Hi, all! My name is Mike Hays, and I work at the new Cabela's store in Hammond, IN, just about 20 min. from Chicago. We are interested in hosting a "Walleye Weekend" this spring to generate more interest in local walleye fisheries. We are less that 2 hrs. from the Illinois River (I love Spring Valley!) and the Kankakee River, we are about 20 min. from Lake Michigan, and 10 min. from Wolf Lake, which is stocked anually with 3000-5000 5-7" walleye every year.

I was hoping for some suggestions on how we could get guest speakers, company representatives, etc. to come in to help us promote this event, which we are yet to schedule. We are DESPARATE for a Lowrance rep to get us up to speed on electronics, we definately need help!

We were hoping to plan this so that it would take place when more of the tournament anglers were in our area, maybe before or after MWC or FLW Walleye League @ Spring Valley. Any suggestions?

I am a walleye fishing fanatic, but have been out of the tournament scene for some time due to family issues (parents and in-laws health). However, I have just ordered a new boat, and am preparing to get my feet wet again!

I am trying to head up this project up without a whole lot of support, and we'd like to show upper management that this can be done, but first and foremost, we'd like to educate our customers as to what they are missing out on. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.