Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

2007 Walleye Madness Ranger Cup Winners: Mike Olson of Coon Rapids, MN (left) & Don Olson of Andover, MN (right)Ranger Cup BonusRanger Boats continues their sponsorship with the Cabela’s MWC as well as the Ranger Cup Bonus program in 2008. At each of the eight tournaments the MWC hosts throughout the year, Ranger Boats will hand out $1,000 to the top finishing Ranger Boat owner participating in the Ranger Cup Bonus. To qualify you must own and operate a Ranger Boat during the tournament and be registered in the Ranger Cup program. To learn more about the program and Ranger Boats, visit: www.rangerboats.com.Registration for the Cabela’s MWC is currently available online. Check out the great schedule below. To view more details about each of the tournaments or to register for one, go to: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com.2008 Cabela’s MWC ScheduleMWC Central March 29 & 30 - Spring Valley, IL - Illinois River May 17 & 18 - Marinette, WI/Menominee, MI - Bay of Green Bay June 21 & 22 - Oshkosh, WI - Lake WinnebagoMWC East April 25 - 27 - Port Clinton, OH - Lake Erie (Also will be Walleye Madness Sweet Sixteen Bracket) July 18 - 20 - Linwood, MI - Saginaw Bay August 22 - 24 - Dunkirk, NY - Lake Erie(A blow day is built into all East division tournaments. Rules meeting on Thursday night and we fish Friday if we can. So tournaments could be done Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun or Fri/Sun or possibly just one day if we get blown off two daysMWC West (Exhibition Tournament)August 9 & 10 - Devils Lake, ND - Devils LakeWorld Walleye Championship (invitation only)October 1 - 4 - Dundee, MI - Detroit River and Lake ErieView the Cabela’s MWC tournament details by clicking HERE.

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-30-08

SuperUser Account — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:11:18 GMT

Web Connection February 2008

SuperUser Account — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:12:23 GMT

ADVERTISER, WEBSITEAngler’s Legacy, anglerslegacy.org Bass Pro, basspro.com/classic Blakemore Lures, blakemorelure.com Bradford Exchange, collectiblestoday.com Cabela’s, cabelas.com Evinrude, evinrude.com Fenwick, fenwickfishing.com Ford, fordvehicles.com G3 Boats, g3boats.com Garmin, garmin.com Geico, geico.com Honda Marine, hondamarine.com Humminbird, humminbird.com L.L. Bean, llbean.com Lindy, lindyfishingtackle.com Lowrance, lowrance.com Mercury Marine, mercurymarine.com Minn Kota, minnkotamotors.com Northland Fishing Tackle, northlandtackle.com NutriSystem, men.nutrisystem.com/ad O2 Marine, keepfishalive.com Ontario Tourism, ontariotravel.net/gofish Progressive Insurance, progressive.com Quantum, quantumfishing.com Quebec Tourism, quebecoutfitters.com Ranger Boats, rangerboats.com Rapala, rapala.com Select Comfort, selectcomfort.com SPAM, spam.com Stratos Boats, stratosboats.com Suzuki Marine, suzuki.com Travel Manitoba, travelmanitoba.com XCalibur Hi-Tek Tackle, XCaliburTackle.com Yamaha Marine, yamaha-motor.com

Web Links February 2008

SuperUser Account — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:30:00 GMT

Fishing AdventuresCalifornia Delta: www.californiadelta.org/; www.dfg.ca.gov/; www.fishdelta.com/Lake Guntersville: http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/reservoirs/guntersville/; www.anglingalabama.com Melvern/Toronto Reservoirs: www.nwk.usace.army.mil/me/; www.kdwp.state.ks.us/fishingOwasco Lake: www.dec.ny.gov/; http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/36554.htmlAnglers Inn: http://www.anglersinn.com/ Catch & Release ContestPflueger: www.pflueger-fishing.com XTools: www.XTools.com Daiichi: www.tticompanies.com Plano: http://www.planomolding.com/content/index.cfm Berkley: www.berkley-fishing.com Scientific Anglers: www.scientificanglers.com Salmo: www.salmofishing.com Optimum Baits: www.optimumbaits.com Northland: www.northlandtackle.com Shimano: www.shimanousa.com Ardent: www.ardentreels.comFishing ToolsShakespeare: www.shakespeare-fishing.com Abu Garcia: www.abu-garcia.com Daiwa: www.daiwa.com Zebco: www.zebco.com Quantum: www.quantumfishing.comSporting Vehicles Mile Marker: www.milemarker.com Warn Industries: www.warn.com Ramsey: www.ramsey.com ARB USA: www.arbusa.com2008 NAFC Boat Buyer’s Guide Fishing Boats Alumacraft: www.alumacraft.com Bass America: http://www.polarkraftboats.com/index_template.cfm?series=polarkraft&mainpage=godfrey_showroom07&brand=bassamerica Bass Cat: www.basscat.com Champion Boats: www.championboats.com Crestliner: www.crestliner.com G3 Boats: www.g3boats.com Lowe Boats: www.lowe.com Lund Boats: www.lundboats.com MirroCraft: www.mirrocraft.com Nitro Boats: www.nitro.com Polar Kraft Boats: www.polarkraftboats.com Princecraft: www.princecraft.com Ranger Boats: www.rangerboats.com Skeeter: www.skeeterboats.com Smoker Craft Boats: www.smokercraft.com Stratos Boats: www.stratosboats.com Tracker Boats: www.trackerboats.com Triton Boats: www.tritonboats.com Warrior Boats: www.warrior-boats.com XPress: www.xpressboats.comOutboardsEvinrude Outboards: www.evinrude.com Honda Marine: www.honda.com Mercury Marine: www.mercurymarine.com Nissan Marine: www.nissanmarine.com Suzuki Marine: www.suzukimarine.com Tohatsu Marine: www.tohatsu.com Yamaha Marine: www.yamaha-motor.comMarine EquipmentBob’s Machine Shop: www.bobsmachine.com Humminbird: www.humminbird.com Lowrance Electronics: www.lowrance.com MinnKota: www.minnkotamotors.com MotorGuide: www.motorguide.comAlmanacState-Fish Art Contest: www.statefishart.com Big Cat Quest Championship: www.kenfreemanoutdoorpromotions.com FLW Fantasy Fishing: www.fantasyfishing.comNew ProductsArdent: www.ardentreels.com Abu Garcia: www.abugarcia.com Rapala: www.rapala.com Triple Fish: www.triplefish.net.

Wireless Jackplate Control

SuperUser Account — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:29:43 GMT

A new wireless remote from Bob's Machine Shop in Tampa, Florida, allows anglers to adjust the height of their jackplate using a key fob from anywhere—on or off the boat.The push-button control is ideal during docking or trailering when there is limited access to the dash-mounted switch, plus it allows anglers to raise the main engine remotely from the bow when trolling, or from the tower of a big bay boat.Kit components include a waterproof key fob transmitter, a small receiver mounted near the jackplate's hydraulic pump, and necessary cables for connecting the receiver to the existing wiring harness. It’s compatible with all BMS jackplates and works independently from the boat's dash-mounted switch.Suggested retail: $169.99, www.bobsmachine.com.

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Winners of the 2007 Spring Valley tournament - Marty & Mickey Stuefen of Cedar Rapids, IAThere are plenty of opportunities for anglers to fish an individual tournament with the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit in 2008. Non-early bird registration begins on February 1st; however, we are currently allowing teams to submit their entries and we will hold and process them once registration opens. We have many great bodies of water to fish in 2008 and we hope you will be able to join us at one of them. The first one of the year is a great one if love river fishing. Annually, the MWC hosts its first tournament on the Illinois River in Spring Valley, IL. It is known as the sauger capital of the world and the tournament notoriously fills each year with hundreds of excited anglers starting their tournament season. For some, it might be their first tournament of dozens throughout the summer. For others, it may be the only one they fish; but all enjoy being a part of the tradition that is Spring Valley. Do you want to experience what it’s like to fish on a professional fishing circuit? Sign up today for the MWC by clicking HERE.2008 Cabela’s MWC ScheduleMWC Central March 29 & 30 - Spring Valley, IL - Illinois River May 17 & 18 - Marinette, WI/Menominee, MI - Bay of Green Bay June 21 & 22 - Oshkosh, WI - Lake WinnebagoMWC East April 25 - 27 - Port Clinton, OH - Lake Erie (Also will be Walleye Madness Sweet Sixteen Bracket) July 18 - 20 - Linwood, MI - Saginaw Bay August 22 - 24 - Dunkirk, NY - Lake Erie(A blow day is built into all East division tournaments. Rules meeting on Thursday night and we fish Friday if we can. So tournaments could be done Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun or Fri/Sun or possibly just one day if we get blown off two daysMWC West (Exhibition Tournament)August 9 & 10 - Devils Lake, ND - Devils LakeWorld Walleye Championship (invitation only)October 1 - 4 - Dundee, MI - Detroit River and Lake ErieView the Cabela’s MWC tournament details by clicking HERE.

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-23-08

SuperUser Account — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:24:05 GMT

Anglers Legacy February 2008

SuperUser Account — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:51:36 GMT

Shimano Deals On ReelsShimano, manufacturer of fine fishing reels, is offering a special rebate deal on its Curado, Citica and Cruxis baitcasting series through April 30, 2008. The rebate deal is $50 off on all 10 Curado reels, including the high-speed and power/saltwater models; $30 off all five Citica reels; and $20 off the Cruxis 200 and 201.“We’re putting out a challenge to America’s avid anglers—we want you to take the Anglers’ Legacy Pledge and take someone fishing to help us grow our sport,” said Steve Ferrara, senior sales manager at Shimano. “We’ll contribute to your efforts by saving you a few bucks when you buy one of our Curado, Citica or Cruxis reels, and the whole program is as simple as possible so that anglers can get their rebate check with just some minimal effort.”All three series offer noted Shimano features including Super Free, Variable Brake System (VBS), and High Efficiency Gearing on selected models. Anglers have the option of super high-speed retrieve with the Curado DHSV reels, cranking power with Curado and Citica DPV reels, and plenty of line capacity and durability for pike, muskies and inshore saltwater use with the Curado 300 reels.“If you’ve never fished with a Shimano low-profile casting reel, we’re hoping that giving you some money back we get you to look at one of our reels,” Ferrara said. “And if you already fish Shimano, this is a great deal to add either a higher or lower retrieve reel to your tackle assortment, or an easy gift choice for any friends or family that enjoy fishing like you do.”Rebate forms are available at participating stores, or can be printed online at http://fish.shimano.com/rebate. To learn more about the Anglers’ Legacy program, or to take the pledge, visit http://www.anglerslegacy.com/takethepledge.

Fishing News February 2008

SuperUser Account — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:14:52 GMT

Seatrout Is Top Marine Catch Washington, DC—For the third consecutive year, the spotted sea trout, indigenous to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, was the top overall recreational domestic catch among marine recreational anglers nationwide.According to data included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service report: “Fisheries of the United States,” U.S. anglers caught more than 37 million spotted sea trout in 2006.Most popular marine catches in other regions included striped bass in the North Atlantic, flounder in the Mid-Atlantic, chub mackerel in the Pacific region and yellowstripe goatfish in the Western Pacific.The 2007 NOAA Fisheries Service report showed the 2006 catch of 475 million fish was up 11 percent over the previous year and marked the highest recreational catch total in the last 10 years. Gar Ropin’ Beaumont, TX—When catfish angler Chockie Nolen realized that the biggest alligator gar he’d ever seen had taken his chicken liver bait and was proving difficult to land, he did what any self-respecting Texas cowboy would do—he used a rope to lasso the 100-pound fish and bulldogged it into his boat.Nolen, 77, was fishing with his nephew and wife on the Neches River when he hooked the giant fish.“He played it and played it,” Donna Nolen told the Beaumont Enterprise. “About 30 to 45 minutes I finally saw it come up about four feet behind the boat. I let him know he was fighting a big gar. We cut the rope from the anchor so we could lasso him.”It seems that Chockie, who once team-roped steers in Southeast Texas, hadn’t lost his touch. “We got the anchor rope looped around the head and pulled him in the boat,” the old cowboy says. “He just about turned the boat over.” Fortunately, the Nolen’s 16-foot jonboat holding three anglers, fishing gear and a thrashing 6-foot, 97-pound gator gar made it back to the boat ramp without incident. Texas Clipper Hits Rock Bottom Austin, TX—The USTS Texas Clipper is finally sitting on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. After several last-minute delays and $4 million in preparation costs, the ship was finally sunk Nov. 17 by Texas officials to create an artificial reef for fish.The downside? The ship landed on her port side instead of her keel, which makes it difficult to access by divers. No worries, though, because the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is working to get the ship moved to its keel soon.The project was funded by the Rigs-to-Reefs program and with matching funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the United States Maritime Administration. Gamefish Status Granted to Striped Bass, Redfish Washington, DC—In October, President George W. Bush signed a much-anticipated Executive Order establishing gamefish status for striped bass and red drum in federal waters, an act seen as a major accomplishment toward the conservation of two of the most popular saltwater gamefish in the United States.Due to decades of lightly regulated commercial fishing, striped bass and redfish populations on the Eastern Seaboard were decimated in the 1970s and 1980s. The decline led to a drive spearheaded by sport anglers to curtail the harvest of these species by imposing federal moratoriums on commercial and recreational striped bass and red drum fishing in federal waters.The Executive Order prohibits the commercial sale of redfish and striped bass in federal waters. A number of states already prohibit the sale of these fish caught in state waters.In his remarks during the signing ceremony, the President highlighted the economic importance that America’s 40 million anglers have on the nation’s economy and acknowledged the recreational, economic and environmental benefits that conserving these two species will have now and on future generations of Americans.The President’s action was generally greeted with support from fishing conservation groups and members of the industry.“This Executive Order has the full support of the sportfishing industry. By signing the order, the President sends the right message about the need to ensure that striped bass and red drum endure as a species and as sport fish to be enjoyed by anglers now and for generations to come,” says Mike Nussman, American Sportfishing Association (ASA) president and CEO. “We have been working with a number of organizations for years to see that this critical conservation measure came to be, and we applaud the President for his action.”The President—an avid striped bass angler--says he also supports improving the quality of data available for managing fish stocks.“We’re going to count on the people who really care about the fish stocks to get good, solid, sound information so we can do a better job not only today, but tomorrow, in making sure our fisheries are strong,” he says. Washington Gets Tough On Zebra Mussels Spokane, WA—The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) enforcement officers have shifted from issuing warnings to citations in an effort to keep Washington’s waters free of an invasive species that threatens native fish and wildlife.The state’s first citations for illegally transporting zebra mussels were issued to two out-of-state trucking companies hauling large boats to the Pacific coast. Live zebra mussels were found attached to boats being transported by a hauler from Ontario, Canada, and another from Iowa. The zebra mussels were spotted during Washington State Patrol commercial vehicle inspections at a Washington-Idaho port-of-entry weigh station east of Spokane.Zebra mussels have been prohibited in Washington since 2002, but officers are taking stronger action against contaminated vessels now that zebra mussels and a subspecies known as Quagga mussels have shown up in other Western states.“We hope these citations, which can result in fines up to $5,000, will raise awareness that this state looks at invasive species very seriously,” says Mike Cenci, WDFW deputy chief of enforcement. “Once a species like this gets into our waters, it’s very unlikely we can contain it.”

Fishing Q & A February 2008

SuperUser Account — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:40:42 GMT

Swimbait Size Q: Big swimbaits get a lot of press for catching big bass. But lately I've seen a lot more smaller swimbaits. Do these catch big bass, too?Member Mark Serlaph Kings Mountain, North CarolinaA: Absolutely, and in fact, I prefer to throw a smaller swimbait. About a year-and-a-half ago, Strike King came out with the King Shad, a 4-inch, jointed hard swimbait that's become one of the most important lures in my box. It's the exact size and shape of a shad, and is an excellent option for scouring water in search of fish, or for targeting bigger bites once you pin down a group. What I like most about smaller swimbaits is that they’re easier to fish fast. The King Shad, for example, can be burned back to the boat--heck, I've even trolled it 15 mph and it wouldn't roll. If you're not confident with giant swimbaits, or if you like to fish fast, I suggest you give the little guys a try. —Kevin VanDam Color ConcernQ: Does the color of tackle like live bait rig weights, bottom bouncers and Dipsy Divers affect catch rates for walleyes?Member Rich Kershbaum Greece, New YorkA: I look at any technique first from a location perspective. I start with depth, structure and location, because if you don't put your lure where the fish are, you aren't going to catch anything, regardless of what color sinker you're using. When you're on the fish, it helps to experiment. Let's say there are two to four anglers in the boat. Put a colored bottom-bouncer on one of the rods, or have somebody switch out to different-colored sinkers. The same would go for trolling big water, where some people swear that black Dipsys in clear water far outperform those in other colors. Again, the bigger key is to put the bait, in the right spot. —Ted Takasaki Ringback RitualQ: I know all about the spawning habits of sunfish and crappies in my area, but I’m not so familiar with those of perch. When do they spawn?Member John Maloney Sun Prairie, WisconsinA. You can catch jumbo perch when they spawn in late winter or early spring, but the window of opportunity is much shorter than with crappies or sunfish, which is why the perch spawn is so seldom talked about. They don't build nests or care for their young, but you'll know a perch spawn has happened if you see long strings of eggs deposited on shallow grass, rocks or wood. The exact time at which perch spawn varies greatly, and is determined by the combination of photoperiod (length of daylight) and water temperature—typically from the mid-40s to the mid-50s. Factoring in photoperiod, the spawn in New York might be in March, while in the Upper Midwest it could be in May. In both cases, shortly after ice-out. Farther south, it could happen as early as late February. —Ryan Gilligan

Cabela's MWC Update 01-16-08