CABELA’S MWC GEARS UP FOR WALLEYE WONDERLAND: SAGINAW BAY
Category: npaa
Jun 29th, 2010 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jun 29th, 2010 at 12:00 AM
Minnetonka, MN – June 24, 2010 – Excitement is building for the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit tournament on Lake Huron’s legendary Saginaw Bay out of Au Gres, Michigan, August 6-8. The bay’s walleye-rich waters offer a variety of fishing options and the promise of world-class catches.
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“I’m excited about heading to Au Gres-it’s a phenomenal fishery and the bite should be really good during the tournament,” said Jeff Koester of Brookville, Indiana. Koester and teammate Scott Rhodes, of Traverse City, Michigan, finished fourth at the MWC’s Saginaw stop in 2008-and they were quick to sign up for this year’s event.
Koester said part of the bay’s attraction is the sheer variety of presentations and areas capable of producing big numbers of walleyes. “You can pitch jigs in the Saginaw River, troll cranks over main-bay bars, pull spinners over shallow weeds or target deep, cold water in the outer bay,” he noted.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologist Kathrin Schrouder confirms the bay’s bounty. “The walleye fishery is in very good shape,” she said. ‘Eyes average from 15 to 20 inches, but larger fish up to 10 pounds are always possible.
Like any MWC event, tremendous fishing is only part of the equation. Camaraderie between teams runs deep, and healthy payouts spiced with sponsor bonuses sweeten the reward. Based on a 70-team field, the top 14 teams will share a $36,450 cash purse, with the victors claiming an $11,900 first-place check. Sponsor bonuses including Cabela’s Angler Cash, Berkley Premier Team, Ranger Cup, Lowrance HDS, and U2 the Oxygenator add another $3,700 to the table.
Plus, anglers have the option of entering the Big Fish Pot, which pays cash awards for the top three walleyes each tournament day. At the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, circuit stop in June, the Big Fish Pot paid a total of $3,400.
Teams have until July 19 to register before the $100 late fee kicks in. Registration closes August 2. For more information, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com; email: [email protected]; or call: (877) 893-7947.
The City of Au Gres Boating Access Site will host take-offs and weigh-ins. Teams will launch at 7 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. A built-in “blow day” allows for two full days of competition even if foul weather prevents teams from getting out either Friday or Saturday. For details on whether or not teams are fishing these days, call the MWC Tournament Hotline at (952) 988-7247. The MWC and National Professional Anglers Association will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after the first day’s weigh-in. Youths receive rods and reels donated by Cabela’s and Berkley, and tackle packages courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.
Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering their nineth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors of the MWC include: Berkley, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Abu Garcia, Fin-tech, Northland Fishing Tackle, Ryjus and Reflections.