Professional walleye circuit gearing up for 2016 season
Competitive walleye anglers will converge on lake Erie, April 21-22, at Sandusky, Ohio, for the season-opening event of the 2016 Cabela’s National Walleye Tour. The tournament circuit features a pro-am style format and guarantees over 100% payback.
The Sandusky event begins Wednesday, April 20, with tournament registration from 2-4 p.m. at Sandusky State Theatre (107 Columbus Ave., OH 44870) with a mandatory pre-tournament meeting set to start at 5:00 p.m. Pro and co-angler pairings will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.
Anglers will launch Thursday and Friday mornings at 7 a.m. from the Shelby Street Public Boat Launch (101 Shelby St., Sandusky, OH 44870) and return to the boat launch for weigh-ins at 3 p.m.
The last day for anglers to register for the NWT Sandusky event is Monday, April 18. To register, please go online and click on register. All anglers that register online will be entered in to a drawing for a $100 Cabela’s gift card. Any angler born after Jan. 1, 1982, is required to take the Boaters Education course through the Ohio Water Craft Dept. (614-265-6485). Also, anglers who plan to fish in Canadian waters must obtain a Canadian fishing license (800-387-7011).
During each day of competition, Triton Boats and Mercury Marine are offering free demo rides in the acclaimed 216 Fishhunter. The demo rides will take off from the Shelby Street Public Boat Launch.
The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) will also host a “Future Angler” program for children after Friday’s weigh-in, which starts at 3p.m., featuring an educational seminar and training for youth from top-notch NPAA members. The youth-orientated event will include a free rod/reel combo or “Future Pro” t-shirt for the first 150 children who attend the educational program.
Anglers who are participating in any of the numerous contingency prize programs are encouraged to submit all pertinent information at registration to remain eligible for any potential bonus money.
Each NWT tournament features over 100% payback. A fully rigged Ranger Boat, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a total value of $61,000. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship.
The tournament circuit also includes unprecedented television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each event throughout the season. Airing on multiple networks, the National Walleye Tour will be seen on FOX Sports, and Pursuit Channel, as well as the NBC Sports Network.
For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or 501-317-7548.
The NWT would like to thank the City of Sandusky, Lake Erie Shores & Islands and Sawmill Creek Resorts for their support for this event.
2016 NWT scheduled events:
April 21-22 – Lake Erie (Sandusky, Ohio)
May 26-27 – Lake Winnebago (Oshkosh, Wis.)
June 23-24 – Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay, Wis.)
Championship – Aug. 3-5 – Lake Oahe (Mobridge, S.D.)
About Cabela’s National Walleye Tour
National Walleye Tour events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Lucas Oil, Evinrude, RAM, Mercury, Minn Kota, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Amphibia, Arctic Ice, Stratos Boats, Lowrance, Protect the Harvest, BoatU.S., Mustang Survival, Raymarine, Valley Fashions, T-H Marine, Atlas, G-Juice, Powertex Group.
By: Greg Duncan, Blue Heron Communications
