April 15, 2004
Press Release
For Immediate Release
For further information contact:
Kristine Houtman, Events Director
Tel., 952-988-7116
Fax, 952-936-9755
E-mail, [email protected]
CABELA’S MWC EAST OPENER MAY 22-23 ON LAKE ONTARIO
WALLEYE BONANZA AWAITS ANGLERS AT HENDERSON HARBOR
Minnetonka, MN-“Five pound walleyes are considered small around
here,” boasts Fred Kucik, a local charter boat captain. He added, “I hope
the weigh-in bags are big and strong because double digit-sized walleyes are
common for this fishery.”
Fellow charter skipper Lew Wescott agrees, stating the eastern basin of Lake
Ontario is home to a burgeoning population of walleyes. He says, “The
timing for the tournament couldn’t be better because the fish are close to
shore and in the feeder tributaries at this time of year. The fishermen are
in for a real treat. We’re going to see lots of fish. Lots of big fish.”
Kucik and Wescott, along with local tournament director Jasper Paddock are
part of the Henderson Harbor, New York Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting
the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit, North American Fishing Club Team
Tournament May 22nd & 23rd on Lake Ontario. The event marks the first visit
to Lake Ontario by a nationally recognized team walleye circuit. The
tournament will be conducted from the Cabela’s state-of-the-art,
computerized mobile transport vehicle, which is specifically designed for
tournament television coverage. The Outdoor Channel will feature the
tournament, allowing teams to receive national media recognition.
Tournament coverage and related articles will also appear in the North
American Fisherman magazine, the official publication of the MWC.
Additionally, all MWC tournaments serve as qualifying events to the 2005
Cabela’s National Team Walleye Championship.
According to Kristine Houtman, Director of Events & Sponsorships for
Cabela’s MWC, “This is all part of a MWC East expansion so that anglers from
New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and surrounding states can
participate in a first-class team format walleye tournament circuit. We’re
also conducting MWC East tournaments on Lake Chautauqua at Jamestown, NY,
July 17th & 18th and on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay at Linwood, MI, August 7th
& 8th. The MWC is open to all comers age 12 and up. Teams are basically
made up of friends and family members of all skill levels who enjoy walleye
fishing. We also channel $15 per team to our conservation fund which is
used for fishery related projects in tournament areas.”
MWC monetary awards for competing are great. There is an 80% guaranteed
payback from every $600 team entry fee, the highest percentage payback of
any circuit. For example, a 100-team payout would be $48,840 with $13,920
for 1st place. Teams can also win big-fish cash pots, and depending on
their final end of the season point standings, earn extra money from the MWC
Team of the Year and Challenge competition. Teams will also be competing
for an invite to the prestigious $100,000 no entry fee, 2005 Cabela’s MWC
World Walleye Championship.
Teams desiring to enter the Henderson Harbor tournament should do so by
April 21st to avoid late fees. There is a $25 added late fee for entries
received April 22nd to May 8th; $100 May 9th to May 15th; $500 May 16th to
May 21st.
Further tournament and circuit information including entry forms or website
registration can be obtained at http://www.masterswalleyecircuit.com, or by calling
the MWC toll-free at 877-893-7947, the Henderson Harbor Chamber of Commerce,
888-938-5568 or 315-938-5568 and at http://www.walleyecentral.com.
In addition to Cabela’s, MWC sponsors include-Lindy Legendary Tackle,
Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Ranger Boats, The Outdoor Channel,
North American Fishing Club, Smithwick Lures, Cotton Cordell, MotorGuide,
Daiichi Hooks, Panther Marine, Lure Eyes, Xtreme Sports and Walleye
Central.Com.
MWC