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Team Starcraft - The New 2009 World Walleye Champions!

10/12/2009

With 85.26 pounds from Lake Erie over three days, Ohio anglers Matt Davis (Marion) and Dan Gies (Huron) jumped to the top of the elite Championship field to be crowned the Cabela's MWC World Walleye Champions, earning a cash prize of $25,000. This impressive victory comes just four weeks on the heels of winning the coveted MWC Team of the Year title which carried a $13,000 bonus. Davis and Gies are on a roll to have achieved both in such short succession, a testimony to their fishing acumen and versatility.

"So many great anglers have been a part of the rich history of the MWC," shared Matt Davis after the majestic walleye trophies and big check had been presented. "It's amazing to think that we've now accomplished something of this stature and are amongst their ranks. It's awesome." Partner Dan Gies knows it took awhile coming together, but agrees that the moment is sweet. "We've been a part of the MWC since the inception of the East division, for five years now," shared Gies, addressing his peers at the Champions dinner. "We had to learn the hard way and take our knocks at some of the tournaments that stretched us and our skill set. This is just such a great feeling, hard to believe it's real." This was their first Circuit victory.

In addition to just being great fishermen, practice, discipline, thorough planning and meticulous organization are the skills that Davis and Gies' teammates attributed to their friends' success. "You'll never see two more dedicated and disciplined fishermen than Matt and Dan," shared Greg Yarbrough, friend, teammate, and 2008 Champion himself. "They work hard, are always researching and well-prepared for every day on the water," continued Yarbrough.

Davis and Gies also received sponsor contingency bonuses including $100 from the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) and $200 from the Oxygenator for using an Oxygenator system in their livewell. Their Championship purse, bonuses and Team of the Year awards makes for a $38,300 paycheck for the month of October for these MWCers.

For more information about the Masters Walleye Circuit, please visit MastersWalleyeCircuit.com.