Dear PWT Angler,

In-Fisherman established the Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) in 1989 to increase awareness and participation in walleye fishing. At the time few anglers outside of the Dakotas and the Great Lakes states pursued walleyes, and no marine or tackle manufacturers outside of those regions designed or marketed products for walleye anglers.

Times have changed, and along the way In-Fisherman media properties like Walleye In-Sider magazine and the PWT television series have documented the time-tested and cutting-edge techniques that were discovered or refined on the PWT to help readers and viewers catch more and bigger walleyes. Fishing education remains In-Fisherman’s core mission, and the discoveries that have emerged from the PWT during the past two decades have greatly contributed to our success.

With these goals in mind, we’ve strived to produce the world’s most professional walleye tournament circuit. PWT tournament directors have consistently upheld rules that in most cases were developed in conjunction with the anglers. PWT tournament schedules also have stretched walleye boundaries—both in terms of geography and seasonality—for an entire industry that now caters to walleye anglers.

We remain firmly committed to these ideals, but the current state of the marine industry will serve as a catalyst for change during the 2008 PWT season. Last week we ended ongoing sponsorship negotiations with Mercury Marine, Lund Boats, and MotorGuide—Brunswick companies that have long been PWT sponsors. None will sponsor the PWT in 2008, and the timing of this decision means that we will be unable to secure alternative boat and motor sponsors this season.

We will continue to conduct the PWT in 2008, but must become even more efficient to minimize our financial loss. First, we will reduce the total number of events to reduce travel, seasonal staff, and other expenses. The total payout for Regional Series events also will be adjusted, though recently announced manufacturer incentives will actually increase the potential purse at these events. What’s more, pro payouts in 2008 will be all cash rather than a mix of cash and merchandise.

We also will replace the Super Pro circuit with a special invitational event that will pit top Canadian anglers against the best walleye pros from the U.S. A team captain from each country will select their team members, and the payout—set at 150 percent of the pro entry fee pool—will be awarded to top individual performers as well as each member of the winning team.

Finally, the PWT Championship, a 1-day shootout, will include the top 50 anglers from the Angler-of-the-Year race and feature a $50,000 guaranteed cash payout to the winner. This crowning event will immediately follow the final qualifying regional event at Hudson, WI. It will also include the naming of the PWT Angler-of-the-Year and the $25,000 cash prize that goes with that prestigious award meaning that over $300,000 in cash will be given away to the nation’s top walleye anglers that week.

We’re particularly grateful to Pure Fishing, Lowrance Electronics, Minn Kota, Optima Batteries, and Outdoor Channel for their continued support. We also recognize the contributions of Northland Tackle, StowMaster Nets, Allstar Graphics, Reef Runner Lures, RAM Mounts, Gerbing’s Heated Clothing, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, Smooth Moves, Do-It Molds, Yo-Zuri, and Fin-Tech—companies that not only support the PWT, but also manufacture the products you rely on to compete at the highest level.

The PWT website has specific information regarding the format, payout schedule, and other details of the coming season. Thanks for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at a PWT event very soon.

Warm regards,