Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Master Walleye Circuit Qualifier will be held in Gladstone later this month, providing unique opportunities for area economic development and sport fishing enthusiasts. (Photo courtesy of the Master Walleye Circuit)

GLADSTONE — The city of Gladstone will host the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier later this month, a catch-and-release fishing tournament with fun for the local community and competitive fishing enthusiasts.

Organized through partnership and sponsorship between the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, the city of Gladstone, Hannahville Indian Community, the Bays de Noc Sports Fishermen and Visit Escanaba, the qualifier takes place on July 18 and 19. It’s expected to draw in media attention, professional anglers and economic benefit to the area. Anglers will be released at 7 a.m. from Gladstone’s Van Cleve Park boat launch each day, located at 1224 Lake Shore Drive, and are expected to return back to the launch at the end of each day to weigh their catch.

Spectors are welcome to attend the free, family-friendly event daily at 3 p.m., where each two-person team will showcase their fish baskets live on stage in Van Cleve Park. The event is limited to Michigan waters only and emphasizes “catch and release” conservation, with the MWC staff members and Great Lakes Sports Fishermen managing fish care and release. Each team is limited to weighing only five walleye each day. Each fish must be 15” in length or greater, with only one fish over 23″ allowed per angler.

“We are proud to sponsor the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit tournament and welcome anglers from across the nation to experience our world-class fishery,” said Vickie Micheau, Executive Director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, in a press release. “Events like this not only highlight the incredible natural resources we have here in our waterfront community but also provide a strong economic boost to our local businesses–from hotels and restaurants to bait shops and gas stations. It’s a win for our community on every level. We’ve had the privilege of working with the professional organizers of MWC events for decades, and we deeply value the strong partnership we’ve built over the years. Collaborating with them on this tournament has been both significant and gratifying.”

For those unable to attend, live coverage will be available online at masterswalleyecircuit.com and through the official MWC Facebook page at facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit. It is unknown at this time when the event will be televised.

For more information, please contact Pam Versailles with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce at 906-786-2192.