Minnetonka MN -- Anglers competing in the Cabela's MWC Circuit are gearing up for the Central Division's final tournament, slated for Menominee, MI, on the western shore of the mighty Green Bay July 16-17. The Lake Michigan event is just weeks away and teams will be pulling out all the stops in an effort to strengthen their positions in the standings.
Representatives from the two municipalities, Menominee, Michigan and Marinette, Wisconsin are actively involved in supporting MWC anglers. Since the event will span the border between Michigan and Wisconsin, the Wisconsin DNR, Michigan DNR, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Menominee Water Rescue are actively involved in the event. "This is a major communal effort engaging everybody from the Chambers of Commerce, to the M & M Great Lakes Sport Fisherman's Association; everyone will play a pivotal role" said Executive Committee Chairman, Jon Kukuk.
The total purse for the Green Bay event is estimated at $96,000.00, with a first place payout expected to be $25,000.00. The Central Division team of the year payout is currently anticipated to bring $9,810.00 in earnings, and the Team of the Year (Challenge) race will secure an additional $20,000.00 payout.
Many MWC anglers are looking to the Green Bay tournament to help seal their positions in the MWC World Walleye Championship. Points gained at this event could make or break the season as this final Central Division tournament may be the last stop on the circuit for many anglers before the World Walleye Championship.
Five teams to watch in the MWC Challenge are:
Glenn Wangerin of Escanaba, MI & Gary Gray of Oshkosh, WI
Joe & David Okada of Madison, WI
Ed Klein of Wayne, IL & Randy Carroll of Oswego, IL
Wayne Butz of Oneida, WI & Don Frederick of Appleton, WI
Steve Stack & Kevin Dahl of Muskego, WI
The event will kick off with an outdoor rules meeting at 5 o'clock on Stephenson Island followed by refreshments and a Marinette "concerts in the park" series. "The local community will come down and hopefully meet some of the fishermen, the locals will be very involved in this event" said Kukuk.
The big waters of Green Bay hold great promise for large weights. Two-day weights are expected to approach the 30-40 pound mark, but will depend on the weather conditions.
"These fish are very weather sensitive. If the shoreline water is warm and shallow, the baitfish will not be there, but if we get some rough weather and higher winds, the shoreline gets beat up a little bit, that action will bring the fish in" according to site coordinator Rick Estebo.
"There are likely to be two main techniques to be used by MWC tournament fishermen, trolling crankbaits on some of the shallow reefs, and using crawler harnesses for the deeper fish. I expect to see fish in 10 to 20 feet of water to be located on a line south from Little Sturgeon to Peshtigo. North of that, you'll be seeing fish on the reefs and the shoals," said MWC angler and fishing guide Doug Schreiber of Green Bay, WI.
"It is just point-blank big water; which can become dangerous. I've fished and guided on Saginaw Bay, Bay de Noc, Winnebago and Lake Michigan, and of these, Green Bay can be a real Bear," said Schreiber.
Brian Helfert with the Menominee County Sheriff's Department - Marine Division said "We will be helping to keep the anglers safe on the Green Bay waters by servicing the area with a new primary patrol rescue vessel. We encourage anglers to use their personal floatation devises and to keep an eye on the forecast before launching each day."
The estimated $ 3,300 Walleye Conservation Fund raised through the MWC event will benefit the M & M Great Lakes Sport Fisherman's Association. "The Association works hand in hand with the Michigan DNR in raising of walleye fingerlings for stocking in the Menominee River, the Cedar River and bay of Green Bay" said John Krueger, President of the association. The M & M Great Lakes Sport Fisherman's Association has raised and released 2 million walleye over the last 10 yeas, and will use the MWC Conservation Fund monies to increase the walleye population for future generations.
North American Membership Club Executive Director, Steve Pennaz, will emcee the weigh-in. He will be joined by Ranger Boats' pro staff member and professional walleye angler, Tommy Skarlis. Kristine Houtman, Director of Events & Sponsorships will be the officiating weigh master.
Ranger Boats, sponsor of the MWC Green Bay tournament, builds the right boat for the big waters of Green Bay. Top walleye anglers want to run in big water, but they also needs to have good directional control while trolling. Ranger's Right-Track Keel system lets you set a particular track and does an outstanding job at maintaining that track even in heavy waters" said Barry Day of Ranger Boats. "We expect to have a great experience for our anglers in Green Bay, and look forward to awarding another Ranger Cup check."
The MWC title sponsor is Cabela's. Cabela's is the foremost provider of quality outdoor provisions, all MWC sponsor gear can be found at Cabela's. In addition to Cabela's, Ranger Boats is the tournament sponsor for the bay of Green Bay MWC event.
Other sponsors of the Masters Walleye Circuit are: Mercury Marine, Lindy Legendary Tackle, MotorGuide, Lowrance Electronics, The Outdoor Channel, North American Fishing Club, Salmo Performance Lures, Daiichi Hooks, Panther Marine, Aqua Innovations and Walleye Central.
For more information on tournament openings contact the MWC toll-free at 877-893-7947 or drop an e-mail to [email protected]. Rules and registration forms are available online at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. |
