MWC Eastern Divsion Heads to the Detroit River
Category: Tournament
Apr 19th, 2007 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Apr 19th, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Minnetonka, MN — Cabela’s MWC anglers will be shaking the proverbial “dust off their sandals” for the next tournament, April 21st and 22nd – or maybe it will be more like mud. After the flood conditions on the Illinois River, everyone is ready to leave Spring Valley behind for a nice stable tournament. Yet Lake Erie is known for anything but nice and stable. That’s one of the reasons that the tournament is held where it is – at Elizabeth Park in Trenton – so that the River can be a foul weather boundary if need be. “One year we didn’t get on the lake at all – it rained and snowed horribly – we even built snowmen on the stage,” shared Kurt Beckstrom, Editor of North American Fisherman magazine and emcee for the MWC East Division events. “But last year we got on the lake both days and three Circuit records were broken, for biggest single fish, 5-fish basket and 10-fish basket. It was incredible what that fishery is capable of producing.”Unfortunately, the records will be safe this year. “There won’t be as big of fish or as big baskets as we had last year,” shared David Kolb. He and his partner Dan Byers won the tournament last year setting two of the three records noted above. “The previous boundaries allowed us to spread out, but this year I predict we’ll all be stacked up, fishing very close to one another. And the cold front has shut things down.” Byers agreed. “The jig bite may be more effective this year and the river will play a more important role,” added Byers. “Due to the cold water a slow presentation will be important. The fish just aren’t very aggressive right now – some warm weather would sure help that turn on. Wish there was something in the upcoming forecast, but it doesn’t look like a big warm up is coming.”The original boundaries were changed to Michigan only, river and lake, due to the APHIS Federal Order regarding the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). Currently, 78 teams are registered, although there is still space available for additional teams to get in. Payout is planned for the top 13 places – with first place at $14,480 and a total payout of $43,680. 1st – $14,4802nd – $5,7903rd – $3,7564th – $3,1305th – $2,6766th – $2,4947th – $2,2928th – $1,9209th – $1,73010th – $1,54011th – $1,40212th – $1,31013th – $1,160Cabela’s and Lowrance Electronics along with other MWC and NPAA sponsors have stepped up to the plate to help host Youth and Family Fishing Clinics. Frank Pilney, NPAA #920 and Alan Baumgardner NPAA #549 are leading the effort with fellow MWCers helping with the kids onsite. Nearly 60 kids attended at Spring Valley. Fifty kids at each tournament will be lucky enough to walk away with their own tackle box and basic terminal tackle for slip-float fishing, and take home their very own new rod and reel after attending the clinic. A new bike, geared with rod holders and a tackle box will be a door prize for the kids in attendance. “This is a great way for professional anglers to share our skills with the next generation,” shared Pilney. The Youth & Family Fishing clinic in Trenton will be held on Saturday, April 21st immediately following the day one weigh-in at Elizabeth Park Boat Launch. Scout Troops or other clubs are encouraged to attend as a group. Please contact the MWC office for more details.Cabela’s is the title sponsor for the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official Sponsors are Ranger Boats, Mercury Motors, MotorGuide, Lowrance Electronics, Toyota Trucks, North American Fishing Club and Versus (Vs.). Associate sponsors are Tommy Docks, The Inhibitor, Food Source Lures, Ice Armor and Farm & City Insurance Services.For more information contact Cabela’s MWC Club headquarters by email at: [email protected] or toll-free by phone at 877-893-7947. More information is available on the Cabela’s MWC website at: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com