May 13, 2004
Press Release

Evinrude Walleye Classic Increases Payout

Walker, Minn,--Fishing the WildSide, announced April 30^th that Minn Kota Trolling Motors has agreed to a promotional sponsorship of the tournament which will increase payout to participants by thousands of dollars.  Earlier this spring the $100,000.00 Evinrude Walleye Classic announced the record sized purse included a 1^st place prize package of a Evinrude Powered LUND Boat and Eagle Trailer.  Now the question remains what’s in store, for anglers, on the shores of Leech Lake when anglers arrive in early June.

The Evinrude Walleye Classic, one of the largest team walleye events in North America, has increased in popularity in part due to the creative payout format.  Special and unique awards for teams that finish in 100^th Place, Mediorce Award, to 175^th Place, You Need Direction Award gives an example of a couple.  The addition of a Minn Kota sponsorship will again add to the payout.  Not only will the 1^st Place package of the Evinrude powered Lund Boat be rigged with a Minn Kota Trolling motor, increasing the value of the package to over $26,000.00, the team that finish’s in 31^st Place will also win a Minn Kota Trolling Motor with a retail value of $1000.00.  Thirty-first place is usually considered the “stink hole” as that finish is one spot “out” of the money.  In 2004, at the Evinrude Walleye Classic 31^st Place may never have smelled so good.

Popularity in fishing competitively is at a all time high with tournaments of all sizes.  Interestingly most fishing tournaments pay back to the field on an average of about 80%.  WildSide’s Evinrude Walleye Classic, with the addition of Minn Kota Trolling Motors is now paying back to participating teams 99% of the entry fee through cash and prizes.  Another area that makes the Evinrude Walleye Classic unique is the divisional format.  Teams compete for the overall championship title and the Lund/Evinrude Prize Package, as well as divisions for teams consisting of one male and one female angler, one adult and one youth angler, two female anglers as well as a special division for teams where both members are over 55 years of age.  “There are more ways to win money at the Evinrude Walleye Classic than any other open water fishing tournament I am aware of” Boats Fishing the WildSide’s Chip Leer who acts as Tournament Director.

2004’s weigh-in will again take place under the Huge Lund Boat Tent in City Park, Walker Minnesota and more festivities are planned for public planning to attend.  Lund Boats, Evinrude Outboards in partnership with Resort Marine of Walker will be holding a Boat Show and Test Drive during the tournament.  Public is encouraged to come, look at and drive the new boats and talk with Evinrude and Lund Pro-Staff members about their boating needs.  Families are encouraged to stop by on Sunday June 6^th as it is a day designed for kids.  Coleman Outdoor Products will be hosting a Family Fishing Festival with plenty of activities, clowns and education about the outdoor environment planned.

Openings remain for the 2004 event.  For information on WildSide’s $100,000.00 Evinrude Walleye Classic call 218-547-4714 or log onto www.fishingthewildside.com and click on Evinrude Walleye Classic.

WildSide’s $100,000.00 Evinrude Walleye Classic Sponsors include;  Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Eagle Trailers, Resort Marine, Berkley Trilene, Berkley PowerBait, Berkley Gulp!, Abu Garcia, Coleman Outdoor Products, Minn Kota Trolling Motors, Northern Lights Casino and Hotel, Lowrance Electronics, Northland Fishing Tackle