Walleyes Inc. Action packed adventures in walleye fishing on the internet.

---

• Spring Valley Illinois River tournament  2002 Results
• 2002 Schedule and Results
• 2001 Schedule and Results
• MWC Sponsors

DALZOT’S THREE-PEAT AT CABELA’S MWC MERCURY & NORTH AMERICAN FISHING CLUB
SEASON OPENER MARCH 23-24

 Minnetonka, Minn. – Brothers John and Gary Dalzot of Spring Valley, Illinois, topped a field of 208 teams, winning the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) 2002 season opener.

 Beginning the MWC’s 18th year, the Mercury & North American Fishing Club walleye tournament took place March 23 – 24 on the Illinois River at Spring Valley, Illinois, hosted by over 200 volunteers from the Spring Valley Walleye Club.

 The Dalzots collected $25,000 for the win, their third successive victory at the Spring Valley tournament. The veteran local team weighed an allowable ten fish limit (all saugers) totaling 38.18 pounds, a 3.81 pound average.  The winners fished the main channel between the Starved Rock Dam and the Hennepin Bridge in depths between 15 and 17 feet. According to Gary, “We used 2/6 pound Berkley green FireLine and 3/8 ounce orange jigs tipped with minnows.” John added, “It was critical, especially today (Sunday), that our lines were vertical while we were jigging. If there was a bow in the line, you’d miss the hits.” The team stated they caught their last fish approximately 45 minutes before the final weigh-in.

 Second place went to Minnesotans Richard Nascak (Winona) and Brad Kaczorowski (Lewiston), who weighed 36.73 pounds, cashing in $12,500.  The pair fished the clam beds south of the dam, using various colored ½ ounce hair bodied jigs tipped with large fathead minnows.

 Third place and $9,000 was awarded to Jay Janny of Eagle, Wisconsin and Kim “Chief” Papineau from Escanaba, Michigan.  They fished the dam area, jigging number five and seven ice-fishing lures on eight pound test Berkley FireLine.

 The top 35 teams shared the $101,000 cash purse. An additional $8,300 was paid in big fish prizes – a total nearing $110,000.

 Big fish honors went to Pat Cavins, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Bob Winkler, Neenah, Wisconsin, with a 5.65 sauger.

 Weather conditions were all but ideal, as unseasonable cold temperatures and high winds plagued the anglers. Not withstanding, the teams established a new Spring Valley tournament record catching 1,422 fish weighing 3,508.45 pounds. A complete recap of tournament results have been posted on the bulletin board (Spring Valley section) on the website www.MastersWalleyeCircuit.com.

 DNR Illinois River Project Manager, Mike Cochran and his crew assisted at the weigh-ins. All of the fish were conveyed to the LaSalle, Illinois fish hatchery, where they will be stripped of their eggs and milt for restocking purposes. Cochran said the fish weight totals were the largest in tournament history. The MWC Conservation Fund donated $3,100 towards walleye conservation projects.

 The second stop on the MWC will be May 18 – 19 on Mille Lacs Lake at Onamia, Minnesota. The tournament will run in conjunction with the Cabela’s National Team Championship creating the world’s largest professional walleye tournament.  Over 400 boats are anticipated. For more information contact the MWC toll free at 1-877-893-7947 or click onto the MWC website. 

Now you can Join all of Walleyes Inc. mailing lists from one spot.  Sign up  to receive notice of updates in the Walleye fishing world and be eligible for great Members only discounts on  and Church Products. Only  from your one stop resource Walleyes Inc. Enter your email address below, then click the 'Sign Up' button