|
|
2008 BOATU.S. NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASS FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP
NEARING RECORD DRAW OF 60 COLLEGES Tournament Takes Place
September 18-20 and Airs This Fall
on Fox College Sports and Fox Sports Net
ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 26, 2008 - From its modest beginning
three years ago with 24 colleges participating, the 2008 BoatU.S.
National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship is expected to
kick off on Sept. 18 on Lake Lewisville, TX with a record 100
teams from nearly 60 colleges across the U.S. Those collegiate
anglers that make it to Saturday's final round are expected to
fish for almost 24 hours over the three days, with the coverage
to air on the Fox College Sports and Fox Sports Net this fall.
Over $35,000 in scholarship money is at stake for top-finishing
schools.
"Since we began this event college fishing has grown on a daily
basis," said BoatU.S. Angler Director Mike Pellerin, "and this
Championship has become the largest competitive collegiate bass
fishing event on television." The 22-week series starts in late
September (check local listings).
Entry to the BoatU.S. Championship is open to full-time students
at any school in the U.S. with a recognized fishing club, and
there is no entry fee for qualifying student athletes. Some
schools have entered co-ed teams to compete and the students
have complete control of the boat. "It's their strategies and
skills on the line," says Pellerin, "And above all, this
tournament is about emerging talent and the drive to compete."
While the third and final day of competitive fishing is done
aboard fully rigged Ranger bass boats, the first and second days
are fished from students' own vessels. "Some of the boats are
borrowed from Grandpa, and some kids have struggled to save for
their own. But unlike professional anglers with blue-chip
sponsors, simply getting their rig to Lake Lewisville can be a
challenge for some students," said Pellerin, whose BoatU.S.
Angler membership program offers roadside help and on-the-water
assistance for trailer boats.
Capt. Jay Nunnally of TowBoatU.S. Lake Lewisville will again
provide on-the-water assistance to the collegiate anglers. "With
a field this size, we're likely to give a few boats a tow back
to the ramp for some on-the-spot repairs," said Nunnally.
TV fishing personality Wade Middleton is the tournament director
and professional anglers Luke Clausen, Jeff Kriet and Kelly
Jordon will be the on-air talent during the event, which is
being produced by Careco Multimedia in conjunction with Fox
College Sports. Go to
http://www.collegiatebasschampionship.com for more
information.
BoatU.S. Angler, a membership program from the nation's largest
association of recreational boaters, offers services and helps
protect the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. Visit
http://www.BoatUSAngler.com for more.
NEW FOR 2009: STRATOS 201XL AND 294XL EVOLUTION
Evolution models anchor 25th Anniversary lineup
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (August 4, 2008) – For a quarter century,
Stratos Boats has built a legacy based on hand crafted,
innovative products for serious fishermen and families alike.
Now, celebrating the official launch of their 25th anniversary
model year, Stratos introduces the new Evolution 201 and 294XL.
With more space, increased fishability and a host of custom
features, the new Stratos Evolution models are designed to
capitalize on decades of performance leadership and offer
anglers the ultimate fishing experience.
Rated for a maximum 250 horsepower, the 201XL Evolution is
built with performance in mind and is available with a wide
range of factory-rigged outboards. From a hotrod-inspired
instrument panel complete with a full compliment of performance
and diagnostic gauges, to a huge front casting deck and 8-foot
rod storages – the 201XL Evolution gives competitive anglers a
tournament-ready rig focused on fishing.
“The new Evolution models are exactly what our customers and
dealers have been asking for,” said Stratos Brand Manager Dennis
Tobin. “We wanted to respond with a new class of high
performance bass boats and knew our design group, led by Alan
Stinson, was ready for the challenge. The resulting Evolution
models redefine what anglers expect in a competitive fishing
rig.”
Coming standard with Humminbird 767 electronics, 24-volt Minn
Kota Maxxum trolling motor and on-board battery charger, the
Stratos 201XL Evolution is loaded with lockable storage and
includes an organized center rod locker and tackle management
system. The 40-gallon, Flow Rite livewell also features a new
acrylic design and comes equipped with a removable divider.
Available in single- and dual-console configurations,
carpeted throughout and featuring custom marine upholstery on
the driver and passenger bucket seats, the new Stratos 201XL
Evolution is specifically engineered to fish the tournament
trail. Whether on the water or the RoadArmor-equipped,
tandem-axle trailer, complete with oil bath hubs and swing-away
tongue, this boat turns heads and takes anglers to their fish
with comfort.
Also coming in both single- and dual-console set ups, the
294XL Evolution brings new options to those seeking a
200-horsepower fishing platform geared for performance. With a
standard 24-volt Minn Kota Maxxum trolling motor and on-board
battery charger, the NMMA-certified 294 XL Evolution makes
handling and positioning a breeze, allowing anglers to enjoy the
ample front and rear deck space while fishing. With 7-foot rod
storage available in port and starboard front-deck rod lockers,
ample LED-lighted storage for gear throughout and an insulated
cooler, the 294XL Evolution is long on standard features and
equipment. A 34-gallon, aerated livewell, integrated boarding
ladder and recessed trolling motor foot pedal also help anglers
make the most of their valuable time on the water.
With upgraded aesthetic features that include a new
instrument panel with multi-function gauges, stainless steel
accents and fenders on the trailer, the 294XL Evolution and its
single-axle Road Armor Equipped trailer are easy to tow, store
and launch and makes a great under-20-foot option for tournament
anglers who are serious about competition.
STRATOS 201XL EVOLUTION
Overall Length: 20 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 96 inches
Maximum Horsepower: 250
Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons
Total Person, Motor, Gear: 1,635 lbs.
Length on Trailer with Swing-Away Tongue Open: 22 feet, 9 inches
STRATOS 294XL EVOLUTION
Overall Length: 19 feet, 6 inches
Beam: 91 inches
Maximum Horsepower: 200
Fuel Capacity: 36 gallons
Total Person, Motor, Gear: 1,130 lbs.
Length on Trailer with Swing-Away Tongue Open: 21 feet, 6 inches
RANGER Z520 COMANCHE NAMED “BEST BUY” BY CONSUMERS DIGEST
The next generation of Ranger boats tops the magazine’s
“Premium Selection”
FLIPPIN, Ark. (July 17, 2008) –
With accolades and rave reviews from all corners of the fishing
industry since its debut, the 2008 Ranger Z520 Comanche has
quickly become the hottest-selling bass boat on the market. Most
recently, Consumers Digest magazine weighed in by naming the
Z520 its top “premium selection” in its list of “Best Buys in
Powerboats.”
By blending the performance and geometry of a proven hull with
the detail, fit and finish of the Z Comanche series, the Z520
Comanche gives anglers a performance-minded boat that’s long on
features, fishability, custom details and striking good looks.
From the FLW Tour, the Bassmaster Elite Series Tour and other
tournament circuits around the country, lots of serious anglers
hit the water this season in a Z520 Comanche, proving the
vessel’s mettle in nearly every conceivable fishing situation.
In its “Best Buys in Powerboats” section, the editors of
Consumers Digest praised the interior layout, seat design and
smooth, rough-water ride of the Z520. Additionally the magazine
touted the speed, acceleration and standard equipment features
of the Z520 Comanche.
“Consumers Digest is a name that consumers have trusted for many
years, something that people rely on for the most accurate and
reliable information on just about any product they wish to
invest in,” said Ranger Boats President, Randy Hopper. “To
receive such a positive response from such a reputable
publication is a testament not only to the attributes of the
boat itself, but also the pride and skill of the men and women
who give everything they can to produce the finest fishing boats
on the water.”
The release of the Ranger Z520 Comanche signaled the beginning
of the next 40 years of unparalleled boats from the legendary
manufacturer. Measuring 20 feet, 9 inches, the Z520 Comanche is
rated for a maximum 250 horsepower and features 48 gallons of
fuel capacity. The blend of power, size and fuel capacity make
it perfectly suited for long runs on big reservoirs or fishing
open water. With a 95-inch beam, the Z520 Comanche is an
extremely stable fishing platform that delivers a smooth, dry
ride, with plenty of fishing room.
About Ranger Boats
Ranger Boats, headquartered in Flippin, Ark., is the nation's
largest manufacturer of premium fiberglass fishing boats,
including a series of bass, multi-species, fish 'n play and
saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger
Boats continues its commitment to building the highest quality,
strongest performing boats on the water.
About Genmar
Genmar, with approximately 4,000 employees and five
manufacturing centers, is the builder of 14 premier brands of
recreational boats which include Carver®, Champion®, Four Winns®,
Glastron®, Hydra-Sports®, Larson®, Marquis®, Ranger®, Scarab®,
Seaswirl®, Stratos®, Triumph®, Wellcraft®, and Windsor Craft®.
Genmar boats are sold worldwide through its approximately 1,100
dealers. Additionally, Genmar utilizes its proprietary VEC®
Technology and the Roplene® process in both the manufacture of
certain of its recreational boats and for third party
manufacturing.
Hey Folks!!
 Time’s
Flying buy and before you know it, it’ll be here. It’s time to
pre-register your clubs for the
Fourth Annual
Northern California Club Classic. The permit is in hand, the
caterer is signed on, the release boat is reserved and we’re
ready and anxious for The Best Party on the Water to get
started!
We’re scheduled for October 12th, 2008 and will be launching out
of Russo’s Marina in Bethel Island on the beautiful and amazing
California Delta for what might be the last time for a while as
we move to Clear Lake for the 2009 event.
This event gets a little larger every year and as some point
we’ve got to put a limit on the number of boats so be sure to
call one of the numbers at the end of this note or send an email
to the Fresno Bass Club to assure your club’s best 12 anglers a
spot. Letting us know early also helps us plan the event with
sponsors, caterers, shirts, etc., so it’s pretty important that
you let us know soon.
Also, be sure to visit the NCCC website at
www.fishnccc.com for
the complete rules and registration forms. Be sure to “surf”
around a little and get to know the site, read an article or
two. There’s a new one from Don Reighley entitled “The Perfect
Storm” that’s pretty interesting. There’s plenty of good
information there. If you have some news or information to
share, be sure to let Marshall Horsley from the Manteca Bass
Buddies, our webmaster, know and he’ll put it up. If your club
has a website, please let Marshall know so we can post a link on
the website. If the link doesn’t work, call Steve Hunger and
I’ll hook you up.
If you know of other clubs that we haven’t found, please forward
this information along and be sure to share this with your club.
Our clubs and club anglers need to stand up and be counted; the
NCCC is a good way to start. Our 144 participants and 35
volunteers at the 2007 tournament represented almost 1000
Northern California anglers. That’s a pretty loud voice.
See you on the water,
Ed Holson, Fresno Bass Club
From tournament action to weekends of fun and relaxation, the
times spent around your boat can be some of the most rewarding
and unforgettable. It’s why Stratos Boats has taken an
innovative approach to bringing those experiences even closer to
home by helping their owners share some of those special
messages and events with family, friends and folks all over the
world. According to Stratos brand manager, Dennis Tobin, “This
is an exciting concept. Whether you’re taking about a fish of a
lifetime caught on tape, an unexpected but funny happening or
maybe just the opportunity to tell someone how important your
time together on the water has been; it’s these real life
experiences that remind us just how valued those times are.”
Labeled as ‘Stratos-faction’, this new part of the Stratos
website allows owners to do more than post 2-dimensional photos
and messages, but also encourages them to upload some of their
best home videos with their boat. In fact, Stratos has even
worked up some starter questions should owners need a creative
nudge. All in all, it’s a novel way of reinforcing the unique
ties Stratos owners have to their boats and it’s bound to
generate some very creative videos and messages from folks
across the country. Check out the new section. It’s sure to have
a fast following.
To learn more, log on to
www.stratosboats.com and share some of your favorite
Stratos memories.
|
