National Walleye Tour to Open on Green Bay, Wisconsin

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SRINGFIELD, Mo. – The National Walleye Tour Presented by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s will host its season opener on Green Bay at Oconto, Wisconsin, July 23-24. The tournament circuit features a pro-am style format and guarantees over 100 percent payback.

The Oconto event will take place at Oconto Breakwater & Park (1301 Harbor Rd., Oconto, WI 54153). Registration/Check-In will take place online with a mandatory pre-tournament meeting set to start at 5:00 p.m. via Live Coverage at nationalwalleyetour.com. Pro- and co-angler pairings will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting and will be texted to each angler.

Anglers will launch Thursday and Friday mornings at 7 a.m. from the park and return to the launch for weigh-in at 3 p.m. Spectators will not be allowed at this event.

Registration for the event is already underway. To register, please go online and click on register at NationalWalleyeTour.com.

Anglers who are participating in any of the numerous contingency prize programs are encouraged to submit all pertinent information when you check in online to remain eligible for any potential bonus money.

As always, all NWT events will deliver 100 percent payback. New for 2020 – A fully rigged Ranger 2080MS with a Mercury 250, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a minimum total value of $78,000. First-place also offers potential boat and motor upgrades. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship.


The National Walleye Tour includes unmatched television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each eventthroughout the season. Airing on multiple national and regional networks, the NWT will be seen on the Pursuit Channel, CBS Sports Network, NBC SportsNet Chicago, Wild TV Canada, and the World Fishing Network. Additionally, NWT has a large digital presence where episodes can be seen 24×7 on Outdoor Action TV, Pursuit UP, Fishing TV, and others; plus all weigh-ins are streamed live on Outdoor Action TV, our website, and social media.

National Walleye Tour events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Mercury, Lucas Oil, AFTCO, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Sunline, Valley Fashions, T-H Marine, Atlas, G-Juice, Powertex Group.

For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or check out the website at www.nationalwalleyetour.com. From here, site visitors can learn more about the NWT, view the TV schedule and learn more about what’s in store for 2020 season.

2020 NWT scheduled events:
July 23-24 – Oconto, Wis.
Aug. 13-14 – Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Sept. 10-11 – Garrison, N.D.

Championship
Oct. 14-16 – Huron, Ohio

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National Walleye Tour Releases Updated 2020 Schedule

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Registration Opens Monday June 22 at 8am!

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (June 19, 2020) – After a delayed start due to concerns for COVID-19, the National Walleye Tour Presented by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s releases the updated schedule for the 2020 season. Before each regular-season event and the championship, the NWT will detail new protective procedures beforehand to help protect anglers and tournament personnel. 

The NWT will open on Green Bay at Oconto, Wisconsin, July 23-24, before moving on to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on August 13-14. The NWT will head to Garrison, North Dakota, to wrap up the regular season on September 10-11. The championship is set for October 14-16 on Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. 

Registration for the regular-season events opens June 22 at 8 a.m. Anglers who are participating in any of the numerous contingency prize programs are encouraged to submit all pertinent information to remain eligible for any potential bonus money. 

As always, all NWT events will deliver over 100 percent payback. A fully rigged Ranger 1880, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a minimum total value of $61,000. First-place also offers potential boat and motor upgrades. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship.  

The National Walleye Tour includes unmatched television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each eventthroughout the season. Airing on multiple national and regional networks, the NWT will be seen on the Pursuit Channel, CBS Sports Network, NBC SportsNet Chicago, Wild TV Canada, and the World Fishing Network. Additionally, NWT has a large digital presence where episodes can be seen 24×7 on Outdoor Action TV, Pursuit UP, Fishing TV, and others; plus all weigh-ins are streamed live on Outdoor Action TV, our website, and social media. 

National Walleye Tour events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Mercury, Lucas Oil, AFTCO, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Sunline, Valley Fashions, T-H Marine, Atlas, G-Juice, Powertex Group. 

For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or check out the website at www.nationalwalleyetour.com. From here, site visitors can learn more about the NWT, view the TV schedule and learn more about what’s in store for 2020 season.

2020 NWT scheduled events:

July 23-24 – Oconto, Wis.

Aug. 13-14 – Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 

Sept. 10-11 – Garrison, N.D.

Championship

Oct. 14-16 – Huron, Ohio

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2020 NWT Chamberlain, SD Event Cancelled

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After much consideration, and working closely with the city officials in Chamberlain, SD, the National Walleye Tour feels that it is not in the best interests of everyone who would be attending the upcoming event, or the local area, to hold this event as scheduled.   

Our decision is based on the current CDC guidelines and with the safety of all our anglers who travel from all over, our staff and the local community in mind.  

At this time, we plan to move forward with the July event in Oconto.  We are working on updates for the 2020 NWT season and will release information as soon as it is available.  

Refunds for the Chamberlain event will begin today and will go back to the card you paid with.  Please keep in mind there are a lot of refunds to be processed and we appreciate your patience as we get through them all. 

If you have any questions please email cschad@outdoorteamworks.com

Stay Safe!

National Walleye Tour Presented by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Pushes 2020 Season Start Back to May 28-29

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SPRINGFIELD, MO (March 30, 2020) – The National Walleye Tour presented by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s announces its 2020 season will now open May 28-29 on Lake Francis Case at Chamberlain-Oacoma, South Dakota. Dates and event details for subsequent tournaments will be released at a later time. Decisions being made are based on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lake Francis Case event begins Wednesday, May 27, with tournament registration from 2-4 p.m. at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center at Cedar Shore (1500 Shoreline Dr., Oacoma, SD 57365) with a mandatory pre-tournament meeting set to start at 5:00 p.m. Pro- and co-angler pairings will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.

Anglers will launch Thursday and Friday mornings at 7 a.m. from Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center at Cedar Shore and return to the launch for weigh-in at 3 p.m. 

Registration for the event is already underway. To register, please go online and click on register atNationalWalleyeTour.com. All anglers that register online will be entered in to a drawing for a $100 Cabela’s gift card. 

As always, all NWT events will deliver 100 percent payback. A fully rigged Ranger 1880, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a minimum total value of $61,000. First-place also offers potential boat and motor upgrades. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship.  

The National Walleye Tour includes unmatched television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each event throughout the season. Airing on multiple networks, the NWT will be seen on the Pursuit Channel, CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports Net North, NBC Sports Chicago, WildTV Canada and the World Fishing Network.

National Walleye Tour events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Mercury, Lucas Oil, AFTCO, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Sunline, Valley Fashions, T-H Marine, Atlas, G-Juice, Powertex Group.  

For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or check out the website at www.nationalwalleyetour.com. From here, site visitors can learn more about the NWT, view the TV schedule and learn more about what’s in store for 2020 season.

NWT Adds Sunline as Sponsor

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – The National Walleye Tour presented by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s adds Sunline to their list of sponsors for the 2020 season. The partnership was finalized as the NWT prepares to open the season on Lake Francis Case on April 30.

“Sunline products can be found in quite of few of our angler’s boats,” said NWT Tournament Director Anthony Wright. “The NWT travels to some of the best walleye fisheries in the states and we are excited to help spread the word about Sunline.”

Sunline began manufacturing fishing line in 1977 with the goal of producing a stronger, thinner fishing line. The company has lines for every type of mark and method and is the largest line-only manufacturing company in the world, producing more than 550 tons of fishing line per year. The company is dedicated to producing products that only pass their rigorous quality control tests.

“The NWT is a high-stakes competition, making it a great place to showcase our products,” said Nobuyuki Kajio, president Sunline America. “We strive every day to make the highest quality fishing line that anglers can trust in any tournament condition. We understand the needs professional anglers and are excited to support the NWT this year.”

As always, all NWT events will deliver 100 percent payback. A fully rigged Ranger 1880, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a minimum total value of $61,000. First-place also offers potential boat and motor upgrades. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship.


The Cabela’s National Walleye Tour includes unmatched television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each event throughout the season. Airing on multiple networks, the NWT will be seen on the Pursuit Channel, CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports Net North, Comcast Chicago SportsNet, WildTV Canada and the World Fishing Network.

National Walleye Tour events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Mercury, Lucas Oil, AFTCO, Sunline, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Valley Fashions, T-H Marine, Atlas, G-Juice, Powertex Group.

For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or check out the website at www.nationalwalleyetour.com. From here, site visitors can learn more about the NWT, view the TV schedule and learn more about what’s in store for 2020 season.

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National Walleye Tour Presented by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Adds AFTCO as Sponsor for 2020 Season

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (February 19, 2020) – The National Walleye Tour presented by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s adds American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) to their list of sponsors for the 2020 season. The partnership was finalized as the NWT prepares to open the season on Lake Francis Case on April 30.

“AFTCO is the go-to company for the ultimate in sun protection for anglers and now features all the clothing our competitors will need,” said NWT Tournament Director Anthony Wright. “Our industry partners are instrumental to providing a well-run competition. With their support, our tournament anglers are sure to have another great season in 2020.

AFTCO began in 1958 and is a 3rd generation family owned company dedicated to making the best quality fishing equipment and apparel while promoting conservation. The driving principle behind AFTCO’s growth has always been a passion for conservation. AFTCO donates 10% of their sales to directly support conservation initiatives across the country and looks forward to bringing those initiatives to the NWT.  

“The NWT offers the ideal arena to showcase our products,” said AFTCO President Casey Shedd. “The NWT competitors are avid anglers and many spend hundreds of days on the water. The wide range of temperatures they encounter make clothing very important to them. Our products help these anglers get the most out of their time fishing. We are looking forward to being a part of the NWT this season.” 

As always, all NWT events will deliver 100 percent payback. A fully rigged Ranger 1880, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a minimum total value of $61,000. First-place also offers potential boat and motor upgrades. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship.  

The National Walleye Tour presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s includes unmatched television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each event throughout the season. Airing on multiple networks, the NWT will be seen on the Pursuit Channel, CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports Net North, Comcast Chicago SportsNet, WildTV Canada and the World Fishing Network.

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Professional walleye circuit gearing up for the third tournament of the 2016 season

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (June 10, 2016) – Competitive walleye anglers will converge on Green Bay, June 23-24, at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for the third tournament of the 2016 Cabela’s National Walleye Tour. The tournament circuit features a pro-am style format and guarantees over 100 percent payback.

The Sturgeon Bay event begins Wednesday, June 22, with tournament registration from 2-4 p.m. at The Lodge at Leatham Smith (1640 Memorial Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) with a mandatory pre-tournament meeting set to start at 5:00 p.m. Pro and co-angler pairings will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.

Anglers will launch Thursday and Friday mornings at 7 a.m. from the The Lodge at Leatham Smith and return to the boat launch for weigh-ins at 3 p.m.

The last day for anglers to register for the NWT Sandusky event is Monday, June 20. To register, please go online and click on register. All anglers that register online will be entered in to a drawing for a $100 Cabela’s gift card.

During each day of competition, Triton Boats and Mercury Marine are offering free demo rides in the acclaimed 216 Fishhunter. The demo rides will take off from the boat launch.

The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) will also host a “Future Angler” program for children after Friday’s weigh-in, approximately at 5:30 p.m., featuring an educational seminar and training for youth from top-notch NPAA members. The youth-orientated event will include a free rod/reel combo or “Future Pro” t-shirt for the first 150 children who attend the educational program.

Anglers who are participating in any of the numerous contingency prize programs are encouraged to submit all pertinent information at registration to remain eligible for any potential bonus money.

Each NWT tournament features over 100 percent payback. A fully rigged Ranger Boat, plus cash, is guaranteed for first place at each event – a total value of $61,000. Anglers that fish all three regular-season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship.
The tournament circuit also includes unprecedented television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each event throughout the season. Airing on multiple networks, the National Walleye Tour will be seen on FOX Sports, and Pursuit Channel, as well as the NBC Sports Network.

For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or 501-317-7548 or check out the new website at www.nationalwalleyetour.com. From here, site visitors can register for events, view the contingency programs and TV schedule and learn more about what’s in-store for 2016.

2016 NWT scheduled events:
June 23-24 – Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay, Wis.)

Championship – Aug. 3-5 – Lake Oahe (Mobridge, S.D.)

NOW STREAMING ON OUTDOOR ACTION TV – 2019 NWT Championship Day 3

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (November 21, 2019) –Now streaming on Outdoor Action TV, live coverage from day 3 of the National Walleye Tour presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Championship! The final day of the 2019 National Walleye Tour Championship is here and we’re crowing this season’s Pro and Co Champions at Devils Lake, ND! Catch the excitement now!

Download ‘Outdoor Action TV’ on your iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV and start watching NOW!

Watch the 2019 NWT Championship Day 3

Four years ago, John Hoyer decided to commence his transition from guide and co-angler to professional walleye fisherman. His teammates and travel partners knew he was ready. After all, in 2015 he won the Co-angler of the Year award on the National Walleye Tour, presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. What they didn’t know was that Hoyer would soon become the hottest walleye stick on the planet. In his last three NWT events, Hoyer has finished first, second and first. The one common denominator from each event is casting. Hoyer’s latest casting crusade came at Devils Lake during the premier event in walleye fishing.

Hoyer started the final day of the championship essentially tied with friend Dusty Minke. While Minke had an excellent final day, Hoyer put the hammer down with a 24.59-pound limit. He fished six different spots in East Devils Lake, but one clearly stood apart from the rest.

Hoyer’s three-day cumulative total was 67.73 pounds. He hasn’t had the time to fully process his latest achievement.

For winning the biggest event in competitive walleye fishing, Hoyer earned a Ranger 621 FS with a 300 horsepower Mercury outboard, $15,000 cash, and another $2,225 in Anglers Advantage cash for a total purse of $97,320.

Tommy Kemos had one of the best tournament days of his career, but it wasn’t quite enough to take the title. Coincidentally, he and Hoyer each recorded identical 24.59-pound stringers today, meaning he finished .43 pounds behind with a total of 67.30.

For second place, Kemos earned a fully equipped Triton-Mercury package plus $2,925 in bonuses.

After a run-and-gun, sporadic day, Minke thought maybe he won the tournament when he stroked a 27-incher with just five minutes left to fish.

While Hoyer was on the east side, Minke stayed west and worked three different patterns near Grahams Island and in Pelican Bay. He weighed 14 fish in three days with nearly an even split between the three.

With a three-day total of 14 walleyes weighing 65.02 pounds, Minke earned $15,900.

Fishing the same area as Hoyer, Bismarck, N.D., angler Greg Ehli was been remarkably consistent all week. On day one, he caught 20.82. On day two, he caught 20.26, and today he managed 20.11. This consistency resulted in a three-day total weight of 61.19 pounds, which placed him fourth.

Finishing fifth was Angler of the Year Tom Keenan. While Keenan was tied for second in the AOY race coming into the championship, he was still considered a longshot. He started 20 points back of pro Brett King, who claimed the 2018 AOY. On day one, Keenan and King were both in the top 10. On day two, the race completely turned upside down as King only managed two small keepers. In the process, he tumbled to 36th while Keenan made the top-10 cut. Keenan finished his final season with 756 points while King accumulated 745.

To catch up on the 2019 season, download the Outdoor Action TV app or click here.

Catch up with these programs and so much more now! Watch for new content every single week – Enjoy!

NEW ON OUTDOOR ACTION TV – 2019 NWT Championship Day 1 and Day 2

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (November 18, 2019) — Get all this coverage and more to stream on your television, computer, or smart phone NOW! Download the ‘Outdoor Action TV’ App directly to your iOS or Android smart phone, Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV device, or visit our website at: www.OutdoorActionTV.com for all FREE 24/7 viewing!

New this week on Outdoor Action TV, the National Walleye Tour presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s hits the water for the final event of the season. Back to an angler favorite walleye lake for the 2019 National Walleye Tour Championship — Devils Lake, ND! Follow along as we cover competition from the first two days and see how the anglers are catching them. Find out which Pro and Co anglers will be leading into the final day.

2019 NWT Championship Day 1 and Day 2

Wicked weather during practice for the 2019 National Walleye Tour Championship, presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, had the world’s best walleye anglers singing the tough-bite blues. A severe cold front, which felt more like winter than early fall, had many pros believing the sport’s premier event would be a grinder. Instead, the Devils Lake walleyes went on the chew as 16 pros weighed stringers in excess of 20 pounds. Leading the three-day championship after day one is veteran stick Mike Gofron with 28.22.

After a weather postponement on Thursday, the 2019 National Walleye Tour Championship, presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, resumed competition Friday. While the weather was still blustery, a shift in direction from the northeast to the northwest allowed the anglers to safely compete. For some, the change in wind resulted in improved fishing, but for most, it was a major curveball. Minnesota pros Dusty Minke and John Hoyer adapted to the changing conditions and are essentially tied as walleye fishing’s premier event moves to its final stage.

Minke weighed only four walleyes Friday, but two of the four were giants – an 8-pounder and a 7-pounder. His official weight was 18.11, which pushed his total to 43.18 pounds. Minke also lost a good fish trolling, one that would have given him some cushion.

Fresh off a second-place finish at Sault Ste. Marie and a win on Green Bay, Hoyer looks nearly invincible. On day one, he boated 22.19, and today he caught 20.95 for a two-day total of 43.14 pounds.

Tommy Kemos wasn’t one of the 16 pros to surpass 20 pounds on day one, but he was close. He officially recorded five walleyes for 19.49 pounds. Today he soared to third place after weighing 23.22 pounds. With a two-day total of 42.71, he’s positioned less than a pound off the lead.

Rounding out the top five are pros Kent Anderson and Greg Ehli. Anderson, the son of the late David Andersen, caught a limit today weighing 22.82 pounds. Combined with his 19.62 from day one, the Amery, Wis., pro starts the final round with a total of 42.44. Ehli, the Bismarck, N.D., angler, has been remarkably consistent – catching limits of 20.82 and 20.26 for a cumulative weight of 41.08 pounds.

To catch up on the 2019 season, download the Outdoor Action TV app or click here.

Outdoor Action TV, continues its growth as one of the largest streaming video networks available for outdoors enthusiasts. This FREE television and mobile digital streaming platform gives outdoor enthusiasts the latest hunting and fishing          programming at their fingertips for 24 hour a day 7 day a week viewing.

Being available across many different digital outlets ensures that Outdoor Action TV can meet the viewing needs of everyone – whether you want to watch programming from your mobile device, computer, or television. Go to www.OutdoorActionTV.com, or download the Outdoor Action TV app via Roku, Amazon TV, or Apple TV, iOS and Android.

In addition to traditional programming fishing and hunting content from around the world, Outdoor Action TV features live weigh-ins for some of the hottest fishing tournaments, including National Walleye Tour, IFA Redfish Tour, Texas Team Trail, and the ACA Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. Not only can weigh-ins be viewed live, but they are also archived for later viewing or watching over and over again.   Stay tuned for additional news on upcoming live fishing events from the water coming to this platform.

Catch up with these programs and so much more now! Watch for new content every single week – Enjoy!

NEW ON OUTDOOR ACTION TV – National Walleye Tour 2019 Season Overview & Championship Preview

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – New this week on Outdoor Action TV, the National Walleye Tour presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s gears up for the final showdown. The most anticipated event of the season – the 2019 National Walleye Tour CHAMPIONSHIP – is coming up soon! We take a look at the season, past Championships, and the Lucas Oil Angler of the Year race!Get all this coverage and more to stream on your television, computer, or smart phone NOW! Download the ‘Outdoor Action TV’ App directly to your iOS or Android smart phone, Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV device, or visit our website at: www.OutdoorActionTV.com for all FREE 24/7 viewing!Watch National Walleye Tour 2019 Overview & Championship Preview

For the third time in its seven-year existence, the National Walleye Tour, presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, will hold its championship on North Dakota’s Devils Lake. The season-ending event, held Sept. 11-13, is the world championship of professional walleye fishing, awarding two fully-rigged boat packages and determining who claims the coveted Angler of the Year award. Devils Lake delivers the perfect playground as a wide variety of presentations will be employed on North Dakota’s largest natural lake, known as “Sportsman’s Paradise.”Leading the AOY race after three events with 580 points is Lowrance pro Brett King. The 49-year-old King dramatically rose from third to claim last year’s AOY title and is now positioned to become the first pro to win AOY back to back.“Obviously going back to back would be incredible; I would love to add it to the list,” King offered. “I remember I won the AIM Angler of the Year in 2011 and I had a chance to go back to back and win the FLW in 2012, but I finished third. I’ve always left that one on the shelf thinking it would be cool. Fortunately, I now have the chance. It doesn’t happen very often, and chances are it won’t happen again.”King continued to build a reputation this year as a risk taker, often venturing on extensive runs in search of tournament-winning walleyes.“You either go for it, or you play conservative. More often than not, going for it works. The interesting part is that I haven’t had a tournament where I’ve got a limit both days. I was short one fish on Winnebago, one fish at Marinette, and two at the “Soo.” Last year, I felt fortunate to win AOY coming in without a limit on just one day. I’ve already had three of those days this year.”King described Devils as a “fun, but challenging venue.” What startles him is a scarcity of walleyes between 18 and 24 inches.“It seems that there’s a pile of 15- to 17-inch fish; it just seems really hard to separate yourself from the field. It’s not like going to Marinette and getting three big bites. When you’re stacking a field, half a pound is a lot. That can mean 20 spots (on the leaderboard). They key is going to be unlocking a few of those mid-20s fish. Those are the separators, and that’s the challenge that’s laid in front of us. Devils always seems to be about finding the next sunken road, or the next rock pile that’s just right, or the freshest weeds that are just right. And that’s what I hope it is this year.Forget what you know and go learn from actually fishing.”Trailing King are fellow Wisconsin pros Korey Sprengel and Tom Keenan, both of whom are sitting on 560 points. While King possesses a substantial lead, he has two of the most credentialed fishermen in the sport breathing down his neck.“They’re both incredible anglers,” King said of Sprengel and Keenan. “Just being 20 points ahead of them after three events is incredible. It’s certainly a different race this year. Last year, I was 12 points back heading into the championship. This year, if I can be fortunate enough to be in the cut, I won’t have to worry about Angler of the Year. I’d love to make a run and win the championship itself. I’ve won smaller championships, but never a major one. It’s one of the last things I want to do.”Working against King is Sprengel’s history on Devils, which includes a 2014 MWC victory. In addition, Sprengel puts in 60 to 70 days per year on Devils as an ice fishing guide for the Perch Patrol Guide Service.“There’s a lot of tournament history on Devils Lake, so there are few secrets,” said Sprengel, the Berkley pro. “The interesting thing is that every year is a little bit different. It’s like turning over a new leaf. Lately, the water has leveled off, and it’s fishing more like a lake.”For many years, Pelican Bay, located on the northwest side of the lake, was popular with tournament anglers. Last year, Nussbaum focused on East Devils Lake and East Bay.“The East Lake is just deeper, cooler. and there’s a ton of perch,” explained Sprengel. “They don’t have any reason to leave, so they end up staying out there. But now East Lake is getting overcrowded. The bite has been great all summer, but they don’t reload like they used to. I know some big bags were caught this summer on the main lake too. Overall, I think it’s going to take between 65 to 67 pounds to win it. Twenty pounds a day is definitely doable. It depends when that first summer cooldown arrives.”Despite all his accolades, Sprengel has never won the NWT AOY. In 2013, he accumulated the same number of points (757) as Robert Blosser, but lost in a tiebreaker.“Being 20 points back is not where I want to be, but it’s still doable. I threw fish back at Winnebago and fished too aggressively at Green Bay and didn’t come in with a limit. It can still happen. It’s Devils Lake, so the weights will be tight. I’m not even thinking about Angler of the Year though. Whenever I think about it, it never happens. It’s always my goal to stay consistent and finish in the top 10 in the standings. If I do that, it will happen one of these years.”“I hope it’s a slam dunk; I hope there’s no suspense,” concluded King. “But this field is an incredible bunch of fishermen. You gotta bring it, period. I would not doubt for one minute that this one will come down to the wire again.”To catch up on the 2019 season, download the Outdoor Action TV app or click here.Outdoor Action TV, continues its growth as one of the largest streaming video networks available for outdoors enthusiasts. This FREE television and mobile digital streaming platform gives outdoor enthusiasts the latest hunting and fishing programming at their fingertips for 24 hour a day 7 day a week viewing.Being available across many different digital outlets ensures that Outdoor Action TV can meet the viewing needs of everyone – whether you want to watch programming from your mobile device, computer, or television. Go to www.OutdoorActionTV.com, or download the Outdoor Action TV app via Roku, Amazon TV, or Apple TV, iOS and Android.In addition to traditional programming fishing and hunting content from around the world, Outdoor Action TV features live weigh-ins for some of the hottest fishing tournaments , including National Walleye Tour, IFA Redfish Tour, Texas Team Trail, and the ACA Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. Not only can weigh-ins be viewed live, but they are also archived for later viewing or watching over and over again.  Stay tuned for additional news on upcoming live fishing events from the water coming to this platform. Catch up with these programs and so much more now! Watch for new content every single week – Enjoy!