FRANKLIN, WIS. – The future of the sponsor-owned Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) has been decided. Bob and Bev Kaczkowski, who serve as MWC Executive Director and Secretary, are retiring at the end of the 1999 tournament season. They will pass the administrative baton to the Wildlife Forever organization (WF), located in Eden Prairie, Minn. WF is the non-profit conservation arm of North American Fishing Club, a MWC sponsor.

For several years, WF has financially supported the MWC, working together to preserve America’s fisheries resources. According to WF Executive Director, Doug Grann, "We want to preserve the tradition that MWC means walleye conservation. To accomplish this, we believe the MWC should continue to operate as a non-profit organization."

No changes are planned in the operation of the MWC. The MWC’s family-oriented team concept is one of its greatest strengths—and a format to which the organization is firmly committed.

Both the MWC and WF recognize that healthy aquatic resources are paramount to sustaining vibrant fisheries and share a common desire to educate Americans of fishery conservation, as well as an equal desire for all facets of the sportfishing community to work together to improve these resources.

MWC tournaments, specifically the MWC Conservation Fund, which is the only fund of its kind in professional fishing, will continue to support fisheries projects in tournament areas. WF will work diligently to match conservation projects in these areas

as well, with an emphasis on walleye conservation and aquatic education. Many of the conservation projects already funded by the MWC will qualify for WF matching funds, greatly enhancing the scope of these programs.

The MWC is recognized as the father of walleye tournament fishing and is directly responsible for heightened angler interest and product growth and development associated with the species. The future of the MWC and walleye fishing is bright.

WF is an established and respected member of the conservation community and will provide the professional staffing, support and guidance to keep the MWC at the forefront of the walleye angling scene. Actual operation of the MWC by WF will take place following the close of the 1999 tournament season. The Kaczkowskis will serve as WF consultants through the 1999 calendar year.

The MWC is a nonprofit corporation which conducts a series of professionally run fishing tournaments at which family participation and conservation of fishery resources are stressed. All MWC tournaments are catch and release. MWC sponsors are Berkley Trilene, Lindy Little Joe, Mercury Outboards, MotorGuide, North American Fishing Club/North American Fisherman, Quantum and Ranger Boats.

Supporting sponsors: Big Jon, Inc. and Goldeneye Products, Inc.