2024 World Walleye Champion
About Wayne
The Story
Built on the Water
Wayne Butz has spent over two decades mastering walleye fishing across the upper Midwest — from the shallow flats of the Bay of Green Bay to the open reaches of Lake Erie and Lake Huron. His approach is built on reading water, adjusting to conditions in real time, and putting clients on fish regardless of the forecast.
In September 2024, Wayne and partner Joe Sommers stood atop the fishing world after claiming the MWC World Walleye Championship. Three days of shifting conditions. The decisive call on Day 3 — switch from casting to trolling — sealed the title on the first pass. That's the kind of decision-making you get in the boat with Wayne.
Wayne at a Masters Walleye Circuit tournament
Career Timeline
The Highlights
2006
FLW Walleye Tour Win
Bay of Green Bay — 20 walleye, 109 lbs 1 oz, $85,000 prize. One of the most dominant performances in FLW Walleye Tour history.
2008
MWC Team of the Year
Wayne and his partner finish the season as the top walleye team in the country on the Masters Walleye Circuit.
2009
MWC Winner — Lake Erie
Wayne takes first place at the Masters Walleye Circuit event on Lake Erie.
2022
MWC Team of the Year
Wayne and partner Joe Sommers finish the season as the top walleye team in the entire country on the Masters Walleye Circuit.
2024
World Walleye Champion
Lake Huron, Alpena MI — 50 lbs 3 oz over three days. On Day 3 Wayne made the call to switch from casting to trolling and landed 3 fish on the first pass. World Champion rings. $15,000 cash.
2025
MWC Runner-Up Team of the Year
Wayne finishes the MWC season as runner-up for Team of the Year.
Now
Guiding the Great Lakes
Bringing championship-level knowledge to every guided trip. Bay of Green Bay and Lake Erie. Technique-first, results always.
On & Off the Water
Wayne's World
Tournament wins, Great Lakes walleye, and the family that keeps him going.
2022 Team of the Year
Wayne & Joe Sommers — MWC
2006 FLW Tour Win
$85,000 — Bay of Green Bay
MWC Podium
Consistent top finishes on the circuit
Family First
More Than Fishing
For Wayne, it's never just been about the trophies. Here he is with his granddaughter at a tournament event. She's the reason he does it. The wins, the guiding, the early mornings on the water — it all comes back to family.
That family-first approach shows up on every guided trip. Wayne treats every client like they're in the boat with a friend, not a stranger. Whether it's your first walleye or your hundredth, he's going to make sure you have a day worth remembering.
The Rig
Tournament-Grade Equipment
Wayne runs a fully rigged Ranger tournament boat with Lowrance electronics, Mercury power, and everything you need for a day on the Great Lakes. Rods, reels, tackle, and live bait are all included on every trip.
The same equipment that won a World Championship is in the boat when you fish with Wayne. No shortcuts.
Wayne's Ranger — rigged for walleye on the Great Lakes