--Presented by Ranger Boats

 

Sept 11, 2010 Escanaba, MI—Hazardous weather forced the cancellation of Day One of the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit’s two-day Central Division qualifier on Big and Little Bays de Noc.

 

At 4:30 a.m. this morning, in reaction to forecasts for strong southeast winds from the National Weather Service—along with personal observations by staff along the point outside of Escanaba Marina—tournament organizers announced a severe weather boundary largely limiting teams to Little Bay. However, increasingly foul weather and a hazardous weather alert just prior to take-off led to the decision to cancel the day’s fishing. Members of the Circuit’s Angler Advisory Panel offered input in the process.

 

“We did everything we could to get the teams out fishing,” said Tournament Director Dan Palmer. “But their safety comes first.”

 

With Saturday’s fishing cancelled, the tournament will be a one-day shootout held Sunday, Sept. 12 as the MWC launches the 93 competing teams in two flights.

 

Here are the specifics related to the shortened event:

 

Flights are the same as scheduled for Day One:

Flight 1 Boats 1-46 out at 7:30 a.m., in at 4:30 p.m.

Flight 2 Boats 47-93 out at 7:50 a.m., in at 4:50 p.m.

 

Boat inspection will begin at 5 a.m., please come early to avoid any delays. For on-the-water inspection, call Dan Palmer at 815-509-2767 or Dan Johnson at 763-244-5019.

 

The Big Fish Pot will be combined and paid to the top three fish from Sunday, paying $1,500 for biggest fish, $900 for second, and $600 for third.

 

All four Berkley Premier Team bracket finalist teams will compete head-to-head, with the largest basket winning the bracket.

 

The Youth & Family Fishing Clinic will be held immediately after Sunday’s weigh-in, just prior to the awards ceremony. Youths receive rods and reels donated by Cabela’s and Berkley, and tackle packages courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.