Masters Walleye Circuit, Elevating The Game In 2026

  • Filed under MWC News

  • December 19, 2025

Masters Walleye Circuit, Elevating The Game In 2026

Exciting Changes Coming To World Walleye Championship!

Ponca City, Oklahoma – Dec 19, 2026 – As the Masters Walleye Circuit prepares to enter its 42nd year and winter settles in across the walleye world, anglers are looking forward to the seasonal mark of spring, a Masters Walleye Circuit event season opener on the Illinois River at Spring Valley, IL. in March. The diverse qualifying season for 2026 will include six stops on three (3) major rivers: The Illinois River, Mississippi, Red Wing, MN and the St. Mary’s River, Sault Ste Marie, MI and three (3) well-known walleye lakes including Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh, WI, Bitter Lake, Webster, SD and angler favorite Cass Lake, MN. The 2026 World Walleye Championship is set for Devils Lake, ND. Full details, new 2026 rules, and registration open dates with exciting news for all events will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Outlined in the 2025 rules as “advance notice” that changes were possible, MWC has made the strategic decision to bring the World Walleye Championship into the same qualifying year based on angler feedback. This should make it easier for teams to plan appropriately when competing all year long to earn a chance to compete for the most coveted title in walleye fishing, the title of World Walleye Champions.  Historically MWC anglers have had to qualify for the WWC and then wait a year to actually fish it. This move should better support walleye anglers everywhere. The 2026 World Walleye Championship will be a transition year and will include qualifiers from both the 2025 and 2026 season at Devils Lake. MWC is not stopping there however, we are also significantly upping the payout to include a prize boat!

Masters Walleye Circuit partner Nitro Boats will award a fully rigged Nitro ZV20 prize boat powered by Mercury, and rigged out with Lowrance electronics, to the winners of the 2026 World Walleye Championship on top of all the other cash, prizes, and sponsor bonuses Significantly raising the payout of this event.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame. MWC has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for 42 years. The 2026 schedule includes six qualifiers in five states, plus berths into the 2026 MWC World Walleye Championship presented by Nitro boats on Devils Lake, North Dakota.  Stay tuned for more 2026 announcements at MastersWalleyeCircuit.com

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

Dobias and Hime Earn Their Crown as World Walleye Champions

Dobias and Hime Earn Their Crown as World Walleye Champions

Presented By: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Alexandria, Minnesota – October 13, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit have crowned its new World Walleye Champion team at the World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Chaz Dobias (Nevis, MN), with his partner Corbin Hime (Bemidji, MN), battled for first place with very consistent weights over three days of fishing. All teams battled changing winds that came with the final settling in of the fall cold front. With the top 5 finishing teams all weighing over 50lbs, it was clear that the Le Homme Dieu Chain of Lakes is a fantastic fishery for those able to crack the code.

Day 1 was led by the reigning World Walleye Championship team of 2024, Wayne Butz and Joseph Sommers with the biggest bag of day 1 at 21-06, with a giant walleye weighing 7-15 to anchor it. Dobias and Hime were right on their tail from the beginning, trailing by only just over a pound at 20-05 at the end of the first day’s weigh-in.

Day 2 saw some slight reshuffling of the standings, with the gap increasing to jump to the top of the leaderboard. Dobias and Hime weighed 17-08 for a 2-day total of 37-13 putting them in the first-place spot going into day 3. They were followed by Steven and Sean Kincaid who also weighed 37-13, with the tie breaker going to Dobias and Hime for the big bag on day 1.

Rounding out day 3, Frank John Weeda and Dean Kaminski weighed the heaviest bag of the event at 21-08 to secure them a second-place finish, only behind their good friends and teammates, Dobias and Hime who weighed a total of 56 pound and 6 ounces to secure their first championship win.

Chaz Dobias and Corbin Hime fishing in their first World Walleye Championship, found it hard to explain the overwhelming nature of securing the most revered title in the team walleye fishing world. They worked hard in their prefishing, checking every lake in the chain and catching walleyes in most. Targeting weed edges in 12’-18’ of water with jigs and nightcrawlers was the key for their “unders,” while the bigger fish were suspended in 28’-30’ and cruising by themselves. This time of the year set up great for their strengths of covering ground and isolating fish.

Winning the 2025 World Walleye Championship, Dobias and Hime have etched their name in the walleye fishing world. They received the first place prize of $19,000 in cash and perhaps the most coveted, Custom World Walleye Champion rings and trophies, for a total of $20,229 in cash and prizes.

The top five finishers fought to the end and earned their respective prizes as well:

2nd: Frank John Weeda & Dean A Kaminski, 54-13, $8,000 cash and a

Lowrance Recon Trolling Motor ($3,599)

3rd: Wayne Butz & Joseph Sommers, 54-10, $5,000 cash

4th: Colton Marx & Joe Marx, 51-04, $3,000 cash

5th: Andrew Soderholm & Ben Hittle, 50-06, $2,500 cash

Overall, 32 two-man teams hailing from 11 different states caught 278 fish for a total of 865lbs. Thanks to Salmo Java for their prize package of an AeroPress, Hat, and two bags of their signature coffees, along with big fish money of $810 was awarded to Wayne Butz and Joseph Sommers for their big fish of the event at 7lbs and 15oz on day 1. Day 2 big fish money of $810 went to Chaz Dobias and Corbin Hime for their 7lb and 4oz walleye that helped them secure their Championship Win.

Lowrance being a main sponsor, they provided a Lowrance Recon trolling motor to the 2nd place team of Weeda and Kaminski. Their other bonuses, one at $750 for running exclusively Lowrance Electronics and another at $500 for running a Lowrance Recon or Ghost trolling motor, was awarded to the 11th place team of Harold Daniels and Neal Jordan.

As part of the 2025 MWC season, anglers vied for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Walleye Championship in Devil’s Lake North Dakota. Teams can participate in as many events as they wish, with points earned in at least three qualifiers necessary for an invitation to the World Walleye Championship. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40+ years. The 2026 schedule includes six qualifiers in five states, plus berths into the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship on Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are thankful to round out their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine, SeaKeeper and Salmo Java Coffee.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

Masters Walleye Circuit to Crown 2025 World Walleye Champion

Masters Walleye Circuit to Crown 2025 World Walleye Champion

Presented by: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Ponca City, Oklahoma – October 3, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) 2025 season is nearly completed, with only the World Walleye Championship, the pinnacle in team walleye tournament fishing, to finalize it. Teams competing in the Championship this year fished well enough in the 2024 season to finish in the top 40 teams based on points earned in their best 3 events representing the top team walleye anglers in the country.

This year the final stage will be set in Alexandria, MN on Le Homme Dieu Chain of Lakes where teams will be able to weigh their heaviest 5 fish over 15”, with each angler being allowed one of those fish to be over 20”. The event will consist of three days of competition, requiring anglers to rely on all their acquired skills to pattern the heaviest fish the Chain of Lakes has to offer.

Payout for the World Walleye Championship is a culmination of entry fees from the qualifying season of $19,000 cash for first place along with Championship Rings and Trophies, as well as sponsorship bonuses such as: a Lowrance Recon trolling motor valued at $3,599 being added to the 2nd place prize, Lowrance Electronics Exclusive bonus of $750, and the Lowrance Trolling Motor bonus of $500.

On tournament days take-offs will begin at 7:30 a.m. (CST) each morning with live weigh-ins to follow each afternoon beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Lure Lakebar in Alexandria, MN. Those that want to see who will be crowned the next World Walleye Champions are encouraged to attend the free, family-friendly event to watch the action unfold in person. For those unable to attend, live coverage will be available online at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com and through the official MWC Facebook page at facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40+ years. The 2025 schedule includes six qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship on Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are looking forward to rounding out their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine, Seakeeper and Salmo Java Coffee.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

Zothman and Foehrenbacher Repeat Cass Lake Victory

  • Filed under MWC News

  • September 16, 2025

Zothman and Foehrenbacher Repeat Cass Lake Victory

 Presented By: Mercury

Cass Lake, Minnesota – September 16, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit ran its final qualifier of the season on Cass Lake, launching out of Stony Point Resort. Being a frequent location in the fall for the MWC, anglers have come to look forward to this event to round out their seasons. An abundance of walleyes were weighed, but only one team solidified the win.

With the ever temperamental “fall” weather, teams were split on whether to pattern fish in late summer or early fall patterns. Day 1 take-off the anglers were greeted with rain and wind, putting an emphasis on boat control and perseverance. Colt Anderson and Ben Olson managed to secure a giant bag in the conditions, weighing 21lbs and 13oz to take the lead on day 1. Zothman and Foehrenbacher were not far behind, being tied at second place with 19lbs and 9oz.

Day 2 started with the typical Cass Lake fog, that can be seen nearly every year for take-off at Cass Lake, accompanied by a warm mid-September day. Zothman and Foehrenbacher have been in a similar situation before, and handled it accordingly. Having pre-fished nearly the entire lake and every direction of the compass, they stuck to their gameplan, sorting through numbers of 20”-22” to find their perfect “unders” – fish just under that 20” mark – and finding the biggest ones in the school for their 2 kicker “overs.”

Finding fish with forward facing sonar, using both live and artificial baits, in swinging depth ranges for 5’-30’, they were able to find the fish they needed. “Hoping for a top ten,” Zothman and Foehrenbacher weighed two very consistent bags, with day 2 being 19lbs 7oz, for a total of 39lbs and an “unbelievable” Cass Lake MWC Win for back to back years.

Earning a champions trophy in this final 2025 Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier comes with a paid berth into the 2026 National Team Championship. David Zothman and James Foehrenbacher took home $12,900 in Cash, $3,901 in Option Pot Cash, and the NTC prize package valued at $1000 consisting of custom NTC jerseys, custom NTC plaques, and a cash travel stipend for a total of $17,801 in cash and prizes!

Other teams put together incredible bags and earned great rewards as well:

2nd: Dustin Minke & Kyle Minke, 38-00, $6,400 Cash, $2,850 2nd Place Option Pot Cash,

            And the Lowrance Exclusive bonus of $750

3rd: Nick Cekella & Mitch Hackenmueller, 36-14, $4,100 Cash

4th: Colt Anderson & Ben Olson, 36-03, $3,200 Cash

5th: Michael Juelson & Trenten Juelson, 36-02, $2,600 Cash

Honorably, Cody Wasylow and Derek Juneau weighed the heaviest walleye of the event on day at 9lbs 10oz, winning $2010 Big Fish Cash and the Salmo Java Package consisting of an AeroPress and one of their signature coffees. Day 2 big fish was caught by Tyler Malkowiak and Nate Wolske at 6lbs 15oz to win $2010 Big Fish Cash.

Overall, 192 anglers competed in this event representing 11 different states, catching 608 fish for a total of 1,766 pounds of Cass Lake Walleye.

As part of the 2025 MWC season, anglers will vie for a coveted spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Devil’s Lake North Dakota. Teams can participate in as many events as they wish, with points earned in at least three qualifiers necessary for an invitation to the World Walleye Championship. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.

Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. Overall payout is awarded to 20% of the field, providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earns a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Ranger Cup adds $8,000, alongside the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses which add thousands more for distribution among the field.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40+ years. The 2025 schedule includes six qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship on Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are  proud to round out their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine, SeaKeeper and Salmo Java Coffee.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.