SPRING VALLEY, Ill. (March 23, 2023) – The Illinois River is known as an excellent sauger and an improving walleye fishery. In the early spring, it’s a popular destination for Midwesterners who are sick of ice fishing. Despite its reputation as a numbers river, two giant walleyes largely determined the outcome of the 2023 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive season opener. On day one, John Hoyer, the winner of the 2022 NWT Championship, caught the fat female. On day two, river rat James “J.J.” Debernardi coaxed a massive 8- pounder on his first cast. With only two additional keepers, that divine kicker was enough to lift Debernardi into the winner’s circle.

Walleye fans might remember that Debernardi and Max Wilson, the winner of the 2018 NWT Championship, won the Master’s Walleye Circuit team event on the Illinois River last year. Wilson teamed up with Debernardi as a way to honor Mike Hanson, the local guide, who passed away last year. Wilson and Debernardi felt that divine intervention took place last year, and something eerily amazing also happened this week.

“I always fished with Mike,” recalled Debernardi. “We were partners for 7 or 8 years, and we learned everything we could about this river. I was on my way up to Mikey’s spot this morning, but there was a barge in the way. The lockmaster said it would be an hour before he cleared out, so I pulled over to Lover’s Leap right in front of the dam. On my very first cast, I caught an 8-pounder. That’s just unheard of around here. I am 1,000% confident Mikey was looking over my shoulder. To catch a fish like that is beyond belief. It’s mind blowing.”

Even with the kicker in hand, Debernardi, who grew up in Ottawa, Ill., still wanted to lock up and visit Mike’s spot. What he discovered upriver wasn’t what he was hoping for.

“I caught two big ones on day one from Mikey’s spot up in the Ottawa Pool. I still wanted to go, but when I got there, I realized the water had dropped almost 3 feet. When that happens, it completely shuts down the bite. They slide out in the main channel and disappear. I was able to catch one little 14-inch sauger, and that little one was big; it might have pushed me over the top.”

By the time he locked back down, Debernardi only had two fish for approximately 9 pounds. With time running out, he decided to revisit the Lover’s Leap spot.

“With 20 minutes to go, the lockmaster shut down gates 7 and 8, which are the most critical gates for the current. With about 2 minutes left, I had to take a leak. I handed my co-angler (Jerad Jacobs) my rod to throw a few casts before we ran back. I look over midstream, and he sets the hook. While making a mess of myself, I netted about a 3-pound walleye. We threw it in the livewell, and back to the ramp we went. The amount of divine intervention that went into this was remarkable.”

While most of the field was trolling in the cool, dirty water, Debernardi was casting 3/16-ounce Half-Cocked custom jigs with Ripple Shads. White with yellow and firetiger were his two best colors.

“Subtle lifts were the ticket. I believe in keeping the bait close to the bottom at all times. Low and slow is the way to go, especially with the water being so cold. Today was the first time I saw 40 degrees on the graph in 10 days.”

Moments after the winner was called, an emotional Debernardi was mobbed near the stage by family and friends in attendance.

“Me and Mikey worked real hard at learning this river. This was great, but it’s not as fun without him. We had a special bond in the boat. It’s very difficult to replace. As great a partner as Max is, he’s not Mike; you just can’t replace that. Me and Mike never won a major tournament. We have a pile of other trophies together, but we were never able to pull off that win. Aside from my wife and kids, there’s nobody that I want to share this moment more with than him. Our hard work finally paid off. It’s bittersweet, but I know he’s looking down on me.”

Debernardi’s day-one weight was 11 pounds, 7 ounces, and today he improved to 11-12, despite just the three fish. He finished with a cumulative total of 23 pounds, 3 ounces. He earned a 2023 Nitro ZV20 powered by a 225-horsepower Mercury Pro XS, plus $15,000 cash and $500 for Garmin Tournament Rewards. The total prize package was worth $84,045.

“It’s life-changing for me. I’m a farmer with a wife and four children. This is going to allow me to pursue more of my fishing happiness.”

 

Hjelm Rallies to Second

Had it not been for Debernardi’s first-cast, the leaderboard at the 2023 season opener would look eerily similar to the 2022 championship – with friends Duane “Dewey” Hjelm and Hoyer at the top. As it stands, the two are still the hottest sticks in the sport. In Hjelm’s last four NWT tournaments, he’s placed second, second, first, and second. This was his first trip to the Illinois River, and although he experienced a rough start, it ended impressively.

“When the tournament began, I was just praying for five 15-inchers a day,” said Hjelm, who finished second with 21 pounds, 14 ounces. “I was just trying to escape with some points.”

The 2022 Progressive Angler of the Year had intended on playing bumper boats in a trolling area, but a good boat draw on day one convinced him to gamble.

“I opted to run up to the dam. It wasn’t like I was on anything; I had caught just one nice fish up there in practice. But the more you fish it, the more you learn about it. I just kept getting bites, so I stayed.”

Hjelm caught some fish jigging – including two nice 3-pounders to round out day one. He also employed the Dubuque Rig with jigs. Unlike Debernardi, he stayed in the main pool all week. The Pierre, S.D., pro said one of his key light-bite adjustments was adding a stinger hook.

“With the Dubuque Rigs, we tried all kinds of plastics. We were tipping the plastics with fathead minnows. We used a 3-foot leader with another minnow on that. For the jigs, we were using 5/8-ounce VMC jigs with bright colors.”

For his second consecutive second-place finish, Hjelm earned $19,680, plus $4,128 in Angler Advantage cash and another $4,000 in Ranger Cup money.

“Everyone’s ultimate goal is to win, but I really just wanted five weigh fish a day. To come out with a second-place finish, I don’t know; I’m just super grateful. I don’t know how I’m still on this roll. Moving forward it’s going to be an exciting season.”

 

Courts Disappointed with Third

Finishing third was Minnesotan Mark Courts. The 2015 AOY had another solid day on the Illinois River, catching a five-fish limit worth 9 pounds, 4 ounces. Combined with his 11-14 from day one, the AFTCO/T-H Marine pro finished the tournament with a total weight of 21 pounds, 2 ounces.

“This river has been good to me, but I’m disappointed with third,” said Courts. “This morning, the bite was strong early, and we got our five fish quick. One of the keys to our trolling program was going super, super slow. We were moving at .5 to .6 mph trolling floating stickbaits on three ways. I was going so slow I was getting lapped by the field. I’d do one lap, and they’d do two.”

Orange was one of the dominant crankbait colors, but Courts found success with white-style baits.

“Chartreuse and white, pink and white and blue and white were my best colors. I got a limit every morning on my first pass, and we caught 12 to 15 legal fish a day. I just needed a couple more bigger bites.”

 

Hoyer Slips to Fourth, Vivian Rallies to Fifth

Rounding out the top five are Hoyer and Roy Vivian. Hoyer, the two-time NWT Championship winner, managed another limit, but there were no unicorn kickers. His five fish Wednesday weighed 8-1. Combined with his 12-15 from day one, the Ranger Boats pro finished the tournament fourth overall with a total weight of 21 pounds even.

“I’m thrilled with fourth,” said Hoyer, who led after day one. “When I think about the Angler of the Year race ahead of us, I couldn’t be happier.”

Hoyer said the key to his tournament was his electronics, but not forward-facing sonar.

“The No. 1 thing was going old school with side scan. We could identify the walleyes and saugers, and there were enough boats around to see the feeding windows.”

Today, Hoyer said his fish flushed out to the middle of the channel in 18 to 20 feet.

“I was trolling floating stickbaits with bright colors. I was running a 15-inch dropper and 45-inch leaders on my three ways. We were keeping it super tight to the bottom. You could see they were just barely wobbling.”

Vivian, the McFarland, Wis., native, managed limits of 8-1 and 12-13. His day-two stringer was the heaviest of the entire tournament. Vivian finished fifth with a cumulative weight of 20 pounds, 14 ounces.

 

Rest of the best

Rounding out the top 10 pros at the NWT event on the Illinois River:

6th: Kevin McQuoid of Isle, Minn., ten fish, 19-6

7th: Justin Schneider of Malone, Wis., ten fish, 19-4

8th: Chasen Rockstead of Shannona, Ill., ten fish, 19-3

9th: Brian Bashore of Sioux Falls, S.D., ten fish, 18-0

10th: Ryan Dempsey of Green Bay, Wis., ten fish, 17-15

To see full results, click here: https://archive.nationalwalleyetour.com/2023-nwt-spring-valley-il-illinois-river-results/

Up next

The NWT ventures north for its second event of the 2023 season, held May 17-18 on Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, Wis. Cut-off registration for that event is May 5^th, anglers can still register through this link: https://archive.nationalwalleyetour.com/national-walleye-tour-register/

National Walleye Tour would like to thank the city of Spring Valley, IL, the Spring Valley Boat Club, and the Spring Valley Fishing Club for hosting the first event of the 2023 season.

About National Walleye Tour National Walleye Tour (NWT) is part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For live updates and information, follow NWT on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nationalwalleyetour.com to catch up on all the action.

2023 Proud Sponsors Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Progressive, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Aftco, Garmin, Power-Pole, TH Marine, Sunline, Gamakatsu

SPRING VALLEY, Ill. – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive, is set to commence its 11th season of competition. After a thrilling conclusion to the 2022 season, which saw John Hoyer claim his second NWT Championship victory, the first tournament of 2023 will be on the Illinois River. The two-day qualifier, held March 21-22, features the top pro and co-anglers, and the biggest payouts in walleye fishing. But walleyes aren’t expected to be the dominant species at the opener. Most anglers will be filling their limits with saugers and scheming a way to coax a kicker walleye or two.

“As excited as I am about rigging up my rods and reels again, there’s also a sadness that I’m not bringing my medium-heavy spinning rods and soft plastic swimbaits,” said Hoyer, who last August joined Jason Przekurat as the only two-time NWT Championship winner. “What I mean by that is that this tournament is basically going to be the polar opposite of our last NWT tournament. It will be prespawn, and we’re dealing with delicate saugers. I’m excited, but I’m also nervous.”

Hoyer shocked the walleye world last year by shunning Lake Erie’s deeper basin – instead snapping swimbaits through shallow-water eelgrass. However, championships are optimal for taking gambles. Qualifying events, especially now with a revamped Progressive Angler of the Year, are more precarious.

“It was a big deal when we switched and had to truly qualify for the championship,” recalled Hoyer. “Now there’s a Ranger 620 package up for grabs for the Angler of the Year. That’s weighing on everyone. A good finish to start the season is super important, and I generally don’t do that. It was already a prestigious award, but now the ante has been upped.”

Duane Hjelm, the reigning AOY, agreed with Hoyer.

“I’ve never been to Spring Valley, and the stakes are higher now, but I generally like new places,” said the Ranger Boats pro. “It’s just exciting to get back to competition and see everyone again.”

Mercury pro Danny Plautz has been fishing Illinois River tournaments since 1997. In 2008, Plautz and his mother, Barb, won the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit team tournament out of Spring Valley. Last year, the mother-and-son duo took second place at the same event. Plautz said while the river is currently high and dirty, the long-term forecast shows stability.

“Right now, the river is just above flood stage,” said the Lake Mills, Wis., native. “According to the Corps of Engineers, we’ll get close to normal by midweek. Visibility is the huge thing on this river. If you have 10 to 16 inches of visibility, the bite should be pretty good. Last weekend, it was only about an inch, but it’s clearing up. Overall, it’s a pretty healthy system. We’re seeing more and more walleyes show up. It’s not uncommon now to have 50 percent of my fish be walleyes. Timing-wise, we’re going to hit it right on.”

If the water continues to clear, Plautz envisions vertical jigging playing a more prominent role. If it stays on the dirty side, expect more trolling with three ways and leadcore.

“The beauty of this system is that it’s kind of like Devils Lake in that you can catch them by fishing to your strengths. My strength is vertical jigging, and we’ll see plenty of that. We will also see three ways, trolling leadcore, Dubuque rigs and pitching jigs and cranks up at the dam. I anticipate the top 10 will include a variety of patterns. My Nitro boat is loaded with everything but handlines. Handlining is the one thing I just don’t have confidence doing.”

Hjelm likewise expects crankbaits to get significant use.

“I don’t know much about Spring Valley, but I know it’s not ripping Detroit River-type current. You could pull crankbaits with three ways, with leadcore – more of that lighter-weight stuff. I know I’ll be using baits with subtle action, and in that cold water, the more subtle, the better.”

Plautz predicts 13 or 14 pounds per day will put an angler in the top five.

“We’re catching our walleyes right in there mixed with the saugers. There’s not just one spot. The walleyes have been showing up, and if you can get a few of those, you can do some damage. I think you’ll need 26 or 27 pounds to be in contention.”

The tournament will launch out of the Spring Valley Boat Club. Most anglers will stay between the Peoria Lock and Dam and the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. A few brave souls may lock up and venture beyond the Starved Rock Lock and Dam.

“The wildcard is going to be who has the guts to lock up,” added Plautz. “There are some really good fish in the upper pools, but the barge traffic is pretty bad. I’ve seen guys check in late because of the barge traffic. Sometimes they’re lined up three deep. It’s different every day with those barges. There’s the option of running south, but most of the fish are migrating up towards the dam area.”

While forward-facing sonar has undoubtedly taken the fishing world by storm, Plautz doesn’t believe it will factor at the opener.

“I’m not even going to bring my Garmin LiveScope,” he concluded. “With all the Asian carp, whitefish and catfish, it’s nearly impossible to identify fish species. This will be kind of a throwback tournament where we’re just fishing. I can’t wait to get down there and start the season.”

The long-term forecast for northern Illinois calls for high temperatures in the 40s, which may be cool, but will also minimize spring runoff.

“Where I live in Pierre, S.D., we’ve been fishing below the dam pretty much all year long,” Hjelm said. “Lately, the highs are in the 40s, and the lows are in the 20s. That’s exactly what we’re going to be facing in Spring Valley, so I’m completely fine with it. It’s time to get the season started.”

Anglers will take off each day at 7:30 a.m. Central time from the Spring Valley Boat Club, located at 13862 Illinois 89 in Granville. The daily weigh-ins will also take place at the boat club, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The full field fishes each day with the winner in each division being determined by the heaviest cumulative weight.

The National Walleye Tour consists of four regular-season events and a no-entry-fee championship. Each regular season event is a two-day, pro-am tournament and delivers over a 100 percent payback. Pros compete against other pros, and co-anglers compete against other co-anglers. The 2023 season kicks off with a record number of Co-anglers signed up for all events!

Pro angler registration is ongoing for the remaining three NWT qualifiers on Lake Winnebago, WI., Lake Francis Case, SD and St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste Marie, MI. The deadline to sign up is on Friday 2-weeks prior to each event. Registration can be taken over the phone at (580)765-9031 or online by visiting https://archive.nationalwalleyetour.com/national-walleye-tour-register/

For more information on rules and tournament payouts, visit https://archive.nationalwalleyetour.com/

New release advances electric propulsion with the most advanced trolling motor on the market.

Tampa, Fla. – March 3, 2023 – Since the inception of the Shallow Water Anchor more than 20 years ago, the name Power-Pole has become synonymous with innovation and durability. In keeping with those tenants, Power-Pole introduces a new movement in Total Boat Control with the Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor, the strongest and most advanced trolling motor ever created.

Nearly a decade in the making, the Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor was concepted and constructed from the ground up with a focus on not just improving upon existing offerings but exceeding them in every way. The result is not only the most powerful electric motor available, but also the quietest and most durable trolling motor sportfishing has seen.

Our founder, John Oliverio and the Power-Pole team began by looking at the technology and materials available and decided that to bear the name Power-Pole, they needed to begin from scratch. To have the power and stealth we desired, we needed to produce our own brushless motor and steering components to achieve our goals. Our research and development produced technology that have never been used in marine application.

The Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor is constructed of the same premium materials and innovation that have made Power-Pole the industry standard Shallow Water Anchors. The technology used in the Next-Gen Brushless Motor and STEALTH STEERING DRIVE are key to the power production, and the operational reliability of the motor.

The motor and steering systems in the Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor are engineered to produce ultimate power while remaining near silent in their operation.  The Power Unity System of the brushless motor and reinforced Techflow^TM Propeller create 30-percent more power than industry leading trolling motors, all while being whisper quiet in the propulsion and the steering systems.

The low-profile bracket features the ported aluminum design made famous by our Blade Shallow Water Anchors and is protected by Power-Pole’s Multi-layer Corrosion Resistance Technology. Even the hinges, locks and pivot points of the bracket are engineered to withstand the rigors of extreme fishing conditions.

The shaft is revolutionary, manufactured from nearly unbreakable aerospace-grade titanium that will hold up to extreme pressure. That shaft combined with the bracket has been tested to withstand the harshest environments in fishing. While it is built to last, the Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor is built with contingencies so that anglers can stay on the water. Compound fail-safes were engineered into the system to ensure that the motor functions as it should even if parts become compromised.

The Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor comes standard with all of the features the modern angler has become accustomed to and more. Features like advanced Anchor Mode allows the angler to stealthily maintain position while focusing on fishing. The Vector Heading feature follows a straight course down a bank or offshore drift, while our Follow a Route feature guided by ProNav allows the angler to use the Power-Pole app or compatible device to set a route for the motor to follow. Finally, a Compass Heading feature causes the motor to bear towards specific compass headings identified by the user.

The Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor is available in two versions, The MOVE ZR is a model with a hinged scissor bracket commonly used on bass boats and the MOVE PV, a pivoting version most commonly used on saltwater and big water boats. Both versions are built to withstand use in saltwater environments, will operate in 24- or 36-volt systems, are integrated with our C-Monster 2.0 wireless connection system and produce Max True Thrust of 100 pounds in a 36-volt system or 78 pounds in a 24-volt setup. Power-Pole has chosen to use real world honest “True Thrust” numbers to measure MOVE performance instead of the current industry inflated scaling standards.

Quite simply, the Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor is built to be the strongest, quietest, most reliable, most powerful, weed destroying trolling motor on the market today. The Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor carries a three-year warranty on everything but the titanium shaft, which is protected by a lifetime warranty, similar to our Lifetime Everflex Spike Warranty found in our Shallow Water Anchors. Of course, all warranties are backed by the world class Customer Service that only Power-Pole provides.

Our pro anglers have been involved in the testing process and feel that the Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor is a product that makes their job easier as professional anglers. Pro angler Chris Lane, a multi-time Champion and Power-Pole pro testified to the quality of the product. “This trolling motor is the ultimate combination of everything I need to compete,” said Lane. “MOVE is the lightest and quietest I have ever used and is the most powerful and strongest at the same time; it has truly helped me go more places and catch more fish.”

Lane’s brother Bobby, a Champion angler and key Power-Pole pro staffer himself, echoed his brother’s sentiments. “I am primarily a shallow water angler and being stealthy is very important to me,” said the elder Lane. “MOVE is not only the quietest motor I have ever used, but it has every major feature I need to be competitive and some that you don’t expect; it is truly the best I have ever used.”

The MOVE ZR is available in shaft lengths of 45, 52 and 60-inch versions. It comes standard with our Wireless RealFeel^TM Foot Pedal, separate wireless Foot Buttons that control Anchor Mode and GPS functions along with a Wireless Trolling Display to help the angler keep up with the system. MOVE ZR also comes with a Wireless Hybrid Remote complete with Charging Cradle that is compatible with our Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchors through the C-Monster 2.0 system. MOVE ZR begins at $4999 MSRP for the 45-inch, $5199 for the 52-inch or $5399 for the 60-inch version. There is a $200 increase for a model with integrated Lowrance HDi transducer.

The Power-Pole MOVE PV is also available in of 45, 52 and 60-inch shaft lengths, and a 72-inch model. It comes standard with two Wireless Hybrid Remotes with a wireless Charging Cradle and a quick release bracket mount. MSRP for the MOVE PV begins at $4999 MSRP for the 45-inch, $5199 for the 52-inch or $5399 for the 60-inch and $5599 for the 72-inch version.

MOVE PV is also compatible with our Wireless RealFeel^TM Foot Pedal, Wireless Foot Buttons and Wireless Trolling Display; these are available as optional accessories. Both the MOVE ZR and MOVE PV are available in black or white color schemes of our Multi-layer Corrosion Resistance Technology finishes.

Robert Shamblin, Vice President of JL Marine Systems, Inc. explained how much went into the development of the motor. “The Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication of the Power Pole team,” said Shamblin. “I am happy to say that the result is the best trolling motor on the market, and I can’t wait for everyone to be ‘MOVEd’ when they experience what we’ve produced.”

The Power-Pole MOVE Brushless Trolling Motor is available to order through your nearest Authorized Power-Pole dealer. For more information including full specifications, features and videos, visit https://power-pole.com/

 

 

About JL Marine Systems, Inc.

JL Marine Systems, Inc., is the developer and manufacturer of the original Power-Pole® Shallow Water Anchor – the industry’s leading shallow water anchoring system for small skiffs, bass boats, flats boats, bay boats and more. Since their introduction in 2000, Power-Pole anchors have been celebrated among professional anglers and everyday fishermen.

JL Marine Systems offers four Power-Pole anchor models in addition to spikes, anchor accessories, apparel and gear. With a relentless focus on customer service, JL Marine Systems is revolutionizing the industry with the development of technology solutions for total boat control –completely changing the fishing experience at the push of a button. Proudly made in the U.S. at the JL Marine Systems headquarters in Tampa, Fla., Power-Pole products are available via more than 3,500 dealers, retailers and boat manufacturers worldwide.

To learn more about Power-Pole products and shop today, click the link: https://www.basspro.com/SearchDisplay#q=power-pole or follow Power-Pole on Facebook and Instagram at @power.pole.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (February 28, 2023) – The 2023 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s National Walleye Tour (NWT) presented by Progressive season kicks off in Spring Valley, IL on the Illinois River in less than three weeks. Registration for the first event – as well as the entire 2023 season – is currently open, and the Outdoor TeamWorks staff is available to assist with any questions.

NWT showcases the nation’s top walleye professional anglers and winning pro- anglers at each event will walk away with more than $100,000 in cash, prizes, and contingency bonuses. The tour is excited to return to three previous NWT event locations in 2023, including Devil’s Lake, Lake Winnebago, and St. Mary’s River.

2023 National Walleye Tour Schedule:

• March 21-22 – Spring Valley, IL | Illinois River
• May 17-18 – Oshkosh, WI | Lake Winnebago
• June 22-23 – Pickstown, SD | Lake Francis Case
• July 27-28 – Sault Ste Marie, MI | St. Mary’s River
• September 6-8 – Devil’s Lake, ND | Devil’s Lake (CHAMPIONSHIP)

Pro-Angler 1st Place Payouts per event:

•March 21-22: Spring Valley, IL – Illinois River

• 2023 Nitro ZV20 w/ Mercury Pro XS 225hp
• Retail Value: $68,995, plus FRT & Prep

•May 17-18: Oshkosh, WI – Lake Winnebago

• 2023 Triton 206 Fishhunter w/ Mercury Pro XS 225hp
• Retail Value: $68,250 plus FRT & Prop

•June 22-23: Pickstown, SD – Lake Francis Case

• 2023 Ranger 620FS w/ Mercury PRO XS 250hp
• Retail Value: $89,995, plus FRT & Prep

•July 27-28: Sault Ste Marie, MI – St. Mary’s River

• 2023 Triton 206 Fishhunter w/ Mercury Pro XS 225hp
• Retail Value: $68,250 plus FRT & Prep

•September 6-8: Devil’s Lake, ND – Devil’s Lake

• 2023 Nitro ZV20 Pro w/ Mercury Pro XS 225hp motor
• Retail Value: $68,995, plus FRT & Prep

 

Pro entry fees remain at $1,750, as in previous years. To read the updated rules and register for the 2023 National Walleye Tour tournaments, visit https://archive.nationalwalleyetour.com/national-walleye-tour-register/

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About National Walleye Tour

National Walleye Tour (NWT) is part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For live updates and information, follow NWT on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nationalwalleyetour.com to catch up on all the action.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (January 5, 2023) – The National Walleye Tour is back in 2023 and offers another exciting season to the most premiere walleye tournament anglers in the world! 2023 features some new tournament venues and promises big fish catches, exciting tournament action, and will end be crowning the best-of-the-best at the National Walleye Tour championship. Registration will officially open to Pro- and Co-Anglers on Tuesday, January 10th at 9am central time.

“We are excited to get the 2023 season underway and are looking forward to showcasing the best walleye anglers across the country”, says tournament director Jeff Helm. “After months of planning and preparation, we are ready to open registration and officially get the season going. We look forward to seeing lots of new and familiar faces at the first event in March.”

Along with registration, National Walleye Tour will be announcing exciting contingency programs available for anglers to sign-up for very soon. For special announcements and tournament details throughout the 2023 season, anglers are highly encouraged to sign up for the email and newsletter on the National Walleye Tour website.

To register for the 2023 National Walleye Tour tournaments, please read the updated 2023 RULES and then follow this link to get registered: https://archive.nationalwalleyetour.com/national-walleye-tour-register/

2023 National Walleye Tour Schedule:

• March 21st-22nd Spring Valley, IL Illinois River
• May 17th-18th Oshkosh, WI Lake Winnebago
• June 22nd-23rd Pickstown, SD Lake Francis Case
• July 27th-28th Sault Ste Marie, MI St. Mary’s River
• September 6th-8th Devil’s Lake, ND Devil’s Lake

For more information on the National Walleye Tour, including the 2023 tournament schedule, and photos and official tournament results from past events, visit www.nationalwalleyetour.com. Subscribing to the NWT e-newsletter is the best way to receive up-to-date information, registration announcements, sponsor incentives, and Outdoor TeamWorks news.

—

About National Walleye Tour

National Walleye Tour (NWT) is part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For live updates and information, follow NWT on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nationalwalleyetour.com to catch up on all the action.