SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Outdoor TeamWorks is excited to announce the expanded partnership with Rapala USA to include the Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive for 2025.

Rapala, one of the most world-renown and recognized brands in walleye fishing, is proud to be a part of the NWT. Walleye anglers on the NWT have always depended on Rapala products in tournaments, and rarely does a tournament come and go without a top finishing NWT Pro-Angler giving credit to the Rapala Jiggin’ Rap. With the addition of the Rapala “Crush City” soft plastic line-up, many walleye anglers have been deploying a Freeloader or Mooch Minnow rigged on a VMC Tungsten jighead utilizing forward-facing sonar to produce top finishes.


Last year, 2024 Progressive Angler of the Year Hunter Nitti reported using the Rapala Jiggin’ Rap and “Crush City” Freeloader to catch over 70% of the fish he weighed-in throughout the year to take the AOY title.


“I am very excited to see Rapala come on board and be a sponsor to the NWT”, says 2024 NWT AOY Hunter Nitti. “Rapala is pretty much the exclusive bait brand you will see in my Ranger [boat]. I depended on Rapala last season to help me win the biggest title in walleye fishing, and I will continue using it the year to defend the title and hopefully this go-around walk away with a tournament win.”

Rapala and Rapala “Crush City” baits are available at all Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s stores, plus available online.

2025 National Walleye Tour Schedule:

? April 24-25 Pierre, SD Lake Sharpe

? May 22-23 La Crosse, WI Mississippi River

? July 10-11 Alpena, MI Lake Huron

? August 7-8 Dunkirk, NY Lake Erie

? September 3-5 Marinette, WI Bay of Green Bay

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For more information on the National Walleye Tour, including the 2025 tournament schedule, fact sheets, photos, and official tournament results from past events, visit nationalwalleyetour.com. Subscribing to the NWT e-newsletter is the best way to receive up-to-date information, registration announcements, sponsor incentives, and Outdoor TeamWorks news.


National Walleye Tour (NWT) is part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For live updates and information, follow NWT on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nationalwalleyetour.com to catch up on all the action.