Another sign that conditions in the sport are turning around: The Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) plans to launch a new Masters Bass Circuit (MBC) next year.
The MWC, a team trail, is arguably the most successful walleye-tournament operation in the history of the sport. It weathered the economic storm that signaled the death of the PWT plus the temporary downgrade of the FLW Walleye Tour, and Guinness recently certified its World Walleye Championship as the world's largest fishing tournament with 714 anglers. Next season will mark its 27th continuous season of operation.
The MWC is owned and operated by the North American Membership Group (NAMG), which publishes North American Fisherman and North American Hunter, among other titles.
Details on the planned trail are starting to leak out. The MWC runs three divisions – West, Central and East – but the MBC will launch with one division. It'll follow the team format of the MWC.
Dan Johnson of NAMG oversees both trails and told BassFan: "We're planning four tournaments in 2011 in the Minnesota/Wisconsin area. We'll have three 1-day qualifiers, each with a 50-boat limit, $10,000 1st-place prize and 80% payback, and a 2-day, 30-boat championship with a $20,000 1st-place payout."
Johnson also confirmed that entry fees will be $400 for qualifying tournaments and $600 for the championship. Details on scheduling, registration, sponsor contingencies and more will be announced shortly.
Cabela's title-sponsors the MWC, but there's no word yet on a potential title-sponsor for the MBC.
