National Team Championship Announcement

[Chris Bahl]

Cabela's is proud to announce that the 2003 National Team Championship will be held June 6th and 7th on Milford Lake in Kansas.

Additional information on the 2003 National Team Championship can be found on cabelas.com.

Chris Bahl
Tournament Director
Cabela's National Team Championship

[Kdog]

Milford lake Kansas???Never heard of it but i'll see you all there for the big dance,,,good luck to all! TightLines,Kdog(KeithWalters)

[Eye-Catcher]

Kansas Kansas
Can you get there from here?

[News]

Awesome!! About time the lake's not in the "walleye belt" are considered!!! Way to go Cabela's!!

[pwrfshn]

THANKS Chris.

That is awesome water.

[?]

Walleye Weekend ?

[Jigging 5]

Been a long wait glad its decided. Looks like the Pa. boys are in for another 2,200 mile round trip.

[carrocr]

See you folks in Kansas this summer.

[Link Please.]

I just spent the last 20 minutes trying to find any info on the NTC on the Cabela's website. No mention of it anywhere, including "This weeks news"! Can someone post a link?

[drewfish]

not this PA. boy, to far for me. Qualified twice but thats to much. Good luck.

[FJH1]

Should I be concerned that the first hit for "Milford Lake Kansas" on Google brings up a "teamwhiskers" site - meeeoooow :-). I never dreamed that it would be in Kansas, but we're lookin' forward to the fun.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Erie]

I don't know if this long one will take on WC ~ ya might have to C & P :-)

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/inthefield/fieldguides/Fieldguides_home/wtc_clubs.jhtml;jsessionid=RCSGYKEUMXTPKCWQNVDSFFQ K0BWUQIV0

"Just Remember" that the way to communicate with the fish is to drop them a line ;-)

[Erie]

OK .. it took ~ here's more:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/inthefield/fieldguides/Fieldguides_home/wtc_home.jhtml

"Just Remember" that the way to communicate with the fish is to drop them a line ;-)

[CWS]

Your going Jamie, I guess thats one less chance Vince and I have of getting the opportunity. We are second alternate.

[Scott]

Information is posted off Cabela's In The Field Page:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/community/inthefield/inthefield-home.jhtml;jsessionid=APTDC0XDV3XSMCWQNVECFFAK0BWU OIV0?rid=5000154022802

[FJH1]

Heck yeah we're goin'. How else can we get in a solid week of fishing :-). My guess is that you'll probably be going as well. I just don't foresee every qualifier from Chain Walleye making that trip.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Fisherman]

Awesome, Awesome. Good choice. Can't wait!

[eyeeee]

is this a fri and sat or is that a mistake---

[Texeye]

Yeeeeessssss!!!

[eyeee]

see it is on a FRI and SAT is that correct?

[FJH1]

Wow, I hope it's correct that it's on a Friday and Saturday! That would mean we could drive home on Sunday and not miss another day of work. Great decision, thanks Chris :-).

Best Regards,

FJH

[Chris Bahl]

That is correct, the 2003 Championship will be held on Friday and Saturday. That was the single biggest request from last year. Many of you wanted Sunday as a travel day.

The entire Cabela's Team really appreciates everyone's patience. This process was an exciting one that took considerable time because of the overwhelming interest in the event. Many communities worked hard to lure you to their great waters and we have Thanked them all. I believe everyone will be very pleased with the fishing at Milford, the hospitality and the event that the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host.

We will see you June 6th in the Land of Oz!!!

Chris

[Glyde Ryder]

Add these to your walleye lingo....Motorcycle, Madison Creek,Farnum Creek Flats, Military,Cartop,Alyda Ditch,Curtis Creek,Wakefield,South Island, North Island...jig the brush, play the humps. Only 16,000 acres so there wont be much running around. Godzilla lives in Milford. John Estes

[bummed out]

looks like us east boys are getting screwed again with the long ride . i sure hope next year they consider the east next year.

[Erie]

I bet all the Walleye Clubs in Wy Wa Tx Mt Co Az & others would beg to differ ~ looks like a good central location for Walleye Clubs across the USA .. this is a National Championship! :-)

"Just Remember" that the way to communicate with the fish is to drop them a line ;-)

[Backlash958]

Well another long ride, but I'm willing to kick some western butt. Next year maybe it will move east where the big ones live, Detroit River Putin Bay Ohio, Lake Michigan or Erie. Pluss I wont have to drive over 1000 miles to get there.

[OREYE]

I am headed to Oz from western Oregon!! I think location is perfect and fair. Not a traditional tournament site where some may have an advantage. I believe it is as neutral as it could get. I am excited!! Can't wait. Does anyone know anything about the water? What type of foundation (rock, sand, mud)? Forage? Where can I get a map to study? This is exciting stuff!

[wa_walleye]

Long as after it comes back east it comes out to west to the Columbia river the next year!!!! Check ten pound club the river can hold its own for quality and quanity walleye. Fair is fair, LOL
Wishin in Washingon but not complaining, Brian

[Western Walleye Editor]

I agree... I just checked on mapquest and have 1035 mile trip to the South East to get there from Montana... Just think about the guys over on the Columbia that will be a day into their trip when they are going by my house... This is a very central location...

Honsie

[pwrfshn]

Can you email me?

Thanks,

brian@hanseaticgroup.com

[Badger 05]

You guys will love Milford. 16,000 acre reservoir with almost too much structure to fish. Very high shad population as there has been very little ice the last few years. It is kind of a little known walleye lake as the main management focus is on wipers. And there are some pig wipers in that lake. Almost all of the locals fish exclusively for white bass and wipers. All they do is slab year round, even the walleye fisherman. Don't expect to find much selection of live bait. The first few times I fished it I hit every bait shop asking for leeches and most of the bait shop owners gave me some odd looks and I even got a few: What are leeches? out of them. Take your own bait. I have done pretty well there over the last few years. Good luck to all.

P.S. Take one evening of your pre-fishing schedule to fish for wipers. 10's are common and 12-16 lbrs are definitely possible.


Fishing is: One jerk waiting for another jerk at the end of his line.

[Geeb]

You need to take note of Glyde Ryder's lingo. Those are some of the local hotspots.

[Okie]

The secret is out! Oh well, I kept it as long as I could. Milford is a premier walleye fishery. I cannot wait to get there. Milford has been the home of my vacation time for many years. An absolutely beautiful lake. I am excited for the people in Kansas. They have deserved a big time fishing event for years.

[Matt]

I can't wait to get to Kansas! I'm clicking my heels.

Matt Sherman

[Jim Corey]

I'm just glad to finally know where it is going to be held. It was a great event at Mille Lacs in 2002. I have faith that Cabela's will pull off another great one this time. See everyone there!!!

[Cradle]

Where should I stay? I want to make those reservation now.

[Jim]

Dreamland Motel:)

[Tim J.]

I see that the lake gets alot of pressure, is this true?? I also see that it will be free fishing weekend for Kansas, will that make it busier???
It is also about 1/2 the size of Mille Lacs will it support all those tourney guys??
Just a few ??

[Rick James]

OK Guys and Gals, here is the infomation on the NTC at Milford Lake. As I posted before, you can go to our website at: www.junctioncity.org and get our "Dedicated" NTC page info. You'll find info on the lake, lodging, area, links, maps, etc.
Milford Lake has hosted walleye tournaments with over 200 boats in the past, with lots of walleye being weighed-in. We have the walleye to catch, if you have the knowledge.
The lake does NOT get heavy pressure!!! You can catch walleye from the northern section - Madison Creek to the dam!!! Wait a second, it does get pressure for Whitebass and Wipers!!! If you want to see big crowds, go to El Dorado, Cheney, Waconda, Webster, Kirwin, Cedar Bluff, and Norton. These lakes get lots of anglers, though are a lot smaller then the LARGEST lake in Kansas - Milford Lake.
In closing, though our lake might not be as big as lakes in SD, MN, or WI - our 10-pounders are just as big and just as plentiful!!!!

[Stacker]

I for 1 Rick am looking forward to coming to your waters to fish. Its a different place and different fish than we are used to up here in wisc. Can't wait to try it out.

[KENTEYE]

My partner and I won the KWA tourney there this year, it is a very nice lake

[Got any.........]

Info for a guy from Arizona? Can't wait to get to Kansas. I have been thinking of this event everyday since last year.

[Arizona?]

They have walleyes in Arizona? I may just head down there.

I couldn't believe my eyes last year at the NTC when I saw anglers from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and there was even an angler from Florida. Do these places have walleyes?

[news]

I've always wondered what's it's like to live in a cage? (What bears ****t in the woods?) Come on do your homework, guys from all those states have been posting on here for a long time now.

[WarmWaterEyes]

I was just down in that part of the country and they had just broken the previous state record of 13 lbs. to 16.sumpthing lbs. Yup, they got um.

[Fish4life]

You all will love Kansas. I think you will all enjoy Milford Lake also. This is my home state and I have fished for years hear. Lots of hospitable people and good fishing. Can't beat that combo.

[Kdog]

Fish4life,does milford have weeds and weed beds?

[eyedoctor]

I DO NOT CARE WHERE THE TOURNAMENT IS IF A WALLEYE BREATHES ON MY HOOK HE IS MINE. YOU BOYS ARE IN TROUBLE WHEN THE EYE DOCTOR COMES TO TOWN.

[Herb Abel]

You folks coming to north-central Kansas are in for a great time. Milford Lake, my home lake, does have a terrific walleye fishery along with even better fishing for white bass, wipers, channel catfish and other sporting fish. And that brings me to a question. Is it true that Cabela's is campaigning to have the walleye length limit lowered from the normal 18 inches for Milford the weekend of the National Championship tournament? If so, shame on you Cabela's! And, shame on the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks too if they agree to such a short-sighted move.

A key reason that we enjoy the terrific fishing we do here on Milford is because we have accepted a long standing and consistent policy of scientifically-based management for this fishery, a part of which is a fairly restrictive length limit for our walleye. The result of that unwavering commitment is that it isn't at all uncommon now to catch several or even a limit of 18 - 24 inch or larger fish (My largest this year was 27 1/2 inches.) during the "bite" while returning numerous sub-legal fish to the water to grow another year or two.

While I recognize that most of the fish, both those over 18-inches and those less than that length that are weighed-in by tournament participants will survive their experience to fight another day, untold numbers of less than 18-inch fish caught by others that weekend will be taken home because as I understand it, the length limit restriction can't be lowered just for tournament participants. And, believe you me, there are most likely going to be plenty of other folks out there that weekend, which should be about the peak of the walleye bite, enjoying Milford's great walleye fishery.

So, by all means, as they say on the television show, "COME ON DOWN"! We have some great fishing to show you. Let's just not wreck what we have spent so long building for the one-time thrill that this tournament will provide.

[LOST ON MILFORD]

HERB WOULD YOU GIVE US A FEW SECRETS OF YOUR HOMEFIELD

[Backlash958@cs.com]

Hi: Someone posted a message that Lake Milford has had 200 plus boats tourkeys on it before if so where is the Tourkey headquarters and host motel or Casino which side of the lake are we going to be launching from. I am just a Pa Boy who attempting to do my homework and get a good start for that 1065 Mile drive I'll be making the First Sunday in June. Looking Forward to a great week see all you folks in Kansas thanks


Backlash958@cs.com

[DipQuick]

Pray for rain . Milford is at an all time low right now. Along with the lack of rain this last summer Milford had to supply water to float the barges on the Missouri river this summer and the Corp sucked it down. It would be smart for everyone to look at the structure while the water is down down. The last time they dumped a lot of water they dumped the Walleye too. It took several years to get the walleye fishing stabilized again. You all best be prepared to play bumper boats to catch fish. There are only a few really good spots. You can catch walleye all over the lake if the waters up but the big fish only are only taken in a few key spots.

[courious]

can you give us in wally world a few names of some hot spots please!

[Rick]

Yes, I am working on getting a waiver for the Cabela's NTC anglers at Milford. Having 500 walleye anglers fishing at Milford Lake for five to ten days, is a big difference then having the regular amount of walleye anglers at the lake. Granting a waiver is NOT a short-sighted move, it's a great move for the State of Kansas. It will translate into more money for our area, region, state, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, allowing them to do more work. Considering no event like this has ever been hosted in KS, we should be doing everything we can to make this the best event, as long as it doesn't hurt the resource!. I'm glad to read about some big walleyes being caught at Milford Lake, heck I caught some too, but put them back in the lake. I would like all 500 anglers to catch walleye that can be brought to the weigh-in and released.
Though I'm not in the "Fish" business, I figure that when a length limit is set, a part of that formula includes fish that are taken home and eaten. The Cabela's NTC anglers will be giving every walleye the utmost care, and will be returning each fish back to the lake. Wonder what the length limit would be if the state law required every angler to return every fish back to the lake? Heck, we wouldn't need length limits! Isn't that what is going to happen during the tournament, all fish will be returned to the water. OK, so a few fish get killed. I feel sorry, but the economic impact from the tournament will clearly off-set the cost to replace those fish.
That's is what I love about tournament anglers, they truly care about the resource, as to many, many non-tournamant anglers. The big difference between the regular angler and the tournament angler, if a tournament anglers kills a fish during a tourament, it could cost them thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
Anyway, if you have questions about the tournament, location, etc, you can find our information at our web site: www.junctioncity.org Just click on the Cabela's link. You can call me, as I'm the one who is working with Cabela's. I can be reached at 1-800-528-2489.
In closing, here is a quote from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, concerning the request for a waiver to lower the 18" length limit at Milford Lake during the two days of the Cabela's NTC tournament, which was published in our newspaper......"the tournament is a catch and release tournament and there would be no harm done to the species if the limits are lowered." Did I read it correctly? NO HARM...
Rick
I fish almost everyday at Milford Lake from April to Sept.

[Lewis Ramey]

What minimum size limit do you want if the waiver is passed?

[Rick]

15" or 16"

[to the top]

jusy want to keep it going

[DipQuick]

I agree 100% with Herb's statement. Shame on Rick D. Shame on KW&P for concidering it. Shame on the Junction City Convention and Visitors Bureau. All Kansan's have worked hard to support an
18" lenght limit. Poof and and they can take it away For $$$$$$$$$

[eye doctor]

can someone from the milford clear the air! is there many walleyes there or what. i have heard it stinks more than good.i would hope that cabelas would not have the championship on the dead sea!

[I hearded....]

I heared, based on your IP address, your an idiot. Of course there are walleye there. Why do you think we are headed there? Crazy question. Sounds like, great fishing.

Paul S,

Samou, MI

[john mannerino]

I say leave it 18". It will protect alot of fish.Why fix what`s not broke. Just dont make a joke of it like we had on mille lacs with that slot. 5 fish 18" no cull.. lets make it interesting. John Mannerino

opps ,forgot to log in.

[Why would you say that?]

I think it is kind of interesting if the Championships were all held on non traditional walleye waters. Makes ya work for it and makes the fishing much more challenging. Sure big fish and lots of fish make for aninteresting weigh in, but so does a weigh in in a location that makes the pros work a little harder. Personally I am sick of seeing teams and anglers make a championship, only to play the bumper boat mentality and fish piled on top of each other for littlwe squeakers to fill a limit,only to brag latter that they finished 35th. That is silly and stupid all at once. Hey, there is no shame in going to a championship and coming in 35th, or 10th, or dead last, if you fished hard. It is still the champonship and you made it there. But to lay back and be a pack wh*re is rediculous. Lets see some new venues and some tough water in a Championship.

[Glyde Ryder]

Do Not mess around with the Milford length Limit!!! Even if it is a catch and release event. That sets a precedent that will be regrettable down the line.

If that is such a good idea why wasnt it done at Mille Lacs last year?

Best of the best fishermen dont need to be fishing for dinks.

Kansas in June can get pretty warm and weigh ins can get ugly. Lets not screw this up. We lost a lot of big fish in the flood years 93-94 at Milford. Its taken all these years to bring it back.

Do Not Mess With the length limit over a few dollars.

Dont want to offend any of my friends at Cabelas, but guys this is how I feel. John Estes

[Jeff Berg]

If there is one way to get negative press for tournament fishing it is to grant *special privledges*. I hope that the people at Cabela's would understand that.

Nice to see new lakes hosting tournaments. Good luck to all.

[Lewis Ramey]

BTTP