FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE CABELA’S MWC HEADS EAST TO SANDUSKY, OHIO TO TAKE ON THE BIG WATERS OF LAKE ERIE –
MAY 29TH – 31ST – PRESENTED BY MOTORGUIDE
Minnetonka, MN – May 20, 2009 – The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) takes on the big waters of Lake Erie out of Sandusky, Ohio – May 29th through 31st. While the Cabela’s MWC has hosted tournaments the past few years on this section of Erie, 2009 is the first time out of the City of Sandusky. “The past two years we have fished this amazing stretch of Lake Erie and experienced the quality of the fishery that continually produces giant walleyes,” shared Kristine Houtman, Executive Director of the MWC. “Anglers love fishing the big lake,” added Houtman. “We have teams that travel from many states and every one of them is consistently blown away with the immense size of the schools of fish and the quality that is produced here.”
This is a two day tournament that is slated for Friday, May 29th and Saturday, May 30th as long as weather is not a factor. A “blow day” has been built into the tournament schedule in case in-climate weather prohibits the teams from heading out on the water either one of those days. If an additional day is needed due to weather problems, then Sunday, May 31st would be used as the 2nd day of the event. Tournament weigh-ins are free to attend and will run from 3:45pm – 5:00pm at the Shelby Street Boat Launch in Sandusky. Stop by and cheer your favorite team on as they weigh-in each afternoon.
Anglers fish in two person teams and are allowed to weigh a limit of 5 fish per team per day. The team that weighs in the most pounds of fish over the two day event wins the tournament and the first place prize money of $12,100. Currently there are 58 teams registered to fish in the tournament with a total payout of $37,120 which will be distributed to the top 11 places; plus another $2,400 in sponsor contingency bonus money.
The sponsor contingency bonuses are:
· Ranger Cup Bonus: $1,000 to the top finishing team who fishes out of a Ranger Boat and is signed up for Ranger Cup.
· Mercury Motors / Ranger Cup Bonus: $500 to the top finishing team whose boat is powered by a Mercury Motor and is part of the Ranger Cup program.
· Lowrance HDS Bonus: $500 to the top finishing team who uses a Lowrance HDS (High Definition System) sonar/chartplotter display unit during the tournament.
· Oxygenator Bonus: $200 to the top finishing team who uses a Pro Livewell Flush Mount or Livewell Portable oxygenation system during the tournament.
· Team FCIS Bonus: $100 to the top finishing angler on Team FCIS (Farm & City Insurance Services). To become qualified for Team FCIS, simply receive a quote from FCIS by calling 1-800-331-1520 or going online at: http://www.fcisinsurance.com/anglers-choice.asp
· NPAA Bonus: $100 to the top finishing angler who is a member of the National Professional Angler’s Association.
“The lake is cleaning up and the water temp is starting to get to where it should be for this time of the year after a cold spring,” shared tournament angler, Matt Davis. “The fishing has continued to improve over the last week and should keep getting better all the way through to the tournament as long as the current forecast holds. I expect to see some big fish come to the scales and it wouldn’t surprise me to see a 7+ pound average needed to win the event. There are a lot of different locations with big fish right now, so teams will have choices on what to do and where to go. Cranks, spoons and harnesses should be the main techniques used by the teams.”
Each MWC entry fee includes a $15 donation to the local walleye conservation fund. This money is given to the community or walleye club to use towards fishery enhancement projects. The Ohio Division of Wildlife will receive the money from this tournament to use towards enhancing the fishing on Lake Erie and its tributaries. Throughout the last 25 years, the Masters Walleye Circuit has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local communities to help improve their fisheries.
Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering their eighth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Farm & City Insurance Services, O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Fin-tech, Ryjus and Reflections.
The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is the longest running professional walleye tournament circuit in the United States and is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2009. This season there are three qualifying tournaments in each division (Central, East & West) and the World Walleye Championship. For more information on the Cabela’s MWC or to view the 2009 schedule, visit: http://www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. Questions – email: [email protected] or call: 877-893-7947.
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