LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS TITLES OPENER OF
2005 CABELA’S MASTERS WALLEYE CIRCUIT
Minnetonka, MN-Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit anglers know the
cure for cabin fever — it’s called the Spring Valley, Illinois MWC
tournament – a sauger factory that every walleye tournament angler looks
forward to. And that relief is right around the corner.
The 19-year running competition on the Illinois River is slated for March 19
& 20 with Lowrance Electronics as the title sponsor for this qualifying
tournament stop. The local Spring Valley Walleye Club hosts the tournament
and welcomes the teams, fans and sponsors to the area. As has become the
tradition for most of the 19 years, the 220-team field filled in one day
with a waiting list. Over $107,000 is at stake; with $28,512 slated for the
winning two-person team.
“It’ll be tough to repeat” pined Keith Carlson of Goodhue, Minnesota. He
and his partner last year won the tournament with 21.58 lbs. “The water
temperature will be a big factor and we expect it will take more to win this
year than 21 pounds. We’ll sure give it a good try though,” Carlson added
with laugh.
Conditions are a little more stable than last year. Tournament dates are a
week earlier due to the Easter holiday falling the last weekend in March
this year, which should land larger pre-spawn fish in the anglers’ baskets.
Favorite techniques for this tournament include trolling three-way rigs
up-river as well as vertical jigging with plastic baits. However, there are
no secrets in this tournament environment. While dozens of miles of river
are within the boundaries; many anglers are packed in like sardines on some
of the most productive areas, such as the Peru flats and the DePue clam
beds.
What’s new in the boat this year? Anglers will use their new color Lowrance
electronics for the tournament. “Everything’s gone color now” indicated MWC
angler Gordy Powers of Rockford, Minnesota. “Lowrance has developed such a
wide variety of products with color application. There are quite a number
of products in a wide price range; which makes it great to have a variety of
applications in the boat. Probably half the field will be using the color
units in Spring Valley….but just wait – it will be 99% the following year.
The color technology is so great that once you see the difference it’s just
night and day.”
The Masters Walleye Circuit and the Spring Valley Walleye Club work
side-by-side with the Illinois DNR on improving the Illinois River. The
teamwork approach works well, and is highly sustainable. Not only are eggs
from the fish caught during the tournament used in a re-stocking program,
conservation funds are generated to cover the expenses. MWC will donate
$3300 to the Spring Valley Walleye Club at the conclusion of the tournament
for such work.
Water conditions are posted on the SVWC website,
http://www.spring-valley-walleye.org and tournament information can be obtained at
http://www.masterswalleyecircuit.com, or by calling the MWC toll-free at
1-877-893-7947. Openings exist in other MWC tournaments,
although the Winnebago tournament is full and taking a waiting list. Entry
fee is $600 per team.
MWC Central
Spring Valley, Illinois River, March 19 & 20
Oshkosh, WI, Lake Winnebago, June 25 & 26
Menominee, MI, Bay of Green Bay, July 16 & 17
MWC East
Trenton, MI, Detroit River and OH Lake Erie, April 23 & 24
Henderson Harbor, NY, Lake Ontario, May 21 & 22
Dunkirk, NY, Lake Erie, August 19, 20 & 21 (anticipated blow day)
In addition to Cabela’s, MWC sponsors include – Lowrance Electronics, Lindy
Legendary Tackle, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Ranger Boats, The Outdoor
Channel, North American Fishing Club, Salmo Performance Lures, Daiichi
Hooks, Panther Marine, Aqua Innovations and Walleye Central.
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