After a grueling six-tournament series of high-stakes walleye
events, the top qualifiers earned the right to compete in the Mercury
Championship.  They are led by Angler of the Year Bill Ortiz, Dodgeville,
Wis., who also has a personal goal.  As a Mercury outboard owner and Pro
Team member, if he wins the Championship, it will be worth an extra
$250,000, courtesy of Mercury.  Anglers of the Year have won Championships,
but not in the same year.  "Yes, I'll be working hard, and have spent three
days graphing and looking (not fishing) prior to the closed period," he
said.  

    Ortiz and fellow competitor Keith Kavajecz, Kaukauna, Wis. were the
only two pro anglers to have won money in every tournament this season.
Kavajecz is the number two ranked pro in 2003, coming off a Championship
victory last year.  This field represents 34 PWT wins, eight Anglers of the
Year, seven Optima Top Guns and six past champions.

    The Championship fishery includes some of the largest walleyes in
Michigan.  Walleyes in the "teens" are caught every year, including several
pushing the state record, 17 pounds, 3 ounces.  If that weight is broken
during the competition, it will mean a $1,000,000 prize from Quantum
Performance Tuned rods and reels.  If it's broken on day one, the winner
will have to wait until the final person crosses the Ice Arena stage,
because the award goes to the largest fish that exceeds the mark.  

    The Championship anglers will unveil the complexity of the 27-mile
long Keweenaw Waterway and its two lakes, Portage and Torch, and Lake
Superior's Keweenaw Bay.  Only a couple pros have experience on this system,
so it will be "new water" for the 51-person field.  

    The stage show with music, lights and trophy walleyes takes place at
Michigan Technological University's MacInnes Ice Arena.  A Saturday and
Sunday Sportshow will be held in the adjacent Gates Tennis Center.  Many
opportunities to meet the pros in one-on-one sessions and formal seminars
(and a chance to fish with them on the VIP/Celebrity Day) will be held
throughout Championship week.  All are free, and kids especially are
encouraged to attend.  On Sunday, the first 1,000 kids in the doors receive
Shakespeare rods and reels.  

    Media friends are invited to join the festivities.  The Upper
Peninsula is loaded with great stories -- salmon, trout, smallies, grouse,
history, ethnic and more).  To find out more about lodging and ideas,
contact media coordinator Jim Junttila, 906-337-1866, or e-mail Jim at
jjunttila@chartermi.net.    

    If you require more information including stats and photos of
contestants, check the PWT web site, www.professionalwalleyetrail.com.
Qualifiers come from 12 states (Washington, Oregon, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa,
Illinois, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio)
and Canada.

    The Championship schedule of activities follows.  Feel free to
contact PWT headquarters directly, 218-824-2542, or reply to this e-mail if
you have any questions.

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