By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
The second qualifier for the Illinois Circuit of the Grand National
Walleye Cup is set for the Fox Chain of Lakes, Saturday, April 26.
According to Executive Director Bernie Barringer, competing teams should
be at the Ben Watts Marina between 6-6:30 Saturday morning to sign in and
participate in mandatory boat inspections. The tournament hours are 7 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Weigh-in begins precisely at 3 p.m., with awards to follow. “Teams
can still sign up on Saturday morning. Just show up, and we’ll take care of
the paperwork.”
Barringer expressed his excitement for the Fox Chain qualifier.
“I’m excited about taking the GNWC to the Fox Chain. It’s a great fishery
with excellent accomodations. Our event will be a boost to the local
economy,
and I’m expecting some good tournament catches from this body of water.”
Barringer continued, “There is normally an $18 charge to use the
marina, but this has been reduced to $10 for GNWC teams. However, teams may
launch at any ramp and come to the marina by boat if they wish. All teams
must have a valid lake use sticker, which can be purchased at local bait
shops.”
Anglers can call 1-800-890-3474, email the GNWC at [email protected]
or check out the official GNWC website at walleyecup.com for all of the
latest in GNWC information.
One last bit of news on the GNWC circuit is the addition of The
Sportsman Channel as a major sponsoring partner. Barringer had this to say
about the Sportsman Channel. “The Sportsman Channel will air all of our
state championships. It is a new and upcoming channel that I think outdoor
enthusiasts will really like. From the research I have done, I think they
will offer a top quality product. For those who do not get the Sportsman
Channel, I encourage you to call your local cable company or satellite
television provider and ask for it.”
Major sponsoring partners for the GNWC include Ranger Boats, Mercury
Outboards, Berkley, Abu-Garcia, The Sportsman Channel and
UpNorthOutdoors.com.
Tournament: Fox Chain of Lakes
Date: Saturday, April 26
Ben Watts Marina, Rt 12 Fox Lake 847-587-0211
Host Bait Shop: Jim’s Bait and Tackle 847-587-4588
Host Lodging: Best Western 847-395-3606 (Hwy 173)
More info: http://www.lakeonline.com/chainolakes