Cabela's MWC Henderson Press Release

[Kris M]

For Immediate Release For More Information Contact:
Kris Mauersberger, Senior Events Coordinator
Office Phone: 952-352-7305
Email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com




CABELA’S MWC TOURNAMENT RECORDS BROKEN AT HENDERSON HARBOR, NEW YORK
Gould & Monica win with nine fish weighing 85.07 pounds

Henderson Harbor, NY – Local anglers Steve Gould (Watertown) and Chris Monica (Adams) weighed in a record five fish basket of 46.65 pounds on day two of the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit tournament at Henderson Harbor, New York on June 3rd. Added to the four fish they weighed on day one, their two day total reached an all-time circuit record breaking 85.07 pounds – with only nine fish rather than the allotted ten. The previous records were set in April of 2006 by Michiganders David Kolb and Dan Byers on Lake Erie, with 43.52 pounds for a one-day record and 82.23 pounds for the two-day record (ten fish).

In 2004, the first year of the MWC East, Gould & Monica took second place, and in 2005 they captured the biggest fish of the tournament over 11 pounds. This was the pair’s first circuit victory netting $9,104 in payout plus $700 in big fish money – totaling $9,804 in cash prizes. Gould guides out of Henderson Harbor under the name McCrea Charters and fishes the entire summer. The secret to their win was trolling a very small spot-on-spot toward the South end of Grenadier Island. They were trolling 1.6 to 1.7 miles per hour with black and silver stick baits, running 24’ to 26’ down in 30’ to 60’ of water. The secret to their success was working the small 300 yard spot and constantly turning to go back and forth over the same area – over and over again. “The other teams working in our area were making really long passes, but we kept ours to a short distance where we consistently caught fish,” said Gould. And BIG fish they were, with a 9.6 pound average on day one and 9.33 pound average on day two!

Gary Zart of Hinckley, Ohio won the Toyota Tundra bonus of $1,000 for being the top finishing team towing their boat with a Tundra truck. Zart and partner Scott Bower of Macedonia, Ohio finished in third place with four fish totaling 35.91 pounds, worth $2,526, together worth $3,526. Scott Yarman of Mt. Vernon, Ohio won the Ranger Cup bonus of $1,000 as the top finishing team in a Ranger Boat. Yarman and partner Jason Walls of Chillicothe, Ohio finished in fourth place with four fish totaling 30.01 pounds netting $1,822. With the Ranger Cup bonus they cashed in $2,822. Second place went to Pete Lewis of Webster, New York and Shawn Hannah of Tottenham, Ontario for their two day baskets totaling 42.41 pounds for five fish. Second place paid out $4,188. They also cashed $200 in big fish money for the second largest fish on Sunday at 10.63 pounds, winnings totaled $4,388.

The biggest fish of the tournament was an even eleven-pounder from Alan Baumgardner of White Hall, Maryland and Jeff Lash of North Lawrence, Ohio. They finished in sixth place overall with three fish totaling 26.12 pounds for $1,100 in purse plus $500 in big fish cash for a total of $1,600. Fifth place and $1,420 went to 2004 winners Bob Hollingsworth of Kenmore, New York and Jim Navis of Grand Island, New York for a two day four fish total of 28.69 pounds. Hollingsworth and Navis also won two new Ice Armor cold-weather gear suits that they didn’t need for this hot weather tournament, but will be glad to have come fall and winter.

“We’ve always known that the Eastern basin of Lake Ontario held record breaking quality walleyes – and this tournament really proved it,” shared Kristine Houtman, director of the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit. “The anglers know the reputation for size, which makes it fun to compete here. The challenge at Henderson Harbor is putting two consistent days together. Steve and Chris did it this weekend. Imagine the record we would have set had they weighed the allowable ten fish limit – it would have been nearly 95 pounds!”

But it isn’t just big fish that makes a tournament in Henderson Harbor special. Many anglers commented on stage that they love the hospitality of the community. “This is a great place to fish – whether for a tournament or just for fun,” shared Gary Zart from on stage.
Many anglers echoed that sentiment.

The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit hosted a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic after the day-one weigh-in with the help of NPAA anglers. Sponsors such as Lowrance Electronics, Cabela’s and North American Fishing Club donated rod & reel combos along with start-up tackle boxes. The anglers taught the kids that attended how to tie-on slip bobbers, and then they got to keep their new gear. Toyota donated three new bikes rigged up with rod holders so that the kids could ride their bikes to go fishing. Claire Beshures, age 10, Webster, NY, Katelyn Van Brocklin, age 8, Woodville, NY and Nathaniel Roberts, age 6, from Liverpool, NY each won a bike.

The top six places in the tournament were paid $20,160 plus $1,400 in big fish money and $2,000 in sponsor contingencies totaling $23,560. Currently, Baumgardner and Lash are in the lead for MWC East Team of the Year with Doug Yohe of Bradford, PA and Tim Waltz of Williamsport, PA in second place and Yarman and Walls in third place.

A walleye conservation fund check of $540 was presented to the Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition (LOFC) from the Cabela’s MWC. The LOFC has nine ponds in place for stocking programs.

Openings exist in future MWC tournaments. The remaining schedule is:

MWC East
July 21 & 22 – Youngstown, NY – Niagara River and Lake Ontario

MWC Central
June 23 & 24 – Green Bay, WI – Bay of Green Bay
Sept 8 & 9 – Dubuque, IA – Mississippi River

MWC West (Exhibition Tournament)
August 18 & 19 –Ortonville, MN – Big Stone Lake

World Walleye Championship (invitation only)
Oct 4-6 -- Dundee, MI -- Detroit River and Lake Erie

For more information contact circuit headquarters by email at: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or toll-free by phone at 877-893-7947.

Cabela’s is the title sponsor for the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official Sponsors are Versus (Vs.) television network, Mercury Motors, Ranger Boats, MotorGuide, Lowrance Electronics, Toyota Trucks and North American Fishing Club Associate sponsors are Tommy Docks, The Inhibitor, Food Source Lures, Ice Armor and Farm & City Insurance Services.

# # END # #

[Kris M]

For Immediate Release For More Information Contact:
Kris Mauersberger, Senior Events Coordinator
Office Phone: 952-352-7305
Email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com




CABELA’S MWC TOURNAMENT RECORDS BROKEN AT HENDERSON HARBOR, NEW YORK
Gould & Monica win with nine fish weighing 85.07 pounds

Henderson Harbor, NY – Local anglers Steve Gould (Watertown) and Chris Monica (Adams) weighed in a record five fish basket of 46.65 pounds on day two of the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit tournament at Henderson Harbor, New York on June 3rd. Added to the four fish they weighed on day one, their two day total reached an all-time circuit record breaking 85.07 pounds – with only nine fish rather than the allotted ten. The previous records were set in April of 2006 by Michiganders David Kolb and Dan Byers on Lake Erie, with 43.52 pounds for a one-day record and 82.23 pounds for the two-day record (ten fish).

In 2004, the first year of the MWC East, Gould & Monica took second place, and in 2005 they captured the biggest fish of the tournament over 11 pounds. This was the pair’s first circuit victory netting $9,104 in payout plus $700 in big fish money – totaling $9,804 in cash prizes. Gould guides out of Henderson Harbor under the name McCrea Charters and fishes the entire summer. The secret to their win was trolling a very small spot-on-spot toward the South end of Grenadier Island. They were trolling 1.6 to 1.7 miles per hour with black and silver stick baits, running 24’ to 26’ down in 30’ to 60’ of water. The secret to their success was working the small 300 yard spot and constantly turning to go back and forth over the same area – over and over again. “The other teams working in our area were making really long passes, but we kept ours to a short distance where we consistently caught fish,” said Gould. And BIG fish they were, with a 9.6 pound average on day one and 9.33 pound average on day two!

Gary Zart of Hinckley, Ohio won the Toyota Tundra bonus of $1,000 for being the top finishing team towing their boat with a Tundra truck. Zart and partner Scott Bower of Macedonia, Ohio finished in third place with four fish totaling 35.91 pounds, worth $2,526, together worth $3,526. Scott Yarman of Mt. Vernon, Ohio won the Ranger Cup bonus of $1,000 as the top finishing team in a Ranger Boat. Yarman and partner Jason Walls of Chillicothe, Ohio finished in fourth place with four fish totaling 30.01 pounds netting $1,822. With the Ranger Cup bonus they cashed in $2,822. Second place went to Pete Lewis of Webster, New York and Shawn Hannah of Tottenham, Ontario for their two day baskets totaling 42.41 pounds for five fish. Second place paid out $4,188. They also cashed $200 in big fish money for the second largest fish on Sunday at 10.63 pounds, winnings totaled $4,388.

The biggest fish of the tournament was an even eleven-pounder from Alan Baumgardner of White Hall, Maryland and Jeff Lash of North Lawrence, Ohio. They finished in sixth place overall with three fish totaling 26.12 pounds for $1,100 in purse plus $500 in big fish cash for a total of $1,600. Fifth place and $1,420 went to 2004 winners Bob Hollingsworth of Kenmore, New York and Jim Navis of Grand Island, New York for a two day four fish total of 28.69 pounds. Hollingsworth and Navis also won two new Ice Armor cold-weather gear suits that they didn’t need for this hot weather tournament, but will be glad to have come fall and winter.

“We’ve always known that the Eastern basin of Lake Ontario held record breaking quality walleyes – and this tournament really proved it,” shared Kristine Houtman, director of the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit. “The anglers know the reputation for size, which makes it fun to compete here. The challenge at Henderson Harbor is putting two consistent days together. Steve and Chris did it this weekend. Imagine the record we would have set had they weighed the allowable ten fish limit – it would have been nearly 95 pounds!”

But it isn’t just big fish that makes a tournament in Henderson Harbor special. Many anglers commented on stage that they love the hospitality of the community. “This is a great place to fish – whether for a tournament or just for fun,” shared Gary Zart from on stage.
Many anglers echoed that sentiment.

The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit hosted a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic after the day-one weigh-in with the help of NPAA anglers. Sponsors such as Lowrance Electronics, Cabela’s and North American Fishing Club donated rod & reel combos along with start-up tackle boxes. The anglers taught the kids that attended how to tie-on slip bobbers, and then they got to keep their new gear. Toyota donated three new bikes rigged up with rod holders so that the kids could ride their bikes to go fishing. Claire Beshures, age 10, Webster, NY, Katelyn Van Brocklin, age 8, Woodville, NY and Nathaniel Roberts, age 6, from Liverpool, NY each won a bike.

The top six places in the tournament were paid $20,160 plus $1,400 in big fish money and $2,000 in sponsor contingencies totaling $23,560. Currently, Baumgardner and Lash are in the lead for MWC East Team of the Year with Doug Yohe of Bradford, PA and Tim Waltz of Williamsport, PA in second place and Yarman and Walls in third place.

A walleye conservation fund check of $540 was presented to the Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition (LOFC) from the Cabela’s MWC. The LOFC has nine ponds in place for stocking programs.

Openings exist in future MWC tournaments. The remaining schedule is:

MWC East
July 21 & 22 – Youngstown, NY – Niagara River and Lake Ontario

MWC Central
June 23 & 24 – Green Bay, WI – Bay of Green Bay
Sept 8 & 9 – Dubuque, IA – Mississippi River

MWC West (Exhibition Tournament)
August 18 & 19 –Ortonville, MN – Big Stone Lake

World Walleye Championship (invitation only)
Oct 4-6 -- Dundee, MI -- Detroit River and Lake Erie

For more information contact circuit headquarters by email at: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or toll-free by phone at 877-893-7947.

Cabela’s is the title sponsor for the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official Sponsors are Versus (Vs.) television network, Mercury Motors, Ranger Boats, MotorGuide, Lowrance Electronics, Toyota Trucks and North American Fishing Club Associate sponsors are Tommy Docks, The Inhibitor, Food Source Lures, Ice Armor and Farm & City Insurance Services.

# # END # #

[Change it up]

While that is an impressive overall weight...I think that the real story is that the average number of fish caught per team over two days is only 1.8. While better than last years 1.0(!) (not to mention the stellar year of 2005 when the 2 day average was way up to 3.8) does this really equate to a location where there is an abundance of fish to catch....so much so that Henderson should be a continual repeat location for the MWC? Nothing against the town, it is a nice place, but with dwindling numbers in the MWC East I would think that you might want to consider sending fisherman to a place that has fish next year.........

[Change it up]

While that is an impressive overall weight...I think that the real story is that the average number of fish caught per team over two days is only 1.8. While better than last years 1.0(!) (not to mention the stellar year of 2005 when the 2 day average was way up to 3.8) does this really equate to a location where there is an abundance of fish to catch....so much so that Henderson should be a continual repeat location for the MWC? Nothing against the town, it is a nice place, but with dwindling numbers in the MWC East I would think that you might want to consider sending fisherman to a place that has fish next year.........

[K Gonefishin]

Great Job on a super tough bite Gary and Scott, good job out there, happy to hear you ran into a few good fish to take 3rd. Well done once again buddy.

Kevin

[K Gonefishin]

Great Job on a super tough bite Gary and Scott, good job out there, happy to hear you ran into a few good fish to take 3rd. Well done once again buddy.

Kevin

[henderson vet]

I'm not going to debate with you whether the MWC should go there or not but there are more than enough quality fish to support a tournament at Henderson. In 2006 plenty of teams were on fish until a huge front blew in on Friday with 30mph winds, thats why so few were caught. In 2005 the top 11 teams had 40+ bags for two days. It's a difficult fishery with ultra clear water. There aren't schools of thousands of fish suspended together like Erie. Not every tournament site has to offer easy five fish bags every day to be a worthy challenge. The winners handled 12 fish on Sunday, if culling were allowed their bag would have been even heavier. They had the program dialed in and their results prove the fish were there to be caught. The winners fished alongside three other boats on Saturday, on Sunday there were about 18 tournament boats fishing on the same side of the peninsula...hmmmmm.


>While that is an impressive overall weight...I think that the
>real story is that the average number of fish caught per team
>over two days is only 1.8. While better than last years
>1.0(!) (not to mention the stellar year of 2005 when the 2 day
>average was way up to 3.8) does this really equate to a
>location where there is an abundance of fish to catch....so
>much so that Henderson should be a continual repeat location
>for the MWC? Nothing against the town, it is a nice place,
>but with dwindling numbers in the MWC East I would think that
>you might want to consider sending fisherman to a place that
>has fish next year.........
>
>

[henderson vet]

I'm not going to debate with you whether the MWC should go there or not but there are more than enough quality fish to support a tournament at Henderson. In 2006 plenty of teams were on fish until a huge front blew in on Friday with 30mph winds, thats why so few were caught. In 2005 the top 11 teams had 40+ bags for two days. It's a difficult fishery with ultra clear water. There aren't schools of thousands of fish suspended together like Erie. Not every tournament site has to offer easy five fish bags every day to be a worthy challenge. The winners handled 12 fish on Sunday, if culling were allowed their bag would have been even heavier. They had the program dialed in and their results prove the fish were there to be caught. The winners fished alongside three other boats on Saturday, on Sunday there were about 18 tournament boats fishing on the same side of the peninsula...hmmmmm.


>While that is an impressive overall weight...I think that the
>real story is that the average number of fish caught per team
>over two days is only 1.8. While better than last years
>1.0(!) (not to mention the stellar year of 2005 when the 2 day
>average was way up to 3.8) does this really equate to a
>location where there is an abundance of fish to catch....so
>much so that Henderson should be a continual repeat location
>for the MWC? Nothing against the town, it is a nice place,
>but with dwindling numbers in the MWC East I would think that
>you might want to consider sending fisherman to a place that
>has fish next year.........
>
>

[Change it up]

"In 2006 plenty of teams were on fish until a huge front blew in on Friday with 30mph winds, that’s why so few were caught."

Actually, the front blew in on Sunday - during the tournament. Go look at the Saturday results from 2006. On Saturday - 38 fish were caught - which made an average of .56 fish per team. In fact, in the 2006 tourney - the numbers are really skewed toward the teams that actually caught more than one fish. Of the 67 teams that fished, 38 teams caught NO fish over the two days (56%)! This year, while better (34% caught no fish) you also have to look at participation where there were almost 50% less anglers.

...and contrary to your observation that "plenty of teams" were on fish...we worked with a couple of other boats and had good contact with others. There was no team that we knew of that was consistently catching any fish with any regularity. In fact, even some of the best anglers were only pulling 1 or 2 fish every day. Some less than that.

We can debate this to the end of time, but I think that if you look at the facts and data, couple that with a tremendous decline in participation this year, and the geography that the MWC is asking people to cover to fish this tournament - it would only make sense to eliminate this trip from the schedule. The low participation and accompanying low amount of entry fees that are pulled in, along with a commensurately low overall purse, future tournaments at Henderson Harbor make very little sense.

[Change it up]

"In 2006 plenty of teams were on fish until a huge front blew in on Friday with 30mph winds, that’s why so few were caught."

Actually, the front blew in on Sunday - during the tournament. Go look at the Saturday results from 2006. On Saturday - 38 fish were caught - which made an average of .56 fish per team. In fact, in the 2006 tourney - the numbers are really skewed toward the teams that actually caught more than one fish. Of the 67 teams that fished, 38 teams caught NO fish over the two days (56%)! This year, while better (34% caught no fish) you also have to look at participation where there were almost 50% less anglers.

...and contrary to your observation that "plenty of teams" were on fish...we worked with a couple of other boats and had good contact with others. There was no team that we knew of that was consistently catching any fish with any regularity. In fact, even some of the best anglers were only pulling 1 or 2 fish every day. Some less than that.

We can debate this to the end of time, but I think that if you look at the facts and data, couple that with a tremendous decline in participation this year, and the geography that the MWC is asking people to cover to fish this tournament - it would only make sense to eliminate this trip from the schedule. The low participation and accompanying low amount of entry fees that are pulled in, along with a commensurately low overall purse, future tournaments at Henderson Harbor make very little sense.

[vet]

I'm sorry if you and your friends weren't on fish last year. I do know that others were... Being on fish at Henderson doesn't mean you can spank 20 or more a day like Erie... it means by the end of the week you are catching some fish every day with some consistency. Talking to other non-team anglers is a waste of your time... guys lie like crazy about what their getting or not getting, what they are using, whatever...it's just the way it goes. After thinking about it- you are right, the front didn't come Friday night... we launched with relatively mild winds Saturday morning but it was really whipping up by 10am. The ride back was pretty wild on Saturday so I'd say the front arrived well before Sunday. Again, I don't want to debate whether they should go there or not- maybe for geographical reasons they shouldn't go there... dunno, not my call -but it shouldn't be eliminated because it isn't a worthy fishery for a walleye tournament. Is it challenging? Heck yeah it is! That's part of why a good part of the field always zeroes, guys can't show up on Wednesday and think they going to have it figured out by Friday at 2pm.

[vet]

I'm sorry if you and your friends weren't on fish last year. I do know that others were... Being on fish at Henderson doesn't mean you can spank 20 or more a day like Erie... it means by the end of the week you are catching some fish every day with some consistency. Talking to other non-team anglers is a waste of your time... guys lie like crazy about what their getting or not getting, what they are using, whatever...it's just the way it goes. After thinking about it- you are right, the front didn't come Friday night... we launched with relatively mild winds Saturday morning but it was really whipping up by 10am. The ride back was pretty wild on Saturday so I'd say the front arrived well before Sunday. Again, I don't want to debate whether they should go there or not- maybe for geographical reasons they shouldn't go there... dunno, not my call -but it shouldn't be eliminated because it isn't a worthy fishery for a walleye tournament. Is it challenging? Heck yeah it is! That's part of why a good part of the field always zeroes, guys can't show up on Wednesday and think they going to have it figured out by Friday at 2pm.

[Change it up]

Actually, we cashed a check last year...so we caught fish. I'm just pointing at the data that indicated that it is either a very tough fishery, or that there just simply aren't many fish there. Just my $.02 and I'll leave it at that...thanks for your opinions.

[Change it up]

Actually, we cashed a check last year...so we caught fish. I'm just pointing at the data that indicated that it is either a very tough fishery, or that there just simply aren't many fish there. Just my $.02 and I'll leave it at that...thanks for your opinions.

[walteye]

This was my 3rd year at the HH tourney-my partner and I were one of the zeros.We had a 4 boat prefish partnership and the fishing was tough for us all (2 boats did not catch a walleye during prefish). My partner and I both had our own boats there and he did the best out of us all-with at least one eye a day(and sometimes more). It was a tough bite and those who "say" they were on fish all week-OK, sure. If 90% of the boats did not catch during the tourney-yes-it is an area the the MWC should avoid, but it was not the case. My prefishing the prior 2 years was very good-the fronts that occurred at tourney time created the somewhat bad baskets. I would like to see the HH tourney be put on hiatus for a year or two-but not eliminated altogether. Two times I prefished the area that produced best during the tourney and could not get anything to go-lots of marks and where I fished deep-I could watch fish rise-but I thought it was too deep for the eyes at that time of year (my bad).Congratulations to all who caught-my friends took 8th and 9th and I am proud of not only them but to all who worked their butts off this past week.
BTW-I took 4th there last year in the Henderson Howler tourney.
Walteye

[walteye]

This was my 3rd year at the HH tourney-my partner and I were one of the zeros.We had a 4 boat prefish partnership and the fishing was tough for us all (2 boats did not catch a walleye during prefish). My partner and I both had our own boats there and he did the best out of us all-with at least one eye a day(and sometimes more). It was a tough bite and those who "say" they were on fish all week-OK, sure. If 90% of the boats did not catch during the tourney-yes-it is an area the the MWC should avoid, but it was not the case. My prefishing the prior 2 years was very good-the fronts that occurred at tourney time created the somewhat bad baskets. I would like to see the HH tourney be put on hiatus for a year or two-but not eliminated altogether. Two times I prefished the area that produced best during the tourney and could not get anything to go-lots of marks and where I fished deep-I could watch fish rise-but I thought it was too deep for the eyes at that time of year (my bad).Congratulations to all who caught-my friends took 8th and 9th and I am proud of not only them but to all who worked their butts off this past week.
BTW-I took 4th there last year in the Henderson Howler tourney.
Walteye

[Toolman]

IMO there is a much greater chance that Kristine and others at the MWC will listen to comments, if they are constructive and you back them up with a name.

I was at the Henderson MWC event the past two years. We found that there are plenty of fish to be had. Is it like Erie-NO...not even close, numbers-wise. The fish follow very different patterns up there. I do know for a fact that we weren't the only team that was on fish during practice. If you want info during prefish, you would get more accurate info by asking the Magic 8-Ball. One team in the field made a very wise choice and planned for the impending cold front and worked fish that were much more likely to bite when the weather "went south" on Saturday. Other teams that were on "tourney fish" lost their bite. The front actually moved in Friday night, but it didn't blow hard until mid-day Saturday. Cudos to those guys to weigh a limit of small fish each day which was enough for the win.

Obviously the team that won this year was on fish (so there were fish present) as they weighed 9 fish in. The other teams just didn't have them patterned nearly as well. Certainly their local experience may have helped, but there were other teams that caught fish, too.

As far as Henderson being too far, I can't say I disagree. It's unfortunate that it is so far from the "core angler group" that the East Division should (IMO) concentrate on (MI and OH) because it's an awesome fishery. I thought last year's schedule was a nice balance, with the opener at Detroit River/Lake Erie, then to Henderson Harbor, and finish at Saginaw Bay. My $.02

Tim Joseph

[Toolman]

IMO there is a much greater chance that Kristine and others at the MWC will listen to comments, if they are constructive and you back them up with a name.

I was at the Henderson MWC event the past two years. We found that there are plenty of fish to be had. Is it like Erie-NO...not even close, numbers-wise. The fish follow very different patterns up there. I do know for a fact that we weren't the only team that was on fish during practice. If you want info during prefish, you would get more accurate info by asking the Magic 8-Ball. One team in the field made a very wise choice and planned for the impending cold front and worked fish that were much more likely to bite when the weather "went south" on Saturday. Other teams that were on "tourney fish" lost their bite. The front actually moved in Friday night, but it didn't blow hard until mid-day Saturday. Cudos to those guys to weigh a limit of small fish each day which was enough for the win.

Obviously the team that won this year was on fish (so there were fish present) as they weighed 9 fish in. The other teams just didn't have them patterned nearly as well. Certainly their local experience may have helped, but there were other teams that caught fish, too.

As far as Henderson being too far, I can't say I disagree. It's unfortunate that it is so far from the "core angler group" that the East Division should (IMO) concentrate on (MI and OH) because it's an awesome fishery. I thought last year's schedule was a nice balance, with the opener at Detroit River/Lake Erie, then to Henderson Harbor, and finish at Saginaw Bay. My $.02

Tim Joseph

[eyedoktr]

Major congrats to Steve and Chris. They had the program dialed in just right. We fished next to them both days but couldn't produce the same results.

As far as having a tournament at Henderson. I have been fishing the MWC East since the first year. There have been some great fishing times and some not so great. I personally would rather see a tourney like Henderson where those that work hard can probably catch fish than a tournament like this year's Detroit River/Lake Erie tourney where everyone brings in a limit every day. Actually somewhere between the two would be ideal.

Yes, I admit I'm partial to Henderson. I have fished there the last three years and have a 5th place and two 2nd place finishes.

[eyedoktr]

Major congrats to Steve and Chris. They had the program dialed in just right. We fished next to them both days but couldn't produce the same results.

As far as having a tournament at Henderson. I have been fishing the MWC East since the first year. There have been some great fishing times and some not so great. I personally would rather see a tourney like Henderson where those that work hard can probably catch fish than a tournament like this year's Detroit River/Lake Erie tourney where everyone brings in a limit every day. Actually somewhere between the two would be ideal.

Yes, I admit I'm partial to Henderson. I have fished there the last three years and have a 5th place and two 2nd place finishes.

[Change it up]

"IMO there is a much greater chance that Kristine and others at the MWC will listen to comments, if they are constructive and you back them up with a name."

I will - I'll send Kristine a letter along with a printout of this thread for what it's worth. I like to think that my comments are "constructive" but that has always been a subject of much debate LOL.

I think that it goes down to simple economics. If you have teams that zero there year after year (and your odds of zeroing at Henderson are greater from analysis than any other stop in either division of the MWC - it would be interesting to see that compared to PWT and FLW too) then you are going to start losing teams. I think that happened this year. Less teams means less entry fees, less revenue coming in to MWC, and less payout. With a staff of three or four at the events it would seem difficult to justify the expenses - even if a good portion of them are underwritten. Which makes the numbers of anglers even more important since sponsors are looking for participants that will then buy products or tell people to buy products.

While I understand the comment about it being ok to not have everybody bringing in 5 fish baskets - I can agree. On the other hand though, the MWC likes to put on a good show at the weigh-in for the public. Half of the field bring in nothing does not add up to a good show. The public wants to see fish - fish in any size or quantity. And you know what?? Anglers like to get up on the stage. There is nothing more frustrating than bypassing the chip boat because you have an empty livewell - I've been there on more bodies of water than I care to remember and I'm sure others have too.

I agree with the other poster that if Henderson Harbor were a bit closer to the core of the walleye world maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal (although I still think it would be an issue), but when you have this outlier that far out east it is yet another disincentive to go (see loss of revenue above). I would agree that there should be an effort to concentrate the fishing where the fishermen are - and that for the eastern division is proven to be Michigan and Ohio.

[Change it up]

"IMO there is a much greater chance that Kristine and others at the MWC will listen to comments, if they are constructive and you back them up with a name."

I will - I'll send Kristine a letter along with a printout of this thread for what it's worth. I like to think that my comments are "constructive" but that has always been a subject of much debate LOL.

I think that it goes down to simple economics. If you have teams that zero there year after year (and your odds of zeroing at Henderson are greater from analysis than any other stop in either division of the MWC - it would be interesting to see that compared to PWT and FLW too) then you are going to start losing teams. I think that happened this year. Less teams means less entry fees, less revenue coming in to MWC, and less payout. With a staff of three or four at the events it would seem difficult to justify the expenses - even if a good portion of them are underwritten. Which makes the numbers of anglers even more important since sponsors are looking for participants that will then buy products or tell people to buy products.

While I understand the comment about it being ok to not have everybody bringing in 5 fish baskets - I can agree. On the other hand though, the MWC likes to put on a good show at the weigh-in for the public. Half of the field bring in nothing does not add up to a good show. The public wants to see fish - fish in any size or quantity. And you know what?? Anglers like to get up on the stage. There is nothing more frustrating than bypassing the chip boat because you have an empty livewell - I've been there on more bodies of water than I care to remember and I'm sure others have too.

I agree with the other poster that if Henderson Harbor were a bit closer to the core of the walleye world maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal (although I still think it would be an issue), but when you have this outlier that far out east it is yet another disincentive to go (see loss of revenue above). I would agree that there should be an effort to concentrate the fishing where the fishermen are - and that for the eastern division is proven to be Michigan and Ohio.

[Numbers Dont Lie]

2005 40 boats
2006 67 boats
2007 36 boats

To all you pro HH guys, are these the kinds of numbers you think you need to build an East division?

[Numbers Dont Lie]

2005 40 boats
2006 67 boats
2007 36 boats

To all you pro HH guys, are these the kinds of numbers you think you need to build an East division?

[K Gonefishin]

What about Dunkirk, even though it's still Erie, it would be a great East Division stop.

[K Gonefishin]

What about Dunkirk, even though it's still Erie, it would be a great East Division stop.

[1 fish]

How's the bite at Dunkirk? Is there a consistent big water fishery, where typical multiple year classes are present in a variety of locations? (Dumb question, it's Erie) If so schedule it...

As far as HH it would probably do good for the fishery to let it rest a while. There seemed to be an absence of year classes last year, it was either 20" or 10 pounds +, and other than pike, the bites were few and far between.

IMO: It does not help, looking at past pictures of the braggin boards where 100# of dead gold was spiked through the eyeballs for memories of a good day. Pictures taking precedent over C&R for those golden mother hawgs in a natural reproduction fishery does not make good sense.

That may well be the difference between a 1 fish a day for a good day and more consistent limits landed in the future. If more thought were given to the resource it could be a consistent phenominal fishery and it is a good location if that were the case.

Until then save the challenging fishery tournaments to inland lakes and rivers. Big water is a challenge all of it's own. With the elements having the biggest what if? In big water the fish should be there...or don't go back.

[1 fish]

How's the bite at Dunkirk? Is there a consistent big water fishery, where typical multiple year classes are present in a variety of locations? (Dumb question, it's Erie) If so schedule it...

As far as HH it would probably do good for the fishery to let it rest a while. There seemed to be an absence of year classes last year, it was either 20" or 10 pounds +, and other than pike, the bites were few and far between.

IMO: It does not help, looking at past pictures of the braggin boards where 100# of dead gold was spiked through the eyeballs for memories of a good day. Pictures taking precedent over C&R for those golden mother hawgs in a natural reproduction fishery does not make good sense.

That may well be the difference between a 1 fish a day for a good day and more consistent limits landed in the future. If more thought were given to the resource it could be a consistent phenominal fishery and it is a good location if that were the case.

Until then save the challenging fishery tournaments to inland lakes and rivers. Big water is a challenge all of it's own. With the elements having the biggest what if? In big water the fish should be there...or don't go back.

[Trent]

Hey, numbers dont lie, great name who are you? It is not our fault that people in the east are afraid to put money where mouth is. Lots of people over in the east claim to be great fishermen however it seems that these individuals are to scared to fish against some of the best. Look at all of the events that are held on the east side of lets say the Indy line, numbers very low in every tournament over here. And dont even try to compare the FLW or the PWT to team circuts. Most of these anglers on those circuts are not from the east.

TRENT

[Trent]

Hey, numbers dont lie, great name who are you? It is not our fault that people in the east are afraid to put money where mouth is. Lots of people over in the east claim to be great fishermen however it seems that these individuals are to scared to fish against some of the best. Look at all of the events that are held on the east side of lets say the Indy line, numbers very low in every tournament over here. And dont even try to compare the FLW or the PWT to team circuts. Most of these anglers on those circuts are not from the east.

TRENT

[Numbers Dont Lie]

Great reply Trent. So let me ask you again, are those the kind of numbers you need to build a division?

You can toss out insults and call the east fishermen scared all day, but if they don't want to go to HH, they won't, then there will be no east guys to call chicken anymore will there?

By the way Trent, you have a great name too.


>Hey, numbers dont lie, great name who are you? It is not our
>fault that people in the east are afraid to put money where
>mouth is. Lots of people over in the east claim to be great
>fishermen however it seems that these individuals are to
>scared to fish against some of the best. Look at all of the
>events that are held on the east side of lets say the Indy
>line, numbers very low in every tournament over here. And
>dont even try to compare the FLW or the PWT to team circuts.
>Most of these anglers on those circuts are not from the east.
>
>TRENT

[Numbers Dont Lie]

Great reply Trent. So let me ask you again, are those the kind of numbers you need to build a division?

You can toss out insults and call the east fishermen scared all day, but if they don't want to go to HH, they won't, then there will be no east guys to call chicken anymore will there?

By the way Trent, you have a great name too.


>Hey, numbers dont lie, great name who are you? It is not our
>fault that people in the east are afraid to put money where
>mouth is. Lots of people over in the east claim to be great
>fishermen however it seems that these individuals are to
>scared to fish against some of the best. Look at all of the
>events that are held on the east side of lets say the Indy
>line, numbers very low in every tournament over here. And
>dont even try to compare the FLW or the PWT to team circuts.
>Most of these anglers on those circuts are not from the east.
>
>TRENT

[trent]

The point that you are missing "numbers dont lie" is that fishermen from the east will not spend time or money to anywhere other than Sag. Bay or Lake Erie. You can not build a division where people will not participate. I would have gone to HH b/c it is a great place to fish but family matters took precedence over that tourny. And I do not recall insulting anyone. Tell ya what you start a new tournament trail over here in the east. Pick the best locations available and pick the best dates available. You will have trouble filling any of them b/c people over on this side of the U.S. wont spend money to go anywhere else than their "home waters" you will see try it.

As for my name I like it too and am not affraid to put it here on WC. Thanks for the compliment.

Trent

[trent]

The point that you are missing "numbers dont lie" is that fishermen from the east will not spend time or money to anywhere other than Sag. Bay or Lake Erie. You can not build a division where people will not participate. I would have gone to HH b/c it is a great place to fish but family matters took precedence over that tourny. And I do not recall insulting anyone. Tell ya what you start a new tournament trail over here in the east. Pick the best locations available and pick the best dates available. You will have trouble filling any of them b/c people over on this side of the U.S. wont spend money to go anywhere else than their "home waters" you will see try it.

As for my name I like it too and am not affraid to put it here on WC. Thanks for the compliment.

Trent

[ridiculous]

Scared? I dont think thats the case. All of the east tournaments happen to be on the Great Lakes and these tournaments all may require long runs to compete. Not to mention 3.50 for gas and an economy in Michigan where i am from that could literally topple at any second. Myself and many friends of mine use to get in every tourney no matter who was fishing. I know in my case it is not that im scared of anyone outfishing me. Im scared of not having a job to support my family.

[ridiculous]

Scared? I dont think thats the case. All of the east tournaments happen to be on the Great Lakes and these tournaments all may require long runs to compete. Not to mention 3.50 for gas and an economy in Michigan where i am from that could literally topple at any second. Myself and many friends of mine use to get in every tourney no matter who was fishing. I know in my case it is not that im scared of anyone outfishing me. Im scared of not having a job to support my family.

[walteye unl.]

The Dunkirk tourney that the MWC had 2 years ago was great-there was some rumors about it being on the schedule next year. Oneida Lake would be a fun tourney also. Like I said earlier-give HH a rest (plus Pete Lewis is too close to winning it and we can't have that, you know!!!LOL)
Walteye

[walteye unl.]

The Dunkirk tourney that the MWC had 2 years ago was great-there was some rumors about it being on the schedule next year. Oneida Lake would be a fun tourney also. Like I said earlier-give HH a rest (plus Pete Lewis is too close to winning it and we can't have that, you know!!!LOL)
Walteye

[eyedoktr]

Thanks Walt. :-)

[eyedoktr]

Thanks Walt. :-)

[Trent]

Pete,

I had the same thoughts about going back to see you and Shawn win. Third time is a charm? Just kidding, if anyone deserves a win out there it is you and Shawn.

Take care Pete
See you next year.

Trent

[Trent]

Pete,

I had the same thoughts about going back to see you and Shawn win. Third time is a charm? Just kidding, if anyone deserves a win out there it is you and Shawn.

Take care Pete
See you next year.

Trent

[Question]

So what does everyone else think is wrong with the MWC. Too many tourneys? Too long of travel? Little interest out East? Too many Gimmiks (walleye madness, challenge)? Too little payout? Too many boats in the field? Maybe limit number of boats and increase the entry fee? Here's my thoughts. I think the MWC should get rid of the East, West & Central divisions. Get rid of the Challenge & Wallaye Madness. Lets have one division and qualify for the Championship on performance. Have tournaments on bodies of water at their prime times. I think the MWC should raise the entry fee and limit the field to 100 or 150 boats. Four tourney's total. Any thoughts on this? :smokin:

[Question]

So what does everyone else think is wrong with the MWC. Too many tourneys? Too long of travel? Little interest out East? Too many Gimmiks (walleye madness, challenge)? Too little payout? Too many boats in the field? Maybe limit number of boats and increase the entry fee? Here's my thoughts. I think the MWC should get rid of the East, West & Central divisions. Get rid of the Challenge & Wallaye Madness. Lets have one division and qualify for the Championship on performance. Have tournaments on bodies of water at their prime times. I think the MWC should raise the entry fee and limit the field to 100 or 150 boats. Four tourney's total. Any thoughts on this? :smokin:

[K Gonefishin]

So basically run it just like FLW? What would be the point of that?

[K Gonefishin]

So basically run it just like FLW? What would be the point of that?

[your right]

The FLW is drawing most all the tournament anglers now! You're right, why change a thing!

[Richy]

But..........the MWC is the only game in town for team events. If they don't get their act together somebody else will enter the market (FLW League???), and MWC will be sent packing similar to the way the FLW has sent others packing (or is SENDING others packing)

[bradley894]

all i can say is 36 boats? an mwc event with 36 boats? dont need to go back there for a wile.. why dont i fish it ... i need 8 weeks off of work, and a partner with 8 weeks off and about 2000 bux a tournament ... hmmm ,,, its out of my league ,, ill wait until it makes a local stop and jump in.. i can sleep in my own bed and get away with 1,000 split two ways. dont have to pre-fish to be competitive and i get to have some fun and see some old freinds.

[Big Picture]

It's like all business decisions. People are looking at the risk vs. reward and the potential return on investment. Last year's tournament out there had competitors going out in conditions that were intimidating to even seasoned vets. This is coupled with an area with a historically low field and small number of local tourney anglers.

To call people smart enough to see that, "chickens", sounds like somebody needs to get past 3rd grade peer pressure tactics. Either that or his watching too much "Back To The Future" and thinks everyone is Marty McFly.

[Big Picture]

It's like all business decisions. People are looking at the risk vs. reward and the potential return on investment. Last year's tournament out there had competitors going out in conditions that were intimidating to even seasoned vets. This is coupled with an area with a historically low field and small number of local tourney anglers.

To call people smart enough to see that, "chickens", sounds like somebody needs to get past 3rd grade peer pressure tactics. Either that or his watching too much "Back To The Future" and thinks everyone is Marty McFly.

[K Gonefishin]

Whoa that's Heavy LOL

[K Gonefishin]

Whoa that's Heavy LOL

[Toolman]

The MWC started the East Division as part of an expansion plan based on "business decisions" made by good business people in a very succsessful organization. These decisions (such as where and when to have a tourney) were/are made to try to better the entire MWC circuit. In hindsight, are all decisions perfect? Obviously, the answer is no. Here me now and believe me later, the decision makers at the MWC will adjust accordingly to make this a successful circuit...and I'll be back!

Tim "Toolman" Joseph

[Toolman]

The MWC started the East Division as part of an expansion plan based on "business decisions" made by good business people in a very succsessful organization. These decisions (such as where and when to have a tourney) were/are made to try to better the entire MWC circuit. In hindsight, are all decisions perfect? Obviously, the answer is no. Here me now and believe me later, the decision makers at the MWC will adjust accordingly to make this a successful circuit...and I'll be back!

Tim "Toolman" Joseph

[DUDE 2]

As a guy who does club tournaments and has done a few pwt's and flw's, I like the thought of the east division, just don't really like where they do some of ther tournaments. Call me chicken if you want, but I have no desire to fish at HH or at Niagra river. The Detroit river I would love to do. I think if they maybe choose to go to Lake Chataqua(sp), it would be a good thing. Or even Mosquito lake here in Ohio. We have had tournaments on Mosquito with over 90 teams in them. Plenty of room and patterns to make everyone happy. How about Lake St Clair? I remember the pwt went ther and had a great tournament. Dunkirk is just a given. I cant believe they havent been ther yet. Out of Geneva ohio on Lake Erie. Great camping 1/4 mile from the launch, save alot of money and have a great time. How about Sault st Marie in Michigan? The St Mary's river is just a plain beautiful place and can have great fishing. If most of the teams are from the Michigan/Ohio areas, then it only makes since to fish in those areas. If your trying to build another division to your circuit. It would be nice to go to places that you didn't have to worry what the weather was going to do everytime your ther. A good mix of inland and Great lakes are a must. IMHO...Just my .01 cent, but I'am on the outside looking in.

[DUDE 2]

As a guy who does club tournaments and has done a few pwt's and flw's, I like the thought of the east division, just don't really like where they do some of ther tournaments. Call me chicken if you want, but I have no desire to fish at HH or at Niagra river. The Detroit river I would love to do. I think if they maybe choose to go to Lake Chataqua(sp), it would be a good thing. Or even Mosquito lake here in Ohio. We have had tournaments on Mosquito with over 90 teams in them. Plenty of room and patterns to make everyone happy. How about Lake St Clair? I remember the pwt went ther and had a great tournament. Dunkirk is just a given. I cant believe they havent been ther yet. Out of Geneva ohio on Lake Erie. Great camping 1/4 mile from the launch, save alot of money and have a great time. How about Sault st Marie in Michigan? The St Mary's river is just a plain beautiful place and can have great fishing. If most of the teams are from the Michigan/Ohio areas, then it only makes since to fish in those areas. If your trying to build another division to your circuit. It would be nice to go to places that you didn't have to worry what the weather was going to do everytime your ther. A good mix of inland and Great lakes are a must. IMHO...Just my .01 cent, but I'am on the outside looking in.

[eyedoktr]

DUDE 2, as an FYI, the MWC was on Chautauqua Lake in 2004 (first year) and at Dunkirk in 2005.

I'm sure that Kristine and her crew have been reading this topic and are listening to what the anglers say. They do an outstanding job but obviously cannot please everyone.

[eyedoktr]

DUDE 2, as an FYI, the MWC was on Chautauqua Lake in 2004 (first year) and at Dunkirk in 2005.

I'm sure that Kristine and her crew have been reading this topic and are listening to what the anglers say. They do an outstanding job but obviously cannot please everyone.

[DUDE 2]

Pete, I totally understand that the MWC does a great job. I have only had the privaledge to do just 1 so far, and it was before Kristine took over. Yes I agree, you cant please everyone. Like I said, Iam on the outside looking in. So everything I said was just my thoughts. Not critisism of the way MWC is ran. In the future I would love to do somemore. Just not excited with ther schedule for the east.

[DUDE 2]

Pete, I totally understand that the MWC does a great job. I have only had the privaledge to do just 1 so far, and it was before Kristine took over. Yes I agree, you cant please everyone. Like I said, Iam on the outside looking in. So everything I said was just my thoughts. Not critisism of the way MWC is ran. In the future I would love to do somemore. Just not excited with ther schedule for the east.

[rumors]

rumors floating around for next years east schedule is .... Port Clinton, Dunkirk, sag bay.

also it will be on friday and saturday, using sunday as a blow day or a travel day.

From people in the know.