DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 30, 2012) Competitive walleye anglers will have more events and payout opportunities in 2013 with the launch of the all-new Cabela’s National Walleye Tour. The tournament circuit, featuring a Pro-Am style format, will begi
n April 2013 and will include a total of three regular-season events, plus a year-end Championship. The Cabela’s National Walleye Tour plans to begin accepting registrations in early January and recently launched a website with more details on the circuit, including official rules, tournament structure, payout and incentives.
As title sponsor of the new National Walleye Tour, Cabela’s brings unrivaled credibility as the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing
and outdoor gear. Already exceeding the expectations of anglers, the tournament series will feature extensive television coverage with each event airing for a national audience on multiple networks including NBC Sports, Pursuit Channel and the MAV TV network.
“We’re excited to be a part of such a great organization,” said Scott Williams, Cabela’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and E-Commerce Officer. “The ability to help grow the sport at this level and reach so many anglers is a great opportunity for Cabela’s. Combine that with the incredible payout structure and sponsor incentives, and it’s a natural partnership for us.”
In conjunction with this week’s FLW Outdoors Walleye Tour Championship taking place on the Mississippi River, FLW issued a joint announcement to anglers and sponsors outlining a transitional plan and encouraging support of the new Cabela’s National Walleye Tour. The launch comes at a good time for tournament anglers looking to finalize their schedule for the upcoming season. Several other industry sponsors, including Ranger Boats and Evinrude outboards, have joined Cabela’s as part of the new National Walleye Tour.
“We’re really looking forward to what lies ahead,” said Fishing Holdings President Randy Hopper. “We’re pleased to help bring these events to our loyal customers. Combined with some of the strongest brands in the industry, we’re working together to provide even more opportunity for walleye anglers to continue fishing Tour-Level events in 2013. From the competition itself to the extensive television coverage and impressive payout and bonuses, this new Tour is loaded with opportunity for anglers.”
Each Cabela’s National Walleye Tour event features over 100-percent payback. A fully rigged Ranger Boat, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a total value of $57,000. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the points leaders, will gain entry to the three-day Championship.
In addition to the strong payout, the Cabela’s National Walleye Tour offers several contingency opportunities for anglers. The circuit is pre-approved with multiple bonus programs available to Ranger, Stratos and Triton boat owners as well as Evinrude outboard owners. Cabela’s will also offer their lucrative Angler Cash incentives at each event. Overall payout, once the contingency programs are included, increase the potential first place prize value to nearly $75,000 at each qualifying event.
“During the past 10 years, Team Evinrude anglers have had great success competing in walleye tournaments across the U.S., and we’re proud to join with Cabela’s and Ranger to support a new endeavor that promises to be fan-friendly, exciting and great for the sport of fishing,” said Chris Berg, Director of Marketing for BRP’s Evinrude Outboard Engine Division. “The National Walleye Tour is an outstanding platform for us to showcase the power and performance of our best-in-class Evinrude E-TEC outboard.”
For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or check out the new website at www.nationalwalleyetour.com. From here, site visitors can register for events, view the TV schedule and learn more about what’s in store for 2013.
2013 Scheduled Events
– April 26-27 – Red Wing, MN – Mississippi River
– June 14-15 – Port Clinton, OH – Lake Erie
– July 26-27 – Sturgeon Bay, WI – Green Bay
Championship – September 12-14 – Devils Lake, ND – Devils Lake
