Consistency Leads to Win on Lake Oahe for Father and Son Duo Presented by Lowrance

Mobridge, SD — June 29, 2020 — Expectations ran as high as the mercury when the 2020 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit launched out of Mobridge, SD. Presented by Lowrance, the father-son team of Monte and Josh Olson bested the field with an impressive 41-09 total weight after two days of grind-it-out fishing.

Known locally for their tournament prowess, the Olsons found the tournament winning fish much closer to the launch site than most of the rest of the teams. “We were within 10 miles either side of the launch (Indian Creek Recreation Area), we didn’t have to make the long runs.” mentioned Josh Olson. This gave them more time with lines in the water and a chance to locate a consistent heavy bite. “We weren’t on good fish earlier in the week” Josh continued, “but the last few days it got better.”   

Securing 21-04 on day one, the pair found themselves in second place after day one’s weigh-in. This prompted a camera in the boat for a period of time on day two, as this event was being filmed for an upcoming season of Federation Angler TV. Within minuets of the camera crew entering their boat, Monte and Josh found themselves with one of the largest fish either has caught in a tournament in the net. “I couldn’t believe it.” said Josh,” We had thrown back a 23 (inch) and 24 (inch) fish about an hour before and we were starting to think we made a mistake.” No mistake was made as their day two weight of 20-05 was good enough to solidify the win.

Monte and Josh Olson headed home with $11,550 in cash and prizes, including the $9,850 first-place cash payout, $500 AirWave certificate, $200 in Okuma reels and a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Team Championship Prize Package, including paid entry into the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s NTC, travel stipend, team jerseys and plaques.

 

The rest of the top five teams:

2nd: Cody Stoner & Samuel Domke 36-06, $4,950 cash

3rd: Justin Cole & Melissa Daughtry 32-08, $3,550 cash, $3,700 option pot cash, $500 Lowrance Bonus

4th: Steven Senyak & Alek Heier 30-03, $2,700 cash

5th: Gary & Belinda Maher 29-06, $2,100 cash, $1,000 Ranger Cup Bonus

 

All together the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit awarded $48,045 in cash and prizes in Mobridge, SD.

497 fish weighed a total of 1,105 lbs. 07 oz. during the event.

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 and is open to avid walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2020 schedule includes 7 qualifiers in seven states, plus the 2021 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship.

Bass Pro Shops and 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, Berkley, Church Tackle, Soft Steel, Okuma, Power-Pole and T-H Marine. For more information, email info@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC Eyes Big Return to Lake Oahe and Mobridge, SD June 26-27 Presented by Lowrance

Ponca City, Okla. — June 11, 2020 — The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit and the city of Mobridge, SD look forward to hosting anglers from across the nation on Lake Oahe. Presented by Lowrance, participants will be greeted to town with open arms (and dining rooms) as restrictions continue to ease within the country.

2020 marks a return to Mobridge after nearly a decade away from a long-time tournament staple. “We saw an opportunity to bring the circuit back to Lake Oahe and Mobridge was excited to host us.” Jeff Kelm, tournament emcee, said of the upcoming June 26-27 event. “We are going to involve so many in the city, from folks at the rodeo grounds where the registration, rules and weigh-in will be held, to the local fishing club, Chamber of Commerce office and others.”

This tournament comes on the heels of a number of local cancellations and rescheduling for many other events in the area and Deb Olerud, Executive Director of the Mobridge Chamber of Commerce is excited to finally bring in guests. “Our gas stations, motels, bait shops, and restaurants are ready to welcome and show you some true Midwestern hospitality.” She said via email while preparing for the event. “We appreciate the MWC, its participants, and organizers choosing us to host this year. Thank you for taking the trek to our “Oasis on Oahe”. Thank you for supporting our local businesses. Thank you for showcasing what a great fishery we have.”

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 Mobridge Sitting Bull Stampede (Rodeo Grounds) beginning at 3:30pm both days June 26, 27.  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 Missouri River tournament is close of business Monday, June 22. 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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Hume, Karner Win in Commanding Fashion on Lake Erie Presented by Ranger Boats

Lorain, Ohio — June 8, 2020 — The new season finally dawned on the 2020 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit and Lorain, Ohio opened its doors to anglers from across the country. Participants from 12 states converged on the shoreline of Lake Erie to battle for the top spot and the $12,000 first-place cash prize. One such team, from Oscoda and Greenbush Michigan, of Adam Hume and Mike Karner fought through adversity to claim the weekend’s title of champion. 

Adam and Mike arrived early on Monday to begin pre-fishing the tournament waters but within two days of preparation, hopes of participating quickly diminished. Motor problems troubled the team on Wednesday and they spent their day pondering their next plan. Fortunately for Adam and Mike, the issue was minor and back to the grind they went on Thursday to finalize the plan for the 2-day event starting the following day.

“One of our home programs in deep water is pulling bandits deep.” said Hume on stage as the weigh-in wrapped up Saturday. “We were fishing deeper than most.” The team knew what they were comfortable doing and found the right location to fill the livewell with over 44lbs of fish on day-one, including the “Big Fish” of 10-06.  The duo caught over 39lbs of fish on the final day to end with a total weight of 83-13, over ten pounds more than second place.

Hume and Karner walk away with $14,700 in cash and prizes, including the $12,000 first-place cash payout, $1,000 Ranger Cup Bonus, $500 AirWave certificate, $200 in BPS/Cabela’s gift cards for day-one “Big Fish” and a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Team Championship Prize Package, including paid entry into the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s NTC, travel stipend, team jerseys and plaques.

The rest of the top five teams:

2nd: Chris Bradway & Kody Hill 73-01, $6,050 cash

3rd: Randell Gaines & Mark Wilmont 68-09, $3,750 cash, $3,800 option pot cash, $200 of Okuma reels

4th: Paul Kerr & Francis Ball 67-00, $2,760 cash

5th: Gary Kisel & Alex Kisel 66-10, $2,280 cash, $2,750 option pot cash, $500 Lowrance bonus

 

All together the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit awarded $62,589.50 in cash and prizes in Lorain, OH.

832 fish weighed a total of 4,072 lbs. 12 oz. during the event. Jason Zsebik and Timothy Johnson took home “Big Fish” honors on Saturday with their 10-15 walleye on Saturday.

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 and is open to avid walleye anglers from all walks of life. The 2020 schedule includes 7 qualifiers in seven states, plus the 2021 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship.

Bass Pro Shops and 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, Berkley, Church Tackle, Soft Steel, Okuma, Power-Pole and T-H Marine. For more information, email info@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.

RESCHEDULED – Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit, Marinette, WI August 7-8, 2020 Presented by Mercury

Ponca City, Okla.—April 21, 2020 — The 2020 Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) Schedule has once again been augmented due the Covid-19 pandemic plaguing the United States. The May 15-16 MWC event in Marinette WI, presented by Mercury, has been moved to the dates of August 7-8 to comply with rules currently in place. We look forward to getting back to fishing soon and businesses opening back up to get our economy going.

“It’s not ideal for anyone, but we need to make lemonade out of lemons.” Tournament Director Jack Baker said of the change. “Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers extend the stay-at-home- orders beyond the tournament dates and that isn’t going to allow for anglers traveling to find accommodations, food or other necessities to enjoy competing.” Baker also acknowledged the that ban on fishing Michigan waters in a motorized boat would have impeded many of the angler’s plans.

We want to thank the city of Marinette for their partnership through all of these changes and look forward to August when the circuit can at least operate within the parameters that Federal, State and Local health officials have in place at that time.

All registrations for the original May 15-16 event will automatically transfer to the new dates of August 7-8. If in the event a team cannot attend the new event dates, they may transfer the original entry to any other 2020 MWC qualifier event of their choice or request a refund.

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 at the Menekaunee Harbor are free and open to the public beginning at 3:00pm both days August 7, 8.  If you can’t make it in person you can watch the weigh-ins live, online, at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on our Facebook page.

For the area youth, immediately after the day-one weigh-in on Friday, we offer a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic in conjunction with the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA). The first 50 youth will receive a free rod-and-reel combo!

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 Marinette tournament is close of business Monday, August 3rd. 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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