World-class fishing and down-home hospitality await anglers gearing up for the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit stop on Lake Erie out of Sandusky, Ohio, June 18-20. The big lake’s waters are primed with walleyes, and the Sandusky area is rolling out the red carpet for the MWC.

“The city of Sandusky is proud and honored to once again host the Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit Tournament,” said Judy Nagy, Recreation Division supervisor. “Our community is anxiously waiting to welcome all MWC anglers with open arms and lots of great fishing!”

Long a legendary walleye destination, Erie is firing on all cylinders again this season. Biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources report an abundance of 'eyes from the 2007 and 2003 hatches, with ample survivors of the 2001, 2005 and 1999 hatches as well. Add it up and you have opportunities for fish from 19 to well over 28 inches.

“With the quality of walleyes that Erie has to offer, it’s always fun to fish an event there,” said Matt Davis of Marion, Ohio. Davis and partner Dan Gies, of Huron, Ohio, are the reigning MWC Team of the Year, and placed 14th at Sandusky in 2009. “MWC teams will have a lot of options, as the fishing has been very good recently in many different areas — and a variety of techniques are producing. If the weather cooperates, I expect to see a lot of big fish cross the scales during the tournament.”

MWC teams will have an abundance of fishing areas, with Ohio and Canadian waters open with an east boundary of W82 10 00. At press time 75 teams had signed up to compete, making a total cash purse of $39,040 paying 15 places with first place at $12,340. Sponsor contingency bonuses could add another $3,700 along with a big-fish pot for a total purse topping $43,000.

Sponsor bonuses are planned as follows:

• Cabela’s Angler Cash of $500 or $1,000. Full details can be found at www.cabelas.com/anglercash.

• Ranger Boats offers $1,000 in Ranger Cup for the top finishing Ranger Cup qualifier.

• The Oxygenator/U2 offers a $200 bonus for teams using U2 in the livewell.

• Lowrance HDS unit owners are competing for a $500 bonus.

• Berkley Premier Team top three teams cashing in $500, $300 and $200 respectively in Cabelas gift cards.

The Shelby Street Boat Ramp will host take-offs and weigh-ins. Teams will launch at 7 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. A built-in “blow day” allows for two full days of competition even if foul weather prevents teams from getting out either Friday or Saturday. For details on whether or not teams are fishing these days, call the MWC Tournament Hotline at (952) 988-7247. The MWC and National Professional Anglers Association will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after the first day’s weigh-in. Youths receive rods and reels donated by Cabela’s and Berkley, and tackle packages courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.

Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering its ninth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors of the MWC include: Berkley, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Abu Garcia, Fin-tech, Northland Fishing Tackle, Ryjus and Reflections.

Visit www.masterswalleyecircuit.com.  Questions – email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call: 877-893-7947.

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