All eyes were on Oshkosh, Wis., June 5-6, when 234 two-person teams faced off on the legendary Lake Winnebago system in a dual tournament of world-record proportions.
The Ninth Cabela's National Team Championship (NTC) event offered more than $250,000 in cash and prizes, including a pair of Ranger boats. The tournament was paired with the Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit Central Division qualifying tournament. This pairing set the stage for recognition by Guinness World Records as history's largest fishing tournament.
With legendary lakes Winnebago, Poygan, Butte des Morts and Winneconne, and the fabled Fox and Wolf rivers all fair game, NTC anglers had a world of walleye options at their disposal. The walleye-rich system did not disappoint either, as the throngs of spectators who packed the weigh-in site at scenic Menominee Park (as well as those watching streaming video online) were treated to a steady supply of healthy baskets of fish crossing the stage.
When the dust settled, hometown heroes Michael Galligan and Stuart Wells, both of Oshkosh, were crowned NTC champions with a 10-fish limit weighing 26.24 pounds. "It's unbelievable, we can't believe it," said Galligan, who grew up in the area and cut his fishing teeth on Winnebago. "I don't have any words for it," added Wells. "It doesn't get any better than this." The team was awarded $30,000 for first place plus a new 619 Ranger powered by an Evinrude E-Tec Motor.
The team pitched shoreline weeds and rocks with Northland Fishing Tackle Weed Weasels, tipped with either a half night crawler or full leech. "We caught our biggest fish along rocky banks, while the average fish were in the weeds," said Galligan, who noted that they also caught at least one "decent" fish trolling 'Bago's midlake mud each day.
The Cabela's NTC draws anglers from more than 60 sanctioned grassroots walleye clubs across the United States. The Wisconsin team of Dan Zwick, of Wrightstown, and Tony Kobringer, of Chilton, nabbed second with 25.44 pounds worth $12,500 plus a new Ranger 619 powered by an Evinrude E-Tec Motor for being the highest-placing Ranger Cup team. Total payout was $141,000 in cash and gift cards, plus the Ranger boats, valued at more than $50,000 apiece.
The MWC and National Professional Anglers Association presented a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after Saturday's weigh-in. More than 60 youths received rods and reels donated by Cabela's and Berkley, and tackle packages courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.
The Cabela's National Team Championship dates for 2011 were announced on stage. The event will be held Aug. 6-7 on Bays de Noc out of Escanaba in Delta County, Mich., and again will be in conjunction with an MWC Central Division Tournament. The fishery has been a popular stop on the MWC for years, and is a past host of NTC festivities as well.
Cabela's, the World's Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, will be entering into its 10th season of hosting the NTC. Cabela's NTC is proud to include Geico, Evinrude, Famous Dave's, Ranger Boats and Pepsi as sponsors of the event.
For more information on the Cabela's MWC or to view the 2010 schedule, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. Questions may be submitted by e-mail to events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or by calling (877) 893-7947.
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