May 8, 2012—Minnetonka, MN—Epic walleye fishing and thousands in cash and prizes are on tap when the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit visits Lake Erie out of Huron, Ohio May 18-20.

The tournament offers two days of competition on Erie’s world-class walleye fishery, with one day reserved in case of bad weather. The circuit’s time-tested team format lets anglers choose their favorite fishing partner to share the excitement. Plus, the May time frame—requested by the Cabela’s MWC’s Angler Advisory Panel—should yield schools of trophy walleyes just offshore from the Huron River Boat Ramp, where take-offs and weigh-ins will be held.

Indeed, last year’s Lake Erie Cabela’s MWC tournament turned out to be a big-fish bonanza that drew national media coverage as a parade of walleyes topping 10 pounds crossed the stage, including a 13.25-pound behemoth that broke the circuit’s all-time big-walleye record. In the end, Greg Yarbrough and Jeff Seyka topped the field with a 10-fish limit weighing a whopping 84.54 pounds—good for a $13,400 first-place check.

Again this season, two-person teams will be allowed to weigh five walleyes per day, and the team with the heaviest two-day total weight will be crowned the Lake Erie champions. Cabela’s MWC payouts are based on the number of teams entered in each event. At last count, the payout was already over $34,000 in cash, with first place a minimum of $11,500 cash, not including sponsor contingencies.

Bonuses include a $1,000 Cabela’s gift card through the Cabela’s Angler Cash program, $1,000 Ranger Cup contingency, $500 Lowrance HDS/Elite DSI award, $500 Berkley Baits incentive, along with the U2/Oxygenator and Okuma Premier Awards. Plus, anglers have the option of participating in the MWC Big Fish Pot, which could add thousands more to the tally.

The event is open to all anglers regardless of sponsor or club affiliation, with an entry fee of $650 per team. However, registration closes at midnight Sunday, May 13. For details or to register, visit masterswalleyecircuit.com, email events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (877) 893-7947.

Walleyes are winners in the equation as well. Since 1984, the Cabela’s MWC has donated more than $300,000 to fisheries conservation efforts through the MWC Conservation Fund, and will continue that tradition at Lake Erie, donating $15 per boat from the catch-and-release tournament to benefit conservation projects on the big lake.

The public is invited to the weigh-ins, which begin at 4 p.m. daily at the Huron River Ramp. The Cabela’s MWC, National Professional Anglers Association, Pure Fishing and Zippo Outdoor Brands will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after the first day’s weigh-in. The first 50 youths will receive rods and reel combos, and one lucky family will win a Zippo Outdoor Family Camping Package.

This is the fourth of nine Cabela’s MWC qualifying tournaments on the 2012 schedule, which includes the Illinois River at Spring Valley, Illinois March 24-25; Detroit River at Trenton, Michigan, April 13-15; Lake Pueblo at Pueblo, Colorado, April 27-29; Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio, May 18-20; Mille Lacs Lake at Isle, Minnesota, May 31-June 1 (in conjunction with the Cabela’s NTC); Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 29-July 1; Lake Oahe at Pierre, South Dakota, July 28-29 (in conjunction with the Cabela’s Regional Walleye Championship); the St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, August 24-26; and Cass Lake, Minnesota, out of Stony Point Resort, Sept. 14-16.

Teams fishing three or more tournaments compete for berths in the no-entry-fee 2013 Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. That event offers more than $100,000 in cash, including $25,000 for first place.

Founded in 1984, the Cabela’s MWC is the oldest team tournament circuit in the walleye world. It has a rich history of intense competition on top destinations, plus youth outreach and a lasting legacy of conservation. Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Zippo Outdoor Brands, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, The Walleye Federation, Worldwide Marine Insurance, Gemini Sport Marketing and RPM Outdoor Sports.

Tuesday night League (Walleye)  on Harlan County Lake (Nebraska) starts on April 24, 2012 & ends the last Tuesday of September. The tournament each Tuesday  starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 9:00 PM. Weigh in is at he Methodist boat dock . 

The HAWC also has a one day (Walleye)  tournament scheduled for May 20,2012 on the Ellwood Reservoir (Nebraska) . Details are below:

•         This tournament was scheduled after the Harlan Anglers were asked to hold a Memorial tournament for Rodney Marshal who was murdered.
•         Rodney  was an outdoors man that loved to fish.
•         This tournament may become an annual tournament in memory of Rod
•         A pre-meeting will be held at MaeBees Pub in Ellwood Nebraska at 7:00 P.M on May 19, 2012.
•         Part of the tournament fees covers a Pork Buffet at MaeBees for each tournament member.
•         This tournament is open for members and anyone else wanting to fish in the tournament.
•         We are hoping for a big turn out to support Rod’s family and friends

For more information on fishing the tournament, to access a tournament application or more about the club, please go to the web site at harlananglerswalleyeclub.com.

April 14, 2012—Trenton, MI—Twin brothers John and Michael Kopcok of Maidstone, Ontario, finished strong to win a big-fish slugfest among 196 anglers from 12 states and one Canadian province at the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit’s Detroit River tournament.

“We’re ecstatic!” said Michael, moments after the brothers held off a last-minute charge by another hard-fishing team of brothers, Kenneth and Jerry Fox Jr. After a great start of 37.39 pounds landed team Kopcok (cop-check) in third place on Day One, their 34.30-pound Day Two basket gave them a 71.69-pound total weight.

The win earned them the $15,250 first-place cash purse, plus the $500 Lowrance Electronics HDS/Elite DSI contingency, $500 Berkley Baits Berkley Tackle Package and $160 U2/Oxygenator awards. Plus, presenting sponsor MotorGuide awarded the winning team a state-of-the-art MotorGuide TR82 Digital bowmount electric trolling motor, with built-in Lowrance transducer, valued at $1,150.

“Lake Erie was good to us,” added John. He explained they caught many of their fish on the big lake’s Brest Bay, trolling crankbaits and spinner rigs in slightly stained water. They also jigged the Detroit River’s Trenton Channel, landing walleyes on 3/8- to ½-ounce leadheads tipped with Berkley Gulp! Minnows. In both areas, he credited their Lowrance HDS Gen2 electronics for revealing fish-holding structure and schools of hungry walleyes.

Jerry Fox Jr., of Algonac, Michigan, and Kenneth Fox, of New Baltimore, Michigan, finished second with 70.50 pounds, worth $6,400 plus a $1,000 Cabela’s gift card from the Cabela’s Angler Cash Program, $1,000 Ranger Cup award, and a pair of Okuma Dead Eye rod-and-reel combos for being the highest-placing Premier (earlybird) Team. In all, the top 20 teams shared more than $60,000 in cash, sponsor bonuses and Big Fish Pot winnings.

Set for April 13-15, the team-format tournament allowed anglers to fish Michigan waters of the Detroit River and Lake Erie. With such world-class water available at prime time in the walleye’s annual spawning migration, trophy fish and heavy bags were expected—and anglers were not disappointed.

A full 873 walleyes weighing 4,479 pounds crossed the scale in the catch-and-release event. Big fish was a 10.69-pound behemoth brought in by Tim McFarland of Connersville, Indiana, and Geoff Church of Connersville, Indiana—worth more than $1,150 from the Big-Fish Pot.

Walleyes were winners as well. The Cabela’s MWC donated $15 per boat, for a total of $1,470, to the Downriver Walleye Federation to aid its efforts to protect local fisheries. In turn, the group supplied an army of volunteers to assist with tournament operations, led by federation president Danny Bloxem. Since 1992, the MWC Conservation Fund has donated more than $300,000 to fisheries-enhancement projects.

Weigh-ins were held on the shores of the Detroit River at Elizabeth Park in Trenton. Following Friday’s weigh-in, the Cabela’s MWC, National Professional Anglers Association, Pure Fishing and Zippo Outdoors presented a Youth and Family Fishing Clinic, giving away free rod and reel combos, tackle and a Zippo Outdoor Family Camping Pack.

This was the second of nine Cabela’s MWC qualifying tournaments in 2012. Open to diehard anglers regardless of club or sponsor affiliation, the remaining schedule includes Lake Pueblo at Pueblo, Colorado, April 27-29; Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio, May 18-20; Mille Lacs Lake at Isle, Minnesota, May 31-June 1; Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 29-July 1; Lake Oahe at Pierre, South Dakota, July 28-29; the St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, August 24-26; and Cass Lake, Minnesota, out of Stony Point Resort, Sept. 14-16.

The Cabela’s MWC is open to all anglers regardless of club or sponsor affiliation. Registration costs $650 per tournament per two-person team, and remains open through the Sunday prior to each event. Payouts are based on the number of teams fishing each event. Overall in 2011, the Circuit paid back more than 120 percent of entry fees in cash payouts, team of the year awards, sponsor contingencies and winnings in the no-entry-fee Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. To register or for details, call (877) 893-7947; visit masterswalleyecircuit.com, or email events@masterswalleyecircuit.com.

Founded in 1984, the Cabela’s MWC is the oldest team tournament circuit in the walleye world. It has a rich history of intense competition on top destinations, plus youth outreach and a lasting legacy of conservation. Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is in its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Zippo, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, The Walleye Federation, Worldwide Marine Insurance and RPM Outdoor Sports.

“The app is a great tool for planning your next fishing trip,” says Kurt Beckstrom, editor of the NAFC’s award-winning national magazine, North American Fisherman. “It’s like having a fisheries biologist, veteran guide and complete set of every fishing show, book and magazine article ever created, all in your corner—every time you hit the water.”

Designed by inventor Paul Halter, My Fishing Advisor was tested extensively by Beckstrom, fellow NAFC staffers and Club members for several months. After a few tweaks, a Fishing Club-endorsed version of the app was released in March, available for iPhone and Droid devices from iTunes Store and Android Market, respectively.

To get started, anglers choose a fishing location by using either the GPS in their phones or an interactive map. After entering information on the type of lake or river, date and time of the trip, weather and water conditions, users select from a comprehensive list of species ranging from largemouth bass to lake trout. At that point, the app offers peak fish activity periods, then rates suggested structure and fishing techniques. Once dialed in on a tactic, the app outlines specific tips for the presentation, including lure size and color, recommended tackle and how to work the bait.

“I was skeptical, but after putting the app through its paces, I believe it helps anglers find their best chances of catching fish on every trip,” Beckstrom adds. Billed as the first full-service fishing app of its kind, My Fishing Advisor has garnered rave reviews. Since the original version’s Droid release in March 2011, it has been downloaded more than 250,000 times and generated more than 1 million customized fishing trips.

Founded in 1988, the NAFC serves 400,000 avid anglers across North America. Club members enjoy a host of benefits, including the cutting-edge fishing coverage of North American Fisherman magazine, plus the chance to field test products and enjoy special discounts, contests and insider ratings on fishing gear and services. The NAFC also maintains the industry-leading website, FishingClub.com, produces North American Fisherman TV for national airing on NBC Sports, and operates fishing events including the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit and Cabela’s North American Bass Circuit tournament trails. For more information on the North American Fishing Club, call (800) 843-6232 or email memberservices@fishingclub.com.

The Cabela’s MWC is open to all anglers regardless of club or sponsor affiliation. For details, visit masterswalleyecircuit.com, email events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (877) 893-7947. Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is in its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Zippo Outdoor Brands, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, Worldwide Marine Insurance, The Walleye Federation and RPM Outdoor Sports.

For More Information Contact:

Dan Johnson: 651-237-0159; djohnson@namginc.com

MWC at 877-893-7947 or events@masterswalleyecircuit.com

Presented by Lowrance Electronics

March 25, 2012—Spring Valley, IL—Ohioans Dan Johnson and Larry Rhoads rocketed from 77^th place on Day One into the winner’s circle on Day Two at the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit’s Spring Valley season opener on the Illinois River.

“It’s fantastic,” Johnson, of Fayetteville, said of the dramatic come-from-behind victory over the 154-team field competing in the 26^th annual Cabela’s MWC Spring Valley tournament.

After a decent start with 7.66 pounds, he and Rhoads brought in a 12.30-pound Day Two basket for a 19.96-pound total weight. The win earned them the $20,100 first-place cash purse plus a $1,000 Cabela’s gift card from the Cabela’s Angler Cash Program, $500 Lowrance Electronics HDS/Elite DSI award, $500 Berkley Baits Berkley Tackle Package, $1,750 in cash from the Big Fish Pot, along with the U2/Oxygenator award and pair of Okuma Dead Eye rod-and-reel combos for being the highest-placing Premier Team.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” added Rhoads, of Oregonia. He explained they fished a variety of tactics, but landed their biggest fish, a 3.83-pound sauger that was big fish of Day Two, on a jig sweetened with a Firetiger-pattern Berkley Gulp! Minnow.

David Kolb of Rockford, Michigan, and Jason Kopf of Avon Lake, Ohio, finished second with 19.67 pounds, worth $8,400 plus $1,000 from the Ranger Cup program. In all, the top 30 teams shared the $80,100 cash plus thousands more in sponsor bonuses and Big Fish Pot winnings.

Rightly called the Sauger Capital of the World, the Illinois River yielded a total of 1,318 fish—mostly saugers with a few walleyes in the mix—weighing 2,142.7 pounds. Big fish of the tournament was a 6.30-pound walleye caught by Jeffery Evans and Benjamin Baune of Rochester, Minnesota. Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishery staff were on hand to utilize the fish for the state’s stocking efforts before releasing the fish alive back into the Illinois River. To date, the Cabela’s MWC tournament has helped the DNR produce more than 100 million saugers for stocking in the Illinois River.

As it has for the past quarter century, the Spring Valley Walleye Club supplied an army of volunteers to host tournament operations, led by site coordinator Mike Hurless. “I have a great team of crew leaders and volunteers that help make this partnership with the MWC so successful,” he said. The Circuit donated $15 per boat to the Club for use in its fisheries projects and other conservation efforts. Since 1984, the Cabela’s MWC has donated more than $300,000 to walleye conservation in states where its tournaments are held.

Following Saturday’s weigh-in, the Cabela’s MWC, National Professional Anglers Association, Berkley and Zippo Outdoor presented a Youth and Family Fishing Clinic, giving away free rod and reel combos, a bike from Spring Valley City Bank, and Zippo Outdoor Family Camping Pack.

This was the first of nine Cabela’s MWC qualifying tournaments in 2012. The remaining schedule includes the Detroit River at Trenton, Michigan, April 13-15; Lake Pueblo at Pueblo, Colorado, April 27-29; Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio, May 18-20; Mille Lacs Lake at Isle, Minnesota, May 31-June 1; Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 29-July 1; Lake Oahe at Pierre, South Dakota, July 28-29; the St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, August 24-26; and Cass Lake, Minnesota, out of Stony Point Resort, Sept. 14-16.

The Cabela’s MWC is open to all anglers regardless of club or sponsor affiliation. For details, visit masterswalleyecircuit.com, email events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (877) 893-7947.

Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is in its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Zippo Outdoor Brands, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, The Walleye Federation and RPM Outdoor Sports.

Dan Johnson: 651-237-0159; djohnson@namginc.com

MWC at 877-893-7947 or events@masterswalleyecircuit.com

–Presented by MotorGuide

March 12, 2012—Minnetonka, MN—Big fish and big winnings are on the line when the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit visits Detroit next month.

“The river is ice-free and walleyes are already biting there and in Brest Bay,” said Danny Bloxem, president of the host Downriver Walleye Federation. “Conditions are shaping up for another great MWC event.”

Set for April 13-15, the team-format tournament is open to all anglers regardless of club or sponsor affiliation. Two-person teams are allowed to fish Michigan waters of the Detroit River and Lake Erie. With such world-class water available at prime time in the walleye’s annual spawning migration, trophy fish and heavy bags are expected.

The tournament features two days of competition, with Sunday set aside in case either of the first two days are cancelled due to foul weather. Teams are allowed to weigh their best five walleyes each day, and the team with the heaviest two-day total takes top honors and ultimate bragging rights in the Motor City.

Last season, when weather conditions shortened the Circuit’s Detroit River tournament to one day, Greg Bliznik and Keith Greear jigged Berkley Gulp! softbaits to victory with 43.49 pounds. The win earned the Brownstown, Michigan, team $16,350 in cash, plus a $1,000 Cabela’s gift card through the Cabela’s Angler Cash program, $500 Berkley Baits prize package, and a portable Oxygenator unit.

“It was awesome,” Bliznik said. “We’ve had big baskets and cashed checks, but this was our first MWC win.” Given the tournament’s Motor City setting, it was fitting that the six-year Circuit veterans are sponsored by the United Auto Workers Region 1A, and Bliznik works at the Ford Auto Alliance Plant in Flat Rock. He and Greear went on to fish the MWC’s Lake Erie and St. Mary’s River tournaments, and qualified for a spot in the no-entry-fee, $100,000 Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship.

In all, the top 20 percent of the field shared the $58,240 cash purse, plus thousands more in sponsor contingencies and $4,910 in Big Fish Pot winnings. A full 81 of 112 teams tallied 5-fish MWC limits as 485 walleyes weighing 3,047.69 pounds crossed the scale. Big fish was an 11-pound behemoth brought in by Dave Schmidt and Mark Zillges, both of Oshkosh, Wisconsin—worth $2,560 from the Big-Fish Pot.

Cabela’s MWC payouts are based on the number of teams fishing each event. Overall in 2011, the Circuit paid back more than 120 percent of entry fees in payouts, team of the year awards and winnings in the World Walleye Championship. Plus, sponsor contingencies from Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Lowrance, Berkley, Okuma, U2/The Oxygenator and the Big Fish Pot add thousands in winnings at each tournament.

As an added bonus at the Detroit River tournament, presenting sponsor MotorGuide will award the winning team a MotorGuide TR82 Digital bowmount electric trolling motor, with built-in Lowrance transducer, valued at $1,150.

Walleyes are winners as well. Since 1992, the MWC Conservation Fund has donated more than $300,000 to fisheries-enhancement projects. At Detroit, a $15-per-boat donation from each team’s entry fee benefits the Downriver Walleye Federation’s efforts to protect local fisheries. Plus, the tournament is catch-and-release. At last year’s event, 91 percent of walleyes weighed in were released back into the river.

Registration for the 2012 event costs $650 per two-person team, and remains open through Sunday, April 8. To register or for details, call (877) 893-7947; visit masterswalleyecircuit.com, or email events@masterswalleyecircuit.com.

The public is invited to weigh-ins, which will be held at Elizabeth Park in Trenton, Michigan, starting at 3 p.m. (EST). The Cabela’s MWC, National Professional Anglers Association, Pure Fishing and Zippo Outdoors will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after the Day One weigh-in. Fifty youths will receive free rod and reel combos, and one lucky family will win a Zippo Outdoor Family Camping Package.

This is the second of nine Cabela’s MWC qualifying tournaments in 2012. Open to diehard anglers regardless of club or sponsor affiliation, the remaining schedule includes Lake Pueblo at Pueblo, Colorado, April 27-29; Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio, May 18-20; Mille Lacs Lake at Isle, Minnesota, May 31-June 1; Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 29-July 1; Lake Oahe at Pierre, South Dakota, July 28-29; the St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, August 24-26; and Cass Lake, Minnesota, out of Stony Point Resort, Sept. 14-16.

Founded in 1984, the Cabela’s MWC is the oldest team tournament circuit in the walleye world. It has a rich history of intense competition on top destinations, plus youth outreach and a lasting legacy of conservation. Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is in its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Zippo, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, The Walleye Federation and RPM Outdoor Sports.

First place will pay a minimum of $7,000 cash, no matter how many teams compete in the event. Second place pays $3,000; third place $1,700; fourth place $1,000 and fifth place $820. Sponsor bonuses including Cabela’s Angler Cash, Ranger Cup, Lowrance HDS/Elite DSI, Berkley Baits, U2/The Oxygenator and Okuma Premier Awards add an additional $4,500 in cash and prizes to the total. Plus, anglers have the option of participating in the MWC Big Fish Pot, which could add thousands more to the tally.

“With 15 teams registered at press time, some anglers were concerned about whether the payout would offset their fishing and travel costs,” explained MWC Executive Director Dan Johnson. “By guaranteeing a minimum payout, we’re helping everyone plan on world-class walleye fishing, without worrying about how many teams will sign up.”

The minimum payout is based on a 26-boat field. Once the field tops 26 teams, the pot will grow accordingly. The top 20 percent of teams at each MWC tournament share in the winnings, and overall in 2011, the Circuit paid back more than 120 percent of entry fees in payouts, team of the year awards and World Walleye Championship winnings.

Entry fees for the team-format tournament—which is open to all anglers regardless of club or sponsor affiliation—are $650 per team. Registration closes at midnight April 22.

Headquartered in scenic Lake Pueblo State Park, the tournament features two days of competition, with one day reserved in case of bad weather. Teams are allowed to weigh their best five walleyes each day, and the team with the heaviest two-day total will bring home top honors and a minimum of $7,000 in cash. For details or to register, visit masterswalleyecircuit.com, email events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (877) 893-7947.

Adding to the excitement, weigh-ins and on-the-water action will be filmed for national airing on the NBC Sports Television Network as part of the Cabela’s MWC TV series. The event will also be covered by North American Fisherman magazine—which serves more than 3 million readers, including 400,000 members of the North American Fishing Club. “It’s a great opportunity for anglers looking to showcase their talents and their sponsors,” Johnson added.

Walleyes are winners in the equation as well. Since 1984, the Cabela’s MWC has donated more than $300,000 to fisheries conservation efforts through the MWC Conservation Fund, and will continue that tradition at Pueblo, donating $15 per boat from the catch-and-release tournament to the Colorado Walleye Association, to benefit the group’s many worthy projects.

Although the Pueblo tournament marks the Cabela’s MWC’s first excursion into the Centennial State, the Circuit has already forged an exciting partnership with the CWA, which will host the tournament and provide logistical support.

“Our main goal is promoting the sport of fishing, so we’re excited to welcome the MWC to Colorado,” said CWA President Barry Cundiff. Given the late-April tournament timeframe, Cundiff expects anglers to enjoy great walleye fishing on a variety of tactics, from live-bait rigging and trolling to casting and jigging.

The public is invited to the weigh-ins, which begin at 3 p.m. daily at Lake Pueblo State Park. The MWC, National Professional Anglers Association, Pure Fishing and Zippo Outdoor Brands will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after the first day’s weigh-in. The first 50 youths will receive rods and reel combos, and other prizes.

This is the third of nine Cabela’s MWC qualifying tournaments on the 2012 schedule, which includes the Illinois River at Spring Valley, Illinois March 24-25; Detroit River at Trenton, Michigan, April 13-15; Lake Pueblo at Pueblo, Colorado, April 27-29; Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio, May 18-20; Mille Lacs Lake at Isle, Minnesota, May 31-June 1 (in conjunction with the Cabela’s NTC); Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 29-July 1; Lake Oahe at Pierre, South Dakota, July 28-29 (in conjunction with the Cabela’s Regional Walleye Championship); the St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, August 24-26; and Cass Lake, Minnesota, out of Stony Point Resort, Sept. 14-16.

Teams fishing three or more tournaments compete for berths in the no-entry-fee 2013 Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. That event offers more than $100,000 in cash, including $25,000 for first place.

Founded in 1984, the Cabela’s MWC is the oldest team tournament circuit in the walleye world. It has a rich history of intense competition on top destinations, plus youth outreach and a lasting legacy of conservation. Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Zippo Outdoor Brands, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, The Walleye Federation and RPM Outdoor Sports.

“Last year was great, and we’re excited about the 2012 season,” said Jim Preissner, of Chilton, Wisconsin. He and partner Mike Olson, of Andover, Minnesota, claimed the coveted Cabela’s MWC 2011 Team of the Year title with 400.39 points after stellar finishes at the Mississippi River, Illinois River, Lake Erie and Detroit River tournaments.

“It was an exiting year,” added Olson. “Winning team of the year was one of the goals we set at the beginning of the season, and achieving it was awesome—especially with all of the great competition on the MWC.”

The pair fished a total of six events, including stops at Michigan’s St. Mary’s River and Big and Little Bays de Noc. Preissner says he enjoyed the challenge of figuring out the bite on so many different systems, and advises anyone wanting to up their walleye game to give the MWC a try in 2012. “This is a fantastic circuit,” he grinned. “It’s the place to fish if you want to test your skills, compete for great payouts—and have a lot of fun in the process. Mike and I are looking forward to making a run at consecutive titles!”

Preissner and Olson earned $13,000 in cash plus a pair of 14 k gold rings for winning the Team of the Year title, which is awarded to the team accumulating the most points from four tournaments. They also won more than $12,000 at the qualifiers and in divisional races, for a season total topping $25,000 in winnings—plus a free entry into the 2012 Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship, where they have a shot at a $25,000 first-place paycheck.

Registration opened Jan. 9 for the Cabela’s MWC’s 2012 season. Two-person teams are signing up to enjoy great walleye fishing while competing for thousands in cash and prizes on world-class walleye destinations from Colorado to Ohio.

The 2012 Cabela’s MWC qualifying schedule is as follows:

March 24-25, Illinois River at Spring Valley, Illinois

April 13-15, Detroit River at Trenton, Michigan

April 27-29, Pueblo Reservoir at Pueblo, Colorado

May 18-20, Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio

May 31-June 1, Mille Lacs Lake at Isle, Minnesota (held in conjunction with first two days of Cabela’s National Team Championship, which concludes June 2)

June 29-July 1, Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, Wisconsin

July 27-29, Lake Oahe, South Dakota

Aug. 24-26, St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Sept 14-16, Cass Lake Minnesota at Stony Point Resort

In 2011, the Cabela’s MWC paid out 120 percent of entry fees in cash and prizes. More than $1 million in payouts are up for grabs in 2012. First place at qualifying tournaments pays $30,000 (based on full field). Plus, sponsor contingencies add thousands more at each tournament.

In addition, teams that fish at least three events are in the running for free berths in the Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship. The top 45 point-accumulating teams from the 2012 season will be invited to the no-entry-fee, $100,000 2013 World Walleye Championship at Bays de Noc, Michigan, which carries a $25,000 first-place check.

Teams that fish four qualifying tournaments also compete for the coveted crowns of MWC Team of the Year. As a result of the MWC eliminating divisions—to give anglers more options in choosing tournaments—even more cash will be available in the 2012 TOTY pot. Overall winners will take home a minimum of $13,500 and the top 10 teams are expected to collect a total of more than $40,000.

Teams that sign up for three or more tournaments before noon (CST) on February 15 enjoy added perks. Considered “Premier Teams,” these earlybird entries have great odds of making the Championship, as Premiers are allotted 25 of the 45 total points-based berths (and are eligible for all 45). Premiers are also allowed to use convenient installment billing options, enjoy priority entry in all events, and qualify for the Okuma Premier Contingency, which awards $1,000 in great Okuma tackle packages at each qualifier.

New this season, all Cabela’s MWC anglers are eligible to compete for the MWC Recruitment Bonus, which awards a free 2013 tournament entry to the angler credited for bringing the most new teams to each 2012 qualifier. The entry (a full team fee) will be good for any of the Cabela’s MWC qualifiers in the 2013 season.

Single-tournament entries—which cost $650 per event—are accepted until midnight (CST) on Sunday the week of each event, although anglers are encouraged to register early to avoid being locked out of a full tournament.

Teams may register by mail, fax, or online. Complete 2012 rules are posted under the “Registration” tab at masterswalleyecircuit.com. Full details, links for online registration and printable registration forms are located there as well. For more information, call toll-free (877) 893-7947 or email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com.

Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is looking forward to its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, Worldwide Marine Insurance, The Walleye Federation and RPM Outdoor Sports.

(Ponca City, OK) Jan. 10, 2012 – The Bass Federation, the nation’s oldest and largest organized grassroots fishing youth and conservation organization, announced it has partnered with Faculty of Fishing. The partnership will offer the most complete and comprehensive online fishing education program the fishing world ever has seen. The Advantage Anglers program package, a $ 19.99 retail value, consists of 11 basic courses designed for the new or recreational angler, which will be offered FREE OF CHARGE to all federation members under the TBF umbrella. This includes TBF adult and junior anglers, the Association of College anglers, (ACA), the Walleye Federation, (TWF), and TBF’s widely popular Student Angler Federation, (SAF), and all SAF high school fishing club members. At a value worth more than annual national membership costs, all FREE OF CHARGE! Another reason it “pays” to belong to TBF.

Members can now access the advanced technology of training anglers from the beginner, through the most seasoned tournament angler, utilizing the most advanced audio and visual techniques available to help anglers understand and retain knowledge.

“The Federation always strives to be at the forefront of fishing, youth and conservation,” stated TBF President/CEO, Robert Cartlidge. “This exclusive partnership with Faculty of Fishing allows us to expand our commitment to help educate anglers of all ages, and provide more value to their membership. The courses contain detailed training on the latest products and techniques, species-specific material, and lure-specific techniques through a very interactive program. Best of all, a member can use the program at their own pace in the comfort of their own home.”

The training starts with the Advantage Angler program, which encompasses the first 11 courses. Members can progress to the Pro Angler series with a discount making the upgrade series only $39.95. The Pro Angler, Species-Specific courses and the Specialty courses will challenge and enlighten even the most seasoned veterans with in-depth electronics and species-specific techniques presented by some of the top professionals in the business. The Pro Angler series covers topics like interpreting sonar including structure/side scan, establishing patterns, and weather and fish behavior, just to name a few. The first 500 members who sign up for The Pro Angler package will receive free Berkley baits and line packages. Those who complete the Pro Angler Course will be eligible for a Graduation Gift. Up to three members may also qualify for a chance to have a “Day on the Water” with Pro Angler, Michael Murphy. Members must sign up and complete the program by Dec. 31, 2012.

Active TBF members can start their Faculty of Fishing account by using their federation member number to log into the Member’s Only Online Store, on bassfederation.com, high schoolfishing.org or walleyefederation.com. Register for the free Advantage angler courses and then automatically receive the 25% discount on all additional courses through a members-only store account.

To show their support of youth fishing, Faculty of Fishing, will donate a portion of the proceeds to support Federation Youth and Conservation events across the country.

For more information go to bassfederation.com, highschoolfishing.org or walleyefederation.com

About The Bass Federation, Inc.
The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF is the largest and oldest, organized grassroots fishing organization. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year and have provided a foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years. Visit bassfederation.com, highschoolfishing.org walleyefederation.com

The Harlan Anglers Walleye Club (HAWC) will hold its annual beginning of the year meeting on January 28,2012. This meeting will be held at Wagner’s Irrigation Inc.,  611 Third Avenue  Holdrege, Nebraska.
This meeting is open to all members and anyone wishing to become a member.
Among the topics to be discussed is the start of Tuesday night league and the ending date; decide on if and where to hold additional tournaments for the FY12 calendar year.

The HAWC has one tournament already determined, it will be held on June 3, 2012 on the Harlan County Lake. Details are below:
A pre-meeting will be held at Tall Tales Lounge in Republican City, Nebraska at 7:00 P.M on June 2, 2012.
This tournament is open for members and anyone else wanting to fish in the tournament.
This tournament is used to qualify for one of the Cabela’s NTC slots for FY 13; to qualify you must be a member of the HAWC.
Membership for HAWC is $15 for each member of the team.
If you do not wish to qualify for the NTC you can fish the HAWC tournament and do not have to be a member.

For more information on fishing the tournament, to access a tournament application or more about the club, please go to the web site at harlananglerswalleyeclub.com.