Grand National Walleye Cup to Open Michigan Region on April 3
By Steve Weisman
Grand National Walleye Cup Publicity Director
The countdown has begun for the first qualifier on the Michigan Region
of the Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC). Scheduled for Sunday, April 3 on
the Detroit River, this qualifier showcases the first of four exciting
tournaments on the Michigan Region.
GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer shared his enthusiasm for the
Michigan Region. “This is our second year in Michigan, and we expect to see
tremendous growth in the number of teams competing. The GNWC continues to
offer a walleye circuit that appeals to the weekend warrior. We offer the
experience of competitive tournament angling in a wholesome, fun
atmosphere.”
Although there is concern that there might be ice flowage problems for
the April 3rd event, both Barringer and Bill Dougherty, owner of Bottom Line
Bait and Tackle, the host bait shop, feel confident that the waters should
be clear.
Dougherty said, “We’re seeing some ice flowing through already, and I
think things will be okay by the time of the tournament. We’ve got guys out
fishing the river already.”
Barringer added, “I feel pretty confident that we will be able to have
this tournament as scheduled. We will wait as long as we possibly can, and
if a cancellation occurs it will probably not occur until a few days before
the tournament.”
The Detroit River at this time of year means the potential for taking
huge walleyes over eight pounds. Last year’s April 26 qualifier showcased
several walleyes over five pounds.
Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m. sharp at
Elizabeth Park. “I really hope the public takes advantage of this
opportunity to attend the weigh-in. The weigh-ins are exciting and most
importantly for the crowd, it’s almost like a mini-walleye seminar as the
teams describe the presentations that worked best during the tournament.”
The tournament director will have the trailer at Elizabeth Park from 6-8
p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer
questions.
For those interested in entering, the entry fee remains at $210 per team
for each tournament. Openings do still exist for the Detroit River qualifier
and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at 1-800-890-FISH
(3474), or email the GNWC at [email protected]. “I also encourage people
to check out our website at http://www.walleyecup.com and see what the Grand
National Walleye Cup is all about,” added Barringer.
Major national sponsors for the GNWC include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, Aqua-VU,
Aqua Innovations, Towtector Shield, VIB”E” Lure Company and
UpNorthOutdoors.com.