For Immediate Release Grand National Walleye Cup Gears Up for 2004 Tournament Circuits By Steve Weisman GNWC Publicity Director The New Standard in Weekend Walleye Tournaments continues to grow! Executive Director Bernie Barringer has unveiled the expansion of the Gander Mountain Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) into an eight-region circuit for 2004, and with the new wave of special incentive awards, it is the hottest partner walleye circuit in the country. “Our first year went well and gained momentum as the year went along. For 2004, we are now in eight regions: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska-Kansas, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. This means we will have four qualifiers along with a championship in each region. These regional championships will be followed by one huge national championship on Lake of the Woods October 7-9,” said Barringer. The entry fee is $210 per team for all events with an 80 percent payback. Also, $10 of the entry fee will go to an enhanced fishing conservation fund that goes directly back to enhance that region’s fishery. “One of the keys to the GNWC is the flexibility the circuit allows our teams. Anglers can choose to fish in just their own state or region, or they can compete for the Skeeter Boats National Championship title. National Championship teams will compete for a $56,000 first place prize which includes two ZX 1790-T Skeeter boats powered by 75 hp 4-stroke Yamaha outboards fully rigged with MinnKota batteries and trolling motors and Lowrance locators.” However, to become a National team eligible for advancement to the Skeeter Boats National Championship, the team must declare its intent as a “National Team” and put $100 into the National Championship pot before the first event in their region. The top 15 National Teams from each region, determined by points, will be invited to the Skeeter Boats National Championship. “By doing this, we feel we are meeting the needs of those teams who want to experience tournament fishing in their region, but at the same time we are adding another level for those teams who want to go beyond that and fish for the Skeeter Boats National Championship.” In addition, the GNWC will again feature its popular 13-week television program Walleye Wisdom on the Sportsman Channel and several regional outlets. “Our goal is to showcase the successes of our walleye teams, share the techniques that the GNWC teams used to catch their fish and to finally give fishing hints that will help our viewers become better walleye anglers themselves.” An additional benefit of becoming a GNWC team is the opportunity to get the GNWC official magazine Walleye Wisdom. The quarterly magazine includes complete tournament coverage, walleye how-to articles and tips to help people become better anglers. The concept of the GNWC continues to generate enthusiasm from sponsors. “It’s been great to see the way top national fishing companies have cast their support behind walleye tournament anglers by sponsoring the GNWC,” added Barringer. Special awards include the following. Gander Mountain, the title sponsor, will award the “Need More Stuff” award at each of the 41 tournaments in the form of a $200 drawing for a Gander Mountain Shopping Spree. Skeeter Boats, the National Championship Presenting Sponsor, will provide two 1790 XT boats powered by Yamaha outboards, fully rigged with MinnKota batteries, trolling motors and Lowrance locators to the 2004 National Champions. In addition, any Skeeter boat owner who wins a GNWC tournament while fishing in the Skeeter will be awarded an additional $1000 above their winnings by Skeeter Boats.
February 21, 2004 at 9:21 pm
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