FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Jeff Ahlstrand
O: 952-988-7417 | C: 612-298-5119
E: jahlstrand@namginc.com
www.masterswalleyecircuit.com

CABELA’S MWC ANGLERS ANXIOUSLY AWAIT SEASON OPENER IN SPRING VALLEY, ILLINOIS –
MARCH 28TH AND 29TH – PRESENTED BY NORTH AMERICAN FISHING CLUB

Minnetonka, MN – March 19, 2009 – The snow and ice are melting and with that comes the first tournament of the year for the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC). The tournament will take place out of Barto Landing in Spring Valley on the Illinois River on Saturday, March 28th and Sunday March 29th. Spectators are encouraged to attend the weigh-ins and cheer on their favorite teams. There is no cost to attend. Stop by at 7:00am to see the boats launch and from 2:30pm – 4:00pm to watch the weigh-in. Anglers fish in two person teams and are allowed to weigh a limit of 5 fish per team per day. The team that brings in the most pounds of fish over the two days wins the tournament and the first place prize money of $16,550.

Currently 97 teams are signed up to fish in the tournament which will pay out $62,080 over 19 places; plus there is another $2,400 in sponsor contingency bonus money available for anglers from MWC sponsors. “I think the big fish will be hungry and ready to eat,” shared Cliff Banks, MWC angler and Spring Valley resident, “And without any other anglers fishing prior to the MWC event, we could see some nice size fish caught.”

The Illinois River has a propensity to flood each year with the melting snow and heavy rains that funnel down through the river systems in Northern Illinois. Currently the river is above flood stage but is projected to decrease over the next week and a half. Bill Guerrini, Executive Director of the Spring Valley Walleye Club had this to say about the flood conditions, “The river is coming down in size nicely and we expect the DNR to open it back up this weekend. We fully expect Barto Landing to be above water by this Saturday.” If the river has not receded to open up Barto Landing, (currently under water) then the MWC will launch out of the town of Depue, Illinois and Depue Lake. When the river rises to flood stage, it opens up a navigable channel from Depue Lake to the Illinois River. Check the MWC website at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com for further updates.

On Saturday, immediately following the weigh-in, the MWC and NPAA will co-host a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic. The clinic is free and a great opportunity for kids to get their very own fishing rod and reel while learning how to rig it up properly. One lucky kid will even walk away with a brand new bike!

Included in each MWC entry fee is a $15 donation to the local walleye conservation fund. This money is given to the community or walleye club to use towards fishery enhancement projects. Host for the last 23 years, the Spring Valley Walleye Club will be the recipient of these funds for walleye/sauger improvements on the Illinois River. Since its inception 25 years ago, the Masters Walleye Circuit has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local communities to help improve their fisheries.

Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering their eighth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: Farm & City Insurance Services, O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Fin-tech, Ryjus and Reflections.

The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is the longest running professional walleye tournament circuit in the United States and is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2009. This season there are three qualifying tournaments in each division (Central, East & West) and the World Walleye Championship. For more information on the Cabela’s MWC or to view the 2009 schedule, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. Questions – email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call: 877-893-7947.

# # END # #