A dozen wide-eyed, smiling young anglers experienced the thrill of competitive fishing firsthand at the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit’s first-ever Youth Tournament on mighty Devils Lake, North Dakota.
The youths, ages eight through 12, earned entry into the event by submitting essays on “Why I Love To Fish.” Each youngster was paired with an MWC pro, who volunteered their time to participate in the event. Teams launched out of Grahams Island State Park at 8 a.m. and fished until 11:30, when they caravanned to Burdick Arena for a full-blown, on-stage weigh-in to the cheers of family, friends and other walleye fans.
Lead changes were the rule as one-by-one the teams brought their walleyes to the MWC scale. All 12 of the young anglers expressed how much fun the event was, and their senior partners wholeheartedly agreed. Adding to the excitement, the tournament was filmed for television on the Versus Network.
In the end, North Dakotans Dylan Durbin, of Cary, and his MWC pro partner Chad Maloy, of Fargo, claimed top honors with three fish weighing a total of 5 pounds. Durbin won a handsome trophy, $50 Cabela’s gift card and Pflueger spinning reel for his efforts.
When asked his review of the tournament, Durbin had one word: “Awesome!” Maloy shared his enthusiasm, adding, “The excitement the youths get out of fishing makes it all worthwhile. Anything we can do to get them on the water is great, because without them, there is no future.”
Benjamin Shepard, of Devils Lake, and MWC pro Brian Sularz of Maple Grove, Minnesota, finished a close second with 4.53 pounds and won a $50 Cabela’s gift card. In all, the 12 teams brought 23 walleyes to the scale, weighing a total on 38.40 pounds. Each team received a well-stuffed goody bag of gear from Berkley, Lowrance and Northland Fishing Tackle, plus a free membership in the North American Fishing Club.
The tournament excitement continues Saturday for Day One of the Cabela’s MWC’s Western Division Qualifier on Devils Lake, where 61 teams are competing for more than $35,000 in cash and prizes.
Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering their nineth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors of the MWC include: Berkley, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Abu Garcia, Fin-tech, Northland Fishing Tackle, Ryjus and Reflections.
The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is the longest running professional walleye tournament circuit in the United States. For more information on the Cabela’s MWC or to view the 2010 schedule, visit: the masterswalleyecircuit website; email: [email protected]; or call: (877) 893-7947.By: MWC Staff
