Minnetonka, MN - MWC East anglers hope to pack the winter gear away for the upcoming tournament on the Eastern basin of Lake Ontario. Of course, the rain gear is always nearby for any tournament angler; but ice scrapers and snow boots? Many of the same anglers braved gale force winds, cold temperatures, rain and then the ultimate insult, 6 to 8 inches of snow - at the MWC tournament on the Detroit River a few weeks ago. All hope that winter gear won't be needed for a tournament May 21st and 22nd. Good weather and a strong bite is what everyone is waiting for.
The tournament, staged out of Henderson Harbor, New York, weighed in with nearly an 8 lb. average walleye last year. The fishery impressed quite a few anglers.
"I can't wait to get back!" exclaimed Tim Field of Clarendon, PA. "The quality of the fishery really surprised me last year. It is fun putting trophy fish in the boat; hopefully.I can do it during the tournament this time around." Field was referring to the spectacular bite during pre-fishing last year; that turned south just in time for the tournament.
Last year's team that seriously put big fish in the boat was the team of Bob Hollingsworth of Kenmore, NY & Jim Navis of Grand Island, NY. Their first place finish with 8 walleyes weighed in at an impressive 67.26 pounds, an incredible 8.40 pound average. "I'm excited to get back there next week" shared the usually stoic Hollingsworth. "I think it's great that we have more teams fishing the tournament this year." Based on a field of 40 teams, payout for first place is expected to reach $9,000 with the top seven weights taking home a check. Total payout with big fish pot will exceed $20,000.
MotorGuide is sweetening the lure of the big fish at their titled tournament. The angler bringing in the heaviest fish of the tournament will be presented with a new MotorGuide trolling motor. Perhaps the circuit record of 12.34 pounds will be broken. "There are plenty of ten-plus pounders in this area; some in the 12 to 13 pound range that have weighed in at other tournaments" indicated Matt Davis, MWC angler from Marion, OH. Last year's big fish of the tournament was 11.21 pounds caught by Ernie Brown of Warners, NY.
The public is encouraged to attend the weigh-ins at the Henderson boat launch on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sponsor goodies will be handed out - as well as tips and tactics from some of the best anglers in the country. North American Fisherman editor Kurt Beckstrom will emcee at the weigh-in stage for this and all MWC East tournaments. Producers of Fishing Club Journal will film a television show to air in June on The Outdoor Channel. The Henderson Harbor Chamber of Commerce will host the tourney, and will benefit from the $600 in walleye conservation funds donated from the anglers' entry fee. Funds will be used for improvements to the local area fishery.
Circuit title sponsor for the MWC is Cabela's - the World's Foremost Outfitter. You can find all the sponsors products at Cabela's. MWC sponsors include Lindy Legendary Tackle, Lowrance Electronics, Mercury, MotorGuide, Ranger Boats, The Outdoor Channel, North American Fishing Club, Daiichi Bleeding Bait Hooks, Panther Marine, Salmo Performance Lures and Walleye Central.
For more information on tournament openings contact the Cabela's MWC toll-free at 877-893-7947 or drop an email to [email protected]. Rules and registration forms are available online at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. |
