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The Cabela's National Team Championship and the Master's Walleye Circuit tournaments are in full swing in the Bays de Noc.

The event has drawn over 550 of the world's top walleye anglers.

The last time Cabela's was in Delta County was in 2003, and the economic impact was estimated at over 1.6 million dollars for the week the anglers were in town.  And business is booming this year as well.

“Anytime you can get that kind of economic development,” explains Steve Masters of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, “when it spreads throughout the community--to the hotels, the motels, the restaurants, and the gas stations--it's really a win-win for everybody."

And the anglers said they've been very impressed by the reception.  

“The community has been shining.  Everyone’s been raving about our hospitality," said Masters.

But Friday it was all about walleye.  The anglers had an early morning departure and a long day of fishing.      

“It’s a real competitive sport,” explains angler John Csizmadia.  “It requires a lot of discipline and planning.  It’s one of the greatest endeavors my fishing partner, James and I, have ever been involved in."

John said fishing is more than a hobby.  It's a way of life for him and James.

“Oh, we’ve been preparing for this trip for probably the last month and a half," said Csizmadia.

They're just one group of many vying for bragging rights and cash prizes over the two-day tournament, which continues on Saturday.

Two-hundred-twenty-one teams in the National Team Championship will compete for $30,000 for first place, plus a new, custom-rigged Ranger 621 boat.  And in the Master's Walleye Circuit, over 130 teams will compete for over $70,000 in cash.