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Midwest Open Moved to February 11th & 12th, 2012
Because of the current ice conditions here in Southern Michigan on Friday, January 20, 2012 we have no choice but to postpone the 2012 Midwest Open until the weekend of February 11th and 12th. We have not taken this move lightly and understand that this will affect some Team's ability to fish in the 2012 Midwest Open. As of noon on Friday, January 20, 2012 the ice conditions were found to be 3"-4" with the area betweem Cherry Point having just froze overnight thus splitting Devils Lake with very unsafe ice conditions. The current Weather forecast does promise the ability to make enough quality ice by tournament time. The ability to hold the Midwest Open on any other lake went out the door on Thursday, January 19th when the 3 optional lakes were ruled out due to the fact all had 50% or greater open water.
Any team needing to make partner changes to their team or those teams that have to drop out because of schedule problems can do so anytime Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and until 6 p.m. on Saturday the 11th of February. When making those changes please do so by contacting Shelly at 517-592-2786 or send an email to Tom@knutsondecoys.com.
The Midwest Open is the premier Ice Fishing Tournament in the United States and the participants deserve to have a quality experience. Again we are very sorry to have to make this announcement but we have to put safety first, and with the current weather forcast it is not possible to make that call.
Thank you for your continued understanding.
Tom Knutson
Midwest Open Ice Fishing Tournament
P.S. Do not forget the Michigan Ice Open being held February 4th on Hamlin Lake in Ludington, MI
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With what has become one of the premiere ice fishing tournaments in the United States. The Midwest Open’s 2011 event held January 22, 2011 on Clark Lake in Clarklake, Michigan. Turned out 150 - 2 man teams fishing for $29,315.74 in cash and prizes. With the Big Prize of $12,000.00 going to the team of Ron Kniffen and Keith Kniffen bringing in a catch of 8 Gills and 3 Crappie weighing in at 5.59 lbs.
If you are interested in Ice Fishing and competing in tournaments this tournament is for you. This Tournament was first held on January 15th, 2000, when Mark Roesencrans convinced some of the top ice fishermen in the nation, like Dave Genz, to fish Devils Lake in the Irish Hills of Michigan. The first event in 2000 was an eye opener for many, those that came to fish from out of the area, who found the fishing to be very different than where they came from and to the locals who fished the tournament and became hooked on competition Ice Fishing. The first 2 events were single man events, fishermen against fishermen. Starting in 2002 a group was formed call “Ice Team” and the event changed to a team event. 2 man teams fishing various tournaments trying to qualify for the chance to fish in the Nationals in Dec. 2002. The 2002 Michigan winners went on to compete that year in the Nationals and were crowned the first National Champions. In January 2008, Ice Team ended the Trap Attack Series. Immediately after hearing this, the Midwest Open Ice fishing Tournament was formed. Because of such little time to plan the event in 2008 only 68 teams entered, with $2,451.00 going to the winners.
With 12 months to plan the 2009 Midwest Open the team went to work. The 2009 event changed from Wamplers Lake to Devils Lake in trying to keep the fishermen sharp by not going to the same lake 2 years in a row. By having the time to organize we were able to bring in many new sponsors such as Jackson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sub Way of Brooklyn, Humminbird and many others. With their help were able to guarantee the winners $10,000.00. By being able to guarantee this money the participation jumped to 139 teams from 7 different states.. The total cash payout in 2009 was $18,500.00 and that was not counting the merchandise given to the finishers back in the field.
After putting 138 teams on the ice in 2009, word spread, sponsors came and we were able to bump the purse to $12,000.00 to win. With the excitement of the 2009 event and the extra money in the purse the 2010 Event sold the last of the 150 spots available on December 27, 2009, a whole month ahead of the tournament.
As of this writing the 2012 event is 100% full.
For more information on the Midwest Open contact Tom at Midwestopen@gmail.com. We also are on Facebook and Twitter so that we can make any updates fast and easy. Have a great year and we will see you on the ice in 2012. |
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