Just want to send out a few thank yous from the 2003 championship. It was fun to be part of an event that went down to the wire with a dozen teams needing one more bite (or the right bite) to win. And the competition wasn't the only thing that got heated!
Hats off to Cabela's for stepping up to make this a championship worthy of the MWC and its participants.
Kudos to the people of Prairie du Chien for making us feel so welcome.
Thanks to Kristine and her staff for all the hard work and added touches that made the event special and to the volunteers who were so helpful all week long.
Most of all, thanks to the gang at the locks for going out of their way to get us up and down, and get us back on time. We listened to conversations between the lockmaster and barge captains where the captains were asked to hold back so they could get a couple more locks of our guys through, and we understand that the people at the locks even bent the no-wake rules and let some of our guys come out of the locks on plane to give them a chance to get back on time Thursday.
A few suggestions:
1) I still feel there is widespread support for a check-in boat above the lock, and it would sure make life easier for the lockmaster and his crew, as well as the anglers.
2) Given the unfortunate situation with flight times, why not eliminate that possibility and go with one flight? With only 50 boats, it wouldn't make any difference.
3) Punch some holes in the bottom of those weigh bags.
4) How about a little more fishing time? With all the travel and time spent locking up and down, that doesn't leave much fishing time. Would a 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. weigh-in work? It also seems that the 1-3 p.m. time period is the busiest time at the lock. We'd have a much better chance to get through a little later.
5) It would also be great if we could get the boats in the water about 15 minutes sooner. A couple of days we barely made it to our spot in the takeoff order in time.

Look forward to seeing everyone in 2004.

Doug Newhoff

Thanks for the kind words Doug. Some of your suggestions have already been addressed. Next year's championship will be better than ever. Though, this year's was a real barn burner.......Kaz

Good thoughts -- and we are always tweeking a little here and there, so will definitely consider your suggestions.

It was a great championship with wonderful weather and a spectacular weigh-in on Saturday for an exciting finish.

Congratulations to all for making it there! Special thanks to the Cabela's team from PDC & Steve Simmons & Chuck Borcher! Also to the Falling Rock Walleye Club for all their hard work. And to Kaz, Kris M & Laura F for their efforts.

I've re-booked The Barn for our Rules meeting and Saturday night banquet for next year. They've promised -- no fire!