The end of MWC

[Beagler2]

MWC need Boats for Championship ? Are is thThe MWC is the longest-running professional walleye tournament circuit in the United States and remains serious competition for people who love to fish walleyes.
is good bye for MWC ? :sorry:

[Juls]

MWC need Boats for Championship ? Are is thThe MWC is the longest-running professional walleye tournament circuit in the United States and remains serious competition for people who love to fish walleyes.
is good bye for MWC ? :sorry:

What are you talking about? What article did you read that said that?
The championship qualifiers fished the year prior to the championship, so those who fished last year qualified to fish it this year. Where does it say they are looking for people to fish it? It's not an open invitational.

Need more info please...or, are you just trying to :stirthepot:?

Thanks in advance,
Juls

[Juls]

By the way, WC will be having Jeff Ahlstrand from the MWC as a Chat Host on March 18th. We can ask him about the future of the MWC then. :)

Juls

[Beagler2]

SV 2009-88 SV 2008-155 SV 2007-196 SV 2006-220 Hi Juls it is a question ? ast in order to find out.

[Juls]

SV 2009-88 SV 2008-155 SV 2007-196 SV 2006-220 Hi Juls it is a question ? ast in order to find out.

I see, so you're concerned about the number of entries this year, in order to hold the championship next year? Correct? I understand you now.

From what I have been hearing from people I have talked to....many teams are entering them one by one and hanging on to their dollars a little longer this year.

They want to see "how many will be fishing" before they enter.

On one hand I understand why they are doing that, but on the other... it's absolutley the wrong thing to do! Why?

1. It will only come back to kick them in the behind. Reason I say that is this...
If everyone does that, then no one will enter, because they won't see the numbers climb to make it a good investment.

2. If the numbers stay down because of number 1. The payouts will be down for those that did make the investment.
Also, there would be no reason for the MWC to stay in business.
The MWC is only a small part of the organization that the folks running the MWC work for. They will still have jobs, but the teams won't have the best "pro team" circuit to fish anymore. (Yeah, I called it a "pro team"...the anglers that fish the MWC are "pros" in my eyes).

So, if you want to fish the longest running circuit, and the best pro team circuit in the nation, then people must support it by entering as early as possible.

Does that make sense?

So, if you know someone that's sitting on the fence waiting to see how many will enter before they put their money in....explain it to them, and maybe it will help make them decide a little sooner.

Yes, times are tough right now, but it's going to get better. It always does. Let's make sure all the circuits are still here when it does get better, by supporting them.

Sign up to FISH! ;)

Juls
p.s. I think we need a little smilie with cheerleading pom-poms. heheh

[ackermannsacre]

You are quite the translator Juls! I have a hard time following some of the posts that don't even contain a fragment of a fragment of a sentence...

[Muleskinner]

I feel the MWC will come out of this as the top professional circuit. I myself will be fishing the MWC west and have not signed up yet. I will be entering my fees the day the discounted price ends before each tournament. As a past PWT and FLW pro this circuit offers me the best bang for my sponsors and my buck.
I also know of many other past pro's heading in the same direction. Just because you don't see the early bird entries filling don't sell the MWC short. I am looking forward to some great destinations with the west schedule.

[walleyejim1216]

Im doing the same thing muleskinner is doing! Right or wrong I am holding on to the money as long as I can before I donate it!

[LawEtech]

My partner and I are doing the same. Just getting out ducks in a row - or our fish on a string - and then we will enter - we are actually planning on fishing 3 events maybe 1 additional.

[slipnut]

the mwc is the best team tournements and myself even though i ***** about things hope we get more teams if you have not signed up do it you will have fun and learn alot these guys are a great bunch to fish with

[Dave Atkinson]

I think the MWC will be a blast this year and think it's the best opportunity to fish with a friend and still have a pro format. Look at the names from the past, most of these guys are known pro's in the walleye world and many of the others are guides or avid fishermen. If you have a family member that loves to fish, it's a great way of competing together. Look at the Plautz's, Danny and his mother, last year. They won a tourney and had a blast doing it. Beat many highly regarded pro's in doing so. This series has been here for a long time for a reason..because it's ran well and it's affordable. People holding out on their money is understandable in todays economy, but it hurt the PWT last year..Big Time.. We can't let these options all fade away. I still can't believe the PWT is gone, but I understand why. I have only pro fished for a year, but as a pro or just somebody who loves to compete, I think we have to commit to show that we believe in this sport or in time it will go away. Nobody is making a killing by running these things and a lot of it is volunteers, yet we make their jobs more stressful by waiting to see what the guy next to us is gonna do. You either love to fish and compete, or you don't. If you are truly strapped for cash and the extra month or two helps, that's understandable. That wasn't necessarily the case in the PWT though and look what happened. It wasn't the only problem, but a huge part of it. I wanna win and sure, I hope the pot is at the maximum possible, but if it's not...I still got to fish competitively and have fun doing so. I'm not a seasoned pro, but a friend (Propst Jr.)called me and and offered to fish as teammates this year in the MWC and the next day the paperwork was submitted. Didn't really want the charge on the credit card for the tourneys that early, but then again, I don't really want them next month either. I looked at it as giving me a chance to pay this bill before I get hit with gas, lodging, bait, food and travel...and all the other costs that pop up that I never knew about up until last year in the PWT. That was my logic, whether it's good or bad... so I respect others. I just hope it doesn't hurt the sport overall when people hold out. I look forward to seeing you all on the water and I think the locations will be a blast. (although I'm not looking forward to 17 hour drives each way). The victories will make-up for all of it....

[blueicecpa]

This is my 1st year fishing the MWC. I am a Competitor and want to learn from the best Walleye fishers in the Midwest. Their is a good program here.

I have fished the Ice Team Trap Attacks for almost a decade when they were $25 for a single person and now The NAIFC in 2009 @ $200. I see the great competitors and new ones holding out for the last week to sign up. They wanted 150 teams. @ a new high $200 the highest were 41,23,18, (139@ $125), 60, 62 , 22 with 1 more week.The three day program and chance to meet and learn from the best travelors and locals make this work. This too will get better and many more will be able in the future. The Championship will have 100 teams in December.

No doubt we are in the worst ressesion we have ever seen in this country, many are hurting, loss of house , Jobs, Health, but many are still able to Fish, 85% are either own their homes or have their Bills paid , and 93% Still have jobs, but too some of those did take a lower pay and did lose up to 70% of their Stock portfolios , many in their 401K. Many have other Jobs and many work in the fishing Industry earning a fair living. So holding on to dollars for many is still frugal.


So with about a month to go:
Early Bird = 55
25
12
18
February 26 after Early Bird another=101 teams
Total 156 Teams are now signed up, thats 312 fisherpeople!


Tight lines all and lets all get through this year in good shape.:cheers:

So work hard and Play Harder.:cheers: Washington tells us good things will happen soon, Spring will be here and construction will get a hit when they spend and open up the new programs. Housing has hit lows enough for new buyers to start entering the housing markets. It will take time but I think we will bottom this year and see things getting better slower 2010.

[walleyesrus]

I help run a small tournament orgainzation here in Missouri and we struugle with the same thing, everyone wants to wait to see what the weather will be like or the bite or how many other people have signed up to see if it is worth entering. We frequently even have teams prefish and then decide not to enter. I can certainly understand why people do this but it makes it extremely hard on the tournament directors who really want to provide the best possible tournament experience and do so for little if any money. One thing we have done to try to combat this is make the tournaments as fun a possible with pre-tournament get togethers so that people feel good about coming and having fun and not so worried about the bite or how many boats are there.

[blueicecpa]

"One thing we have done to try to combat this is make the tournaments as fun a possible with pre-tournament get togethers so that people feel good about coming and having fun and not so worried about the bite or how many boats are there."


walleyesrus (http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/member.php?u=6080) great Idea. That's what the NAIFC did for Ice fishing, Sunday Tourney, then Friday Night Dinner Option with a Nice Lecture "Dave Genz" did 3 of them, then Saturday Kids Clinic and Help the fields understand how to fish that body of water. SO they have a good feeling about entering the Tourney on Sunday.

Could just get a Local or Seasoned Pro to give tips for that Water and sample of successful rigs....... dont have to rat out spots on a Spot. Teaching and Learning will bring more people out ! We have seen it on the NAIFC this year.

[former mwc'er]

They shot themselves in the foot.I tried to convey to them last year if the didnt come back to bago i was done, and so were a lot of people i knew.They listened for one year and survived, now there not coming back because there not getting enough free stuff from oshkosh.There had to be a compromise, they just didnt get it done. Again.

[620]

:smokin:They shot themselves in the foot.I tried to convey to them last year if the didnt come back to bago i was done, and so were a lot of people i knew.They listened for one year and survived, now there not coming back because there not getting enough free stuff from oshkosh.There had to be a compromise, they just didnt get it done. Again.
:smokin:

[Stacker1]

Boy, former MWC'er, wow, if some one does not do what you tell them, they are done? Out of buisness? A bit full of your self hey?

[mwc'er]

They shot themselves in the foot.I tried to convey to them last year if the didnt come back to bago i was done, and so were a lot of people i knew.They listened for one year and survived, now there not coming back because there not getting enough free stuff from oshkosh.There had to be a compromise, they just didnt get it done. Again.

Those of us who cash a check will miss you, and your donation.

[Chad]

They shot themselves in the foot.I tried to convey to them last year if the didnt come back to bago i was done, and so were a lot of people i knew.They listened for one year and survived, now there not coming back because there not getting enough free stuff from oshkosh.There had to be a compromise, they just didnt get it done. Again.

I think he told the PWT that too and look what happened

[219guy]

So let me see if I understand you correctly. Because the MWC isn't fishing Bago this year, you won't fish the MWC? One of the biggest reasons I fished the MWC for 17 years was so that I could go to waters I otherwise wouldn't have fished. Having cut my walleye teeth on Millelacs, I would have been bored out of my mind if that was the only body of water I ever fished a tournament on. Going to all the great venues the MWC has fished over the years taught me more about different fishing methods then I would have ever learned staying on my home water. It's easy to be a one lake wonder - but I never would have progressed as a tournament angler if I had stayed on one body of water. New places & new faces is half the fun!

[blueicecpa]

That also why I am a new MWC.

In the past I only Fished The IL Fox Chain, then I went to The Irish Hills near Detroit, then added Lake Redstone, WI. Then Up to Rhinelander , Wi lakes and Minneapolis Lakes. Each lake took time and changed the way I had to catch Fish. Made me a better Ice Fisherman over the past 10 years.

Now I want to Improve MY Walleye Skills not only as a new River Rat to Be :shame:, but also some lakes and Reservoirs as well as the Great Lakes.

A better arsenol. Lets give the MWC a hand for increaing the amount of lakes we can fish now. :cheers:

[A Kuffer]

Juls,
Yes it is the top "pro" team circuit. Yes I am planning to enter too as others have said. But I am not waiting because of the number of early teams entered. I am waiting because right now it is the prudent thing to do, and the MWC has a no refund policy in case something goes wrong, such as in one losing their job. AND that is a possibility right now for there aren't to many that are safe; here in Michigan especially. But I sure am ready to head out on the water again for some great competition.

I would also like to say this publicly: I thank God for the PWT, FLW, MWC because they have provided a means for all of us anglers that love to compete to do so. Surely professional competitive angling is not exactly easy from a buisness pointe of view or an angling one, it is what it is, difficult at best. These 3 have led the way and look at all the local circuits that have sprung up since the 90's. AND all the equipment improvements. Well I could go on and on, but I say thanks to all of them.

So soon we will be back on the water! Time to eat fish, I have had enough pot luck stew for one winter.

Andy

[walleyedmike]

I would also like to say this publicly: I thank God for the PWT, FLW, MWC because they have provided a means for all of us anglers that love to compete to do so. Surely professional competitive angling is not exactly easy from a buisness pointe of view or an angling one, it is what it is, difficult at best. These 3 have led the way and look at all the local circuits that have sprung up since the 90's. AND all the equipment improvements. Well I could go on and on, but I say thanks to all of them.

So soon we will be back on the water! Time to eat fish, I have had enough pot luck stew for one winter.

Andy
Well said, Mr. Kuffer! :exactly:

[Not_Again]

The MWC made a decision a couple of years ago and it has left a bad taste in the mouths of a lot of people I know. Until the mentality changes, you will see a decline. BTW, there is a potential for a big storm dropping 1-2 inches of rain this weekend and if that occurs, the Illinois will pop outside the banks again and you will see COCOA. The river takes about 10 - 14 days to clear up. Dodging refrigerators, park benches, logs, and other debris is dangerous. Additionally there is another 2 weeks to worry about with little to no backup plan. 800 - 900 dollars invested in tourney alone....not to wise!

Wish you well,

Bye - Bye

[guest MWC'er]

Not_again,

Just so you know, the decision to have a one-day tournament in 2007 was announced by the tournament director only AFTER a decision was made by a committee of anglers and local officials. The people involved with the decision were 1) the MWC Angler Advisory Panel, 2) the local Army Corps office in charge of the locks and forecasts for the river levels, and 3) the local walleye club.

The Corps told the MWC the water levels would rise INTO the parking lot at Barto Landing. Those levels never materialized. The AAP and local walleye club official gave approval and requested a one-day tournament. Again, this decision was relayed to the anglers by the Tournament Director, only after discussing the conditions with the group mentioned above. It was suggested to "be careful" and use "wise judgement" while navigating the river, so it was the anglers responsibility, as always, to consider conditions and make safe decisions. Nobody got hurt, the bite was extremely difficult, but someone had to win.

So I disagree with your "bad decision" comment and believe the MWC is better run now than ever before, offers anglers a tremendous opportunity to fish against the best teams in the country, generous payouts, media exposure, and quite simply, a forum to fish and compete.

I believe the economy, job loss, portfolio losses, and money decisions are the main reasons ALL circuits are down in participation in 2009.

Sincerely,

MWC fan

[Rich S]

Guest MWC'er, from other tournament directors I have spoken to the numbers are equal to that of last year at this point. Even though most of your post is correct obviously something has upset quite a few anglers that have been loyal to the MWC for years. Sure the economy is partially responsible but the drop in numbers is too large for this to be the only reason.

No business is perfect but they must adapt to keep the customers happy. I am a huge fan of the MWC but changes need to be made to get the participation back to what it once was. This will be the first year since '00 that I have not fished it. Good luck to all those going down there, hopefully the weather cooperates.

I think the chat with Jeff is a fantastic idea and is definitely a step in the right direction.

[NDr]

I plan to fish the new West series this year. So, for you complainers, this is one team that will be replacing you. Fished a few others over the years and have always had a great time. There's always going to be a decision someone doesn't like. Get a GRIP!!! Unless a tourney does what AIM's doing and goes with pics and a tape measure, they can count on me wanting to fish it.

[Chad]

I plan to fish the new West series this year. So, for you complainers, this is one team that will be replacing you. Fished a few others over the years and have always had a great time. There's always going to be a decision someone doesn't like. Get a GRIP!!! Unless a tourney does what AIM's doing and goes with pics and a tape measure, they can count on me wanting to fish it.

Us too. Sent in for the West Circuit. Should be tons of fun.

Too bad people always have to be "wet rag's" and cant get over something that happened a few years ago.

[Not_Again]

Guest MWCer:

I am not going to argue with you. I have additional information that you may not. So your reply comes across as not being informed. The water would have been in the parking lot but was held back and that came from internal sources at the lock and dam just to get the tourney in. Either way, the correct action would have been no tourney just based on safety reasons. Regardless, when the MWC vacates out of Spring Valley, we will fill a 200 team tourney for a reasonable price and then you can watch from your MWC Chair or particpate. Your Choice.

I hope you have a good year!

p.s. SV always use to fill in a day or two.. no more and bye-bye!

[walleyedmike]

Yeah, and most people had jobs before, too. Couldn't be that the economy is playing a part in it, huh?:cookoo:

[GRM]

Just me personally the $800 entry fee these days is too much to bear for me personally along with the other associated costs. I always fish wilth one of my kids but college tuitions put a cramp on tournament fishing.

Just my opinion, I think this year the fields would have filled better say if the entry fee was reduced to $300-$400 like the old days even if the payout for first went back to the $13,000 amount like in earlier years. More turnout would make sponsors happier too. Once the economy gets better the fees could go back up. Just my thought on the subject, no ill will intended, I love the MWC and have either followed or fished it since the beginning until recent family expenses.

[Chad]

Just me personally the $800 entry fee these days is too much to bear for me personally along with the other associated costs. I always fish wilth one of my kids but college tuitions put a cramp on tournament fishing.

Just my opinion, I think this year the fields would have filled better say if the entry fee was reduced to $300-$400 like the old days even if the payout for first went back to the $13,000 amount like in earlier years. More turnout would make sponsors happier too. Once the economy gets better the fees could go back up. Just my thought on the subject, no ill will intended, I love the MWC and have either followed or fished it since the beginning until recent family expenses.

Problem is most want higher payouts. If they lower it to $400 then I am pretty sure there would be plenty of complaints because the payouts are too low. At $400 per person it is still a fair deal compared to fishing as a pro alone in a circuit. I think the Lowrance Pro team circuit was near $1500/team. Unfortunately no circuit will ever make everyone happy. We just have to be glad we have a playground to play in. If we tear it up, it may disappear without a replacement.

[Stacker1]

It ois there game and we play it the way they say or stay at home. HOWEVER, with that said, I think they raised the entry to apease the few, not the many.

[EMOO]

#29 Today, 04:59 PM
Not_Again
Guest Posts: n/a

MWC future ??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guest MWCer:

I am not going to argue with you. I have additional information that you may not. So your reply comes across as not being informed. The water would have been in the parking lot but was held back and that came from internal sources at the lock and dam just to get the tourney in. Either way, the correct action would have been no tourney just based on safety reasons. Regardless, when the MWC vacates out of Spring Valley, we will fill a 200 team tourney for a reasonable price and then you can watch from your MWC Chair or particpate. Your Choice.

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHH Do you think for a minute the Corp is gonna hold back water and DELAY any Barge traffic???????????????? On commerce run river you better get a hold on there fella ......Seems you have a grudge to grind here why don't you call Kristine or the AAP -Mr. Hurless - Corp an Bit** to them .. Fill a 200 team field who are you kidding the MWC - FLW and the IWT been tryin for years..

[WAZ]

I have fished PWT, MWC, RCL, FLW, WWA, FCS,....excetera excetera......all over the country. The MWC at Spring Valley has been and is the most fun one can have with their clothes on. If you can't get excited about the 1st major tournament of the year at a site that has 1st class Sauger action then stay home and take care of your honey-do's. The boat club is awesome, fish fry, chicken fry cool beverages. The town actually comes out to support the fisherman. I can't think of a better place for an early tourney than SV. I think all you doomsday folks should stay at home and let the rest of us have fun. Mother nature does as it wishes we just need to be prepared to deal with the consequences.

[Wow]

If you can afford to fish it go and fish the MWC in Spring Valley and elsewhere.

Regardless of personal opinion of the Director the anglers are top notch and the folks who come and support the events are the best.

Waz is so right about Spring Valley. A teeny little town that puts on the support for the anglers who come to town.

Lots of fun, just make sure you can afford to go.

In fact, regardless of what tournament trail you want to support if you can do it go and fish them. They all need our help.

[WAZ]

Biggest downer I see with the MWC is the penalty to register late. Way to much. I had a change in my schedule decided to fish it. Looked at the penalties...forget about it. It's not like I have a secret spot that I'm waiting to turn on. I generally can't make a decision 6 weeks in advance to participate in a hobby. Is this type of penalty common with other tournaments? I bet this rule effects many anglers.

[Chad]

Biggest downer I see with the MWC is the penalty to register late. Way to much. I had a change in my schedule decided to fish it. Looked at the penalties...forget about it. It's not like I have a secret spot that I'm waiting to turn on. I generally can't make a decision 6 weeks in advance to participate in a hobby. Is this type of penalty common with other tournaments? I bet this rule effects many anglers.

You have until the 12th to enter with only a $50 (6%+/-) late fee. Thats only $25 per person. You could skip dinner one night and go fish!

I believe the entry fees are as follows w/ penalties:
$800.00 until 02/26/09
$850.00 until 03/12/09
$900.00 until 03/19/09
$1,200.00 until 03/27/09

[WAZ]

This is the penalties as I understand;

2 Thursdays before $400 penalty March 19
3 " " $100 penalty March 12
5 " " $50 penalty Feb 26

[eyeowe]

Im a somewhat local. I fished in 07, hated it, was angry. Thought about aftrwards and wondered how i would have felt if the tourny was in nortern Minn and I took a week off to fish , tournament got cancelled and then got told to come back in two weeks when the river was down. Wouldnt have beeen able to do it. I guess they did the best they could with a terrible situation.
The river is a mess right now, difference is that hopefully the river will be on its way down this year, not as in 07 when it was rising for tournament. This tournament truly is the first right of spring, Spring Valley is the best tournament town there is, good to just see old friends have some laughs.

[Chad]

This is the penalties as I understand;

2 Thursdays before $400 penalty March 19
3 " " $100 penalty March 12
5 " " $50 penalty Feb 26

You are correct.....Noon tomorrow the penalty goes from $50 to $100 so you better get your entry in before noon! They do take credit cards

Noon on 2/26 to Noon on 3/12 = $50 penalty
Noon on 3/12 to Noon on 3/19 = $100 penalty
Noon on 3/19 to Noon on 3/27 = $400 penalty


http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Fees.aspx?e=e3eeda4e-5464-4ceb-87d2-58a0623cb68b

Cabela's MWC 2009 Fees

Tournament & Membership Fees


Central Division 1: Spring Valley, IL
Spring Valley Registration
$1,200.00

Discounted Price If Registered By Refund Policy

$800.00 02/26/09 No Refunds

$850.00 03/12/09 No Refunds

$900.00 03/19/09 No Refunds

$1,200.00 03/27/09 No Refunds