 oz. caught by Gregory and Benjamin Anderson.

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 37 years. MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2021 schedule includes seven qualifiers in six states, plus the 2021 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. Registration is now open for Cass Lake, the final event of the season, and the registration deadline is close of business, Monday, September 13th. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – The World’s Foremost Outfitters, are in their 20th 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: 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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Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Presents the 2022 Season Schedule

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Presents the 2022 Season Schedule

Ponca City, Okla.—Aug 14, 2021— For decades the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) has been the highest level of team walleye fishing in the country and the 2022 MWC season is set to challenge the “Toughest Anglers On Planet Earth” and ready to be released so anglers across the country can begin planning their 2022 season. Seven qualifiers are planned in six different states, all of them known for their walleye populations and sizes.

“There is so many incredible rivers, lakes and communities that continue to welcome us to experience what they have to offer” said Jeff Kelm, MWC tournament director. “We look forward to the excitement this announcement generates each year. The 2022 season will also include, new time frames for some events, Big Stone Lake for instance where anglers can land an 8-9 pound walleye at any time, new site hosts, like Gettysburg, SD on Lake Oahe and a couple of dual events with TWF sanctioned trails and clubs on Lake Erie and Lake Huron, which will allow area anglers to experience the height of team walleye fishing on the big stage of the Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit.”

The 38th season of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit looks like this:

March 18-19               Illinois River, Spring Valley, IL.

April 22-23                 Lake Erie, Sandusky, OH.

May 20-21                  Big Stone Lake, Ortonville, MN.

June 3-4                      Bay of Green Bay, Marinette, WI.

June 17-18                  Lake Huron, Oscoda, MI.

August 19-20              Lake Oahe, Gettysburg, SD.

September 16-17         Cass Lake, Cass Lake, MN.

Sept. 29- Oct. 1           2022 MWC World Walleye Championship, Bay of Green Bay, Oconto, WI.*

(*qualifying teams from 2021 MWC tournament season)

October 4-7, 2023       2023 MWC World Walleye Championship, Lake Sharpe, Pierre SD.

The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC’s lucrative payouts, based on the number of teams entered in each event, provide even more inspiration to join the fun. In addition, the MWC big-fish pot, option pot payouts and sponsor bonuses including Ranger Cup, Lowrance Electronics, Okuma, Berkley Fishing, Lowe Equipment Attachments and T-H Marine Atlas Awards add thousands more to the total. As a result, winners routinely pocket $10,000 to $15,000 or more in cash and prizes. Plus, the first-place team wins a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Team Championship Prize Package including paid NTC entry, travel stipend, team jerseys and plaques.

Teams fishing three or more tournaments also compete for coveted berths in the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship, which is comprised of the top point-accumulating teams from the previous year’s season and offers payouts based on the previous year’s participation. Teams that qualify in 2022 will fish the 2023 championship, at Pierre, SD.  MWC always pays back well over 100% in cash and prizes each and every season to our anglers.

Teams fishing at least four qualifiers compete for “Team of the Year” awards including a $10,000 “MWC Living the Dream” sponsorship package and thousands more in cash, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s gift cards and paid tournament entries.

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 37 years. MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – The World’s Foremost Outfitters, are in their 20th 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: Church Tackle, Berkley Fishing, Okuma, Power-Pole, Soft Steel and T-H Marine. For more information, email support@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.

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Michigan’s Oldest City Awaits MWC’s Latest Event Presented by Mercury

Michigan’s Oldest City Awaits MWC’s Latest Event

Presented by Mercury

Ponca City, Okla. — July 27, 2021 — The sights and sounds of the St Mary’s River and the Soo Locks are ready for the next installment of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) August 13-14. 2021. The awe of Great Lakes freighters navigating the channels and the cliff edges along the river hold a memorable place in the hearts of those that have been immersed in them before. For those that haven’t ventured to the world of “The Soo” this will be an experience not soon forgotten.

Anglers will have many choices of where to fish, between Lake Superior, St Mary’s River, Lake Huron or the multiple other lakes and pools that intertwine and connect them all to find their 5-best walleyes through two days of fishing. Canadian waterways are closed to fishing and travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, though it will hardly feel “restrictive” with so much available water to fish.

“This is a huge amount of water to cover,” said Jeff Kelm, tournament director. “They have almost limitless possibilities. The challenge for some will be accessing some places to due to the Canadian waters being impassable, and then of course for all, finding the tournament winning fish through two whole days of fishing, against the best in North America.”  It’s a challenge that comes with added pressure for teams with aspirations of Team of the Year or World Walleye Championships hopes.

Lind Hoath, Director of the Sault Ste. Marie CVB, is always excited to bring the anglers to town to show off what “Michigan’s Oldest Town” has to offer. “Let me tell you about our town, we have got everything the fishermen need and everything their families want to do right here, minutes away from the launch.” With shops and tours, a casino, museums and countless dinning decisions, The Soo provides a great family experience for all who come.

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 of up to $7,000 from Ranger Cup, a $1,000 Lowrance bonus, Okuma Fishing reels, Berkley Fishing Big Fish package, Lowe Equipment Cash up to $500 and T-H Marine Atlas Awards adds more for distribution among the field.

Qualified teams from the 2021 season earning points in at least three qualifiers compete for coveted berths in the 2022 World Walleye Championship, set for October 2021 on the Bay of Green Bay in Oconto, WI. 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 Aune Osbourn Park beginning at 3:00pm both days August 13-14.  We encourage you to watch the weigh-ins live, online, at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on our Facebook page facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit. Immediately following the weigh-in on Friday, August 13th, the MWC and National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) will host a Kids & Family Fishing Clinic, with free fishing rods available for 50 children in attendance.

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 37 years. MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2021 schedule includes seven qualifiers in six 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 Sault Ste. Marie tournament is close of business Monday, August 9th. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – The World’s Foremost Outfitters, are in their 20th 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: 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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Shakoor – Hunter Dominate on Lake Oahe Presented by Lowrance

Shakoor – Hunter Dominate on Lake Oahe

Presented by Lowrance

Mobridge, SoDak. — June 28, 2021 — Mobridge, South Dakota, home of rodeos, bridges and giant walleyes. The 2021 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit presented by Lowrance on Lake Oahe laid witness to some incredible sights, not just the occasional American Bison on the shoreline, but a dominating performance by two anglers who come from very different home waters looking to learn the Missouri River system.

Dennis Hunter (Morrison, CO) and Ali Shakoor (Dearborn Heights, MI) drove from opposite ends of the walleye world to come together and fish, learn and have fun in Mobridge, SD. What they learned is that it’s a lot of fun to catch big fish on Lake Oahe.

“We came to be better anglers…It was a no brainer to come to Lake Oahe” said Ali while on stage immediately securing the win on Saturday. “We came here with an open mind to learn this system and have some fun.” Dennis and Ali weighed only 3 of the 5 fish allowed on the first day, but those three weighed 21-06 good enough for second going into the final day.

Saturday’s weight of 18-06 was enough to lock in a nearly 5-pound advantage over the eventual second place team of Ryan Thompson (Pierre, SD) and Scott Larsen (Mayville, ND) to win a total of $10,983 in cash and prizes including a $9,668 check, a $1000 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s NTC prize package, two Okuma fishing reels and the trophies.

Another winning opportunity for anglers at this event was a random draw for a 60” Lowrance Ghost™ trolling motor valued at $3,649.99. Tournament Director, Jeff Kelm, called a young audience member up to the stage to choose a random number correlating to the boat numbers in the event. Boat number 23, Mike Gustafson and Brent Mortenson, was selected and won the highly coveted prize.

Rounding out the top-five remaining teams:

2nd: Ryan Thompson & Scott Larsen 34-15, $4,870 cash, $1,000 Ranger Cup bonus, $1,000 Lowrance bonus and $3,822 option pot cash

3rd: Cody Stoner & Samuel Domke 31-15, $3,350 cash and $2,750 option pot cash

4th:  Harry & Dalton Decker 30-09, $2,500 cash and $1,750 option pot cash

5th: Tyler Polzen & Cody Rahder 29-04, $2,000 cash

The teams caught 356 fish weighing a total of 933 lbs. 12 oz. during the event. The Berkley Big Fish of the event was 12-00 caught by Tyler Polzen and Cody Rahder.

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 37 years. MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2021 schedule includes seven qualifiers in six 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 St Mary’s River tournament is close of business Monday, August 9th. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – The World’s Foremost Outfitters, are in their 20th 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: 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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