Zothman and Foehrenbacher Repeat Cass Lake Victory
Presented By: Mercury
Cass Lake, Minnesota – September 16, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit ran its final qualifier of the season on Cass Lake, launching out of Stony Point Resort. Being a frequent location in the fall for the MWC, anglers have come to look forward to this event to round out their seasons. An abundance of walleyes were weighed, but only one team solidified the win.
With the ever temperamental “fall” weather, teams were split on whether to pattern fish in late summer or early fall patterns. Day 1 take-off the anglers were greeted with rain and wind, putting an emphasis on boat control and perseverance. Colt Anderson and Ben Olson managed to secure a giant bag in the conditions, weighing 21lbs and 13oz to take the lead on day 1. Zothman and Foehrenbacher were not far behind, being tied at second place with 19lbs and 9oz.
Day 2 started with the typical Cass Lake fog, that can be seen nearly every year for take-off at Cass Lake, accompanied by a warm mid-September day. Zothman and Foehrenbacher have been in a similar situation before, and handled it accordingly. Having pre-fished nearly the entire lake and every direction of the compass, they stuck to their gameplan, sorting through numbers of 20”-22” to find their perfect “unders” – fish just under that 20” mark – and finding the biggest ones in the school for their 2 kicker “overs.”
Finding fish with forward facing sonar, using both live and artificial baits, in swinging depth ranges for 5’-30’, they were able to find the fish they needed. “Hoping for a top ten,” Zothman and Foehrenbacher weighed two very consistent bags, with day 2 being 19lbs 7oz, for a total of 39lbs and an “unbelievable” Cass Lake MWC Win for back to back years.
Earning a champions trophy in this final 2025 Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier comes with a paid berth into the 2026 National Team Championship. David Zothman and James Foehrenbacher took home $12,900 in Cash, $3,901 in Option Pot Cash, and the NTC prize package valued at $1000 consisting of custom NTC jerseys, custom NTC plaques, and a cash travel stipend for a total of $17,801 in cash and prizes!
Other teams put together incredible bags and earned great rewards as well:
2nd: Dustin Minke & Kyle Minke, 38-00, $6,400 Cash, $2,850 2nd Place Option Pot Cash,
And the Lowrance Exclusive bonus of $750
3rd: Nick Cekella & Mitch Hackenmueller, 36-14, $4,100 Cash
4th: Colt Anderson & Ben Olson, 36-03, $3,200 Cash
5th: Michael Juelson & Trenten Juelson, 36-02, $2,600 Cash
Honorably, Cody Wasylow and Derek Juneau weighed the heaviest walleye of the event on day at 9lbs 10oz, winning $2010 Big Fish Cash and the Salmo Java Package consisting of an AeroPress and one of their signature coffees. Day 2 big fish was caught by Tyler Malkowiak and Nate Wolske at 6lbs 15oz to win $2010 Big Fish Cash.
Overall, 192 anglers competed in this event representing 11 different states, catching 608 fish for a total of 1,766 pounds of Cass Lake Walleye.
As part of the 2025 MWC season, anglers will vie for a coveted spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Devil’s Lake North Dakota. 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. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.
Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. Overall payout 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, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Ranger Cup adds $8,000, alongside the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses which 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 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 2025 schedule includes six qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship on Devils Lake, North Dakota.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are proud to round out their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine, SeaKeeper and Salmo Java Coffee.
For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.
