This Month in Trumped!

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Here’s what you need to know in the month of June to keep your rods & reels active!

  • The Catfish Mini-Tournament is currently open! This is your chance to flash your cats so get going! This mini-tournament closes on Friday, June 21st.
  • The May leaderboards have cleared (with exception to the top fish in each of the grand prize categories) so claim your spot at the top for the month of June! This month’s leaderboads close on July 9th at 11:59PM.
  • We’ve enabled the mobile posting site where you can take pictures and post your fish directly from your phone! Simply head to crestliner.com/trumped on your smartphone device, login to your account, and start posting.
Need a refresher on how to correctly post your fish? Check out this video.

Congratulations to the following individuals for topping the Trumped leaderboards in the month of May. We will be reaching out to you individually to send you your prizes. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to info@crestliner.com.

Walleye
1st: Darryl Ward (31.31)
2nd:Ryan Miller (30.875)
3rd: Jeremy Mayer (30.375)

Pike
1st: Jered Reiss (41.5)
2nd: CJ Houben (41)
3rd: CJ Houben (40)

Bass
1st: David Drawdy (24)
2nd: Robert Steelesr (23.5)
3rd: Travis Schallock (22.75)

Crappie
1st: Steve Koskela (15.125)
2nd: Chris Bogoly (15)
3rd: Steve Koskela (15)

Tales of Tape
Walleye: Tracy Brackenridge with a total of 603.25 inches & 31 fish posted
Pike: Tracy Brackenridge with a total of 377.00 inches & 17 fish posted
Bass: Travis Schallock with a total of 561.438 inches & 31 fish posted
Crappie: Chris Bogoly with a total of 220.875 inches & 21 fish posted

For more information on this year’s tournament, click here!

A Note From Johnnie Candle: Recapping the Masters Walleye Curcuit in Green Bay on June 2, 2013

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The fishing on Green Bay during the Masters Walleye Circuit event there was simply incredible.  Our tournament finish was no indication of how well the fish cooperated.  We place 39th out of 103 teams just two pounds out of the money and 5 pounds out of the top 10.  All we missed was one big bit over the course of two days.

Pre-fishing went very well.  We started our search on the west shore of the bay north of Oconto and south of Marinette.  The word on the street was that fish were shallow and in the warmer water.  We search for the warmest water we could find and began fishing in 57 degree water.  Day one ended with only 6 fish, but they were all over 22 inches with a 26 inch beauty being our largest of the day.  The fish bit on both crawler harnesses and crankbaits.  They day gave us enough information to build a plan.

From the data gathered the first day, we continued to expand our search.  Switching between crankbaits and crawler harnesses we eventually put a good plan together for the tournament.  By the timet he tournament began, our strategy was to fish an area well south of Oconto on a break between five and seven feet of water.  This was right on the newly emerging weed beds in the area as well.

The plan was to run #5 Berkley Flicker Rigs in Pink Shine and Blue/Silver on one side.  50 feet back with no weight or with one small split shot put the baits in the zone.  These were fished on the deep side.  On the shallow side, we ran #5 Ghost Blades in Whites and Pinks 30 feet back with one or two small split shot.  This kept baits just over the emerging weeds.

The speed that got the most strikes was just above 1.0 mph. The I-Pilot link made navigation while fishing a breeze.  Cruise control and auto pilot used together was the ticket.  By the end of the event, we had more than enough way points to create a route and let the Terrova do the driving for us.

Over the two tournament days we landed over 100 walleye and weighed 5 each day over 22 inches.  Again, the large Kicker fish that eluded us was the difference.  If there was a bite we missed it was the deeper fish of shore.  It looks like we got sucked into the shallow bite and ran out of time to explore anything else.

Not a bad start to the year and nothing to be disappointed about.  The next stop is Devils Lake, ND in August.

Sincerely,

Johnnie Candle – Crestliner National Pro Team Member

Behind the Build: Introducing the 2200 Bay Boat

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Innovation runs deep at Crestliner. We’ve been building boats for discerning consumers for nearly seventy years. From our all-welded hulls and legendary construction to innovations like the conversion bow and reverse chines.

This tradition continues in 2013 at Crestliner, which will see the release of the Crestliner 2200 Bay Boat, our first-ever Deep-V intercoastal boat. With our legendary Build Right philosophy informing its creation we’re extremely proud to offer this boat to our coastal audiences.

It’s safe to say that we’ve seen many generations of boating families come and go. But by and large, people look to Crestliner not because of the latest technology or gadget. They look to Crestliner because it’s a boat they’ll pass on to their grandchildren one day and it’s a willing partner in great boating adventures—no matter where. More recently in our history, we’ve seen great success in the Mod-V category. People in other regions are beginning to understand the legacy of Crestliner boats and appreciate the lasting value, quality and best-in-class warranty that comes standard with every boat.

We’ve spent a great deal of time and energy not just building a boat, but building the right boat. In bringing the 2200 Bay to life, we worked with dealers, we fished with commercial fisherman and we canvassed marinas. All this to make sure that the boat we build is the boat anglers are looking for.

KEY FEATURES

  • STABLE DEEP-V HULL DESIGN—Crestliner’s proven Deep-V hull design not only creates more on-board space, it adds greatly to overall stability and safety in more open and rough water.
  • SELF-BAILING HULL—A Crestliner-exclusive, the Bay 2200 features self-bailing scuppers in transom, limiting the use of bilge pump and saving on battery life.
  • MORE SPACE, WHERE IT MATTERS—More room in almost every key area, including an 11” wider cockpit and wider beam and bottom width, creates larger deck space and increases fishability.
  •  A LARGE, CONVENIENT CONSOLE—At 49 cu. feet, the console area is nearly twice the size of its closest competitor and packed with fisherman-friendly  features.

You can now see the 2200 Bay Boat on our website, and on select dealer floors in the coming months, but we wanted to share the news with our loyal and dedicated fanbase as soon as we could. This is a big step for Crestliner and it’s one we hope certain anglers look into to meet their near-shore boating needs.

Making A Pocket Tackle Box Out Of An Altoids Container

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Sometimes packing light is the way to go. Especially if you’re fishing small bodies of water or backpacking. This post will explain how you can make a pocket-sized tackle box of out and Altoids container. Arts and crafts, anyone?

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Pocket-Tacklebox/

Crestliner Pro Jason Durham Selected to Host Governor Mark Dayton at the 2013 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener.

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 29, 2013) – A pair of accomplished anglers from the Park Rapids area will host Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon for the 2013 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11. Jason Durham will fish with Governor Dayton, and Dennis Mackedanz will fish with Lt. Governor Prettner Solon.

Jason Durham is a Park Rapids area “lifer,” guiding visitors to the Park Rapids area since he was 15-years-old. With 22 years of experience as a fishing guide, he not only shares his favorite fishing holes, but also touts his love for the area. He has authored two fishing books, writes numerous articles for outdoor publications, and shares his fishing techniques through seminars and guest spots on TV fishing shows.

Beyond being a die-hard fisherman, Jason is passionate about his other career, teaching kindergarten students for the Nevis School District. With a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, he is completing his 13th year of teaching young students. As a fishing guide and a kindergarten teacher, patience and flexibility come natural to Jason. Jason is married with three boys to share his love of fishing with. He also played a key role in working to get his community to host the Governor’s Fishing Opener event.

Dennis Mackedanz has been a fishing enthusiast since he was 8-years-old. Born and raised in Paynesville, MN, he grew up fishing with his grandfathers. Dennis attended college in Alexandria, earning a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement, further pursuing a position as a deputy sheriff in Yellow Medicine County, where he honed his love of fishing. In 2000, he became a paramedic for North Memorial Health Care in the Brainerd area, enthralled with area fishing holes, of course! He began fishing tournaments with friends, placing high each year. Dennis currently serves as the manager of the Park Rapids division of North Memorial Ambulance – residing in an area that offers five lakes within minutes of his home, and which feeds his passion for fishing!

Dennis also serves as chair for the 2013 Governor’s Fishing Opener, guiding the Park Rapids planning committee team to host a successful 2013 event. He looks forward to “catching a memory” in Park Rapids this year.

The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a treasured tradition in Minnesota since 1948, while fishing is a key part of one of the largest sectors of our economy, tourism. The Opener is also a kick-off celebration for the statewide summer tourism season. Travel and tourism generate $11.9 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota annually. This year’s Opener is the perfect opportunity to spotlight Minnesota fishing and the Park Rapids Lakes Area. For more information, and high-res images, visit www.mngovernorsopener.com.

Small Crankbait Fishing in the Early Spring

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If you’re feeling like us in Minnesota, this weather might really be testing your patience—but there is a silver lining. Taking advantage of these conditions (following the melt) to catch bigger bass. Like us, bass need to shake off the chill of winter, and will do so by finding warmer, shallow waters. Many of us may venture off to the sticks to find these trophy fish, when realistically, all you might have to do is look underneath your dock. This article written by Walker Smith of the blog Wired 2 Fish highlights these points, and how small crankbaits may really help your cause (to read the full article, click here: http://goo.gl/jqSLZ).

During the meantime, help everyone’s cause by crossing your fingers in hopes of warmer weather!

Crestliner Announces Additions to Extensive Dealer Network

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At Crestliner, it’s our goal to provide our customers with the highest quality boats that suit the many ways they enjoy the water. We also strive to provide a strong network of local, reliable dealers whom our customers can trust with their boat purchase and maintenance.

Crestliner is excited to announce the addition of five new dealers to its growing network of elite Crestliner dealerships. They are:

George Fuller’s Marine & Machine, Inc., Bayville, N.J.
George Fuller’s Marine is a family owned and operated full service marine facility, specializing in outboard engine rebuilding, machine work and all aspects of spring launches and winterization services. They pride themselves on delivering the utmost in customer service and consistently maintain a 100% customer service rating with their engine and boat companies, as well asachieving numerous Customer Service Awards consistently throughout the years.

Eastside Motors, Inc, Louisville, Miss.
Eastside Motors has been in the marine industry since 1983, providing sales and repair services for marine and outdoor power equipment. They pride themselves on their customer service and strive to treat every boat as if it were their own. They offer 14,000 square feet of indoor showroom, repair and storage space, guaranteeing your boat is safe from the outside elements.

Discovery Motorsports, Humboldt, SK, Canada
Offering four seasons of exhilarating outdoor adventure, Discovery Motorsports’experienced sales staff is eager to share its knowledge and enthusiasm with you. They are proud to serve the Humboldt area for all your outdoor needs, including fishing boats, lawn mowers, trailers, snowmobiles and ATVs. In addition, they have factory trained service personnel and carry an extensive line-up of accessories to outfit you and your machine to make your outdoor recreation experience one to remember.

Hall Marine of Greenville, Greenville, S.C.
Hall Marine of Greenville is your full service boat dealer. They have a large modern indoor facility featuring over 40 boats in their showroom! Hall Marine of Greenville is your one- stop location for all your boating needs; including a professional sales and brokerage department with an experienced staff, ready to assist you. Their service department with factory trained and certified technicians, is experienced in delivering a high quality level of marine repair services and winterization.

Nisswa Marine, Nisswa, Minn.
Nisswa Marine was founded on the shores of Nisswa Lake in the late 1930s. They’ve seen many trends come and go, but there’s one thing that hasn’t changed – their passion for boating. Providing quality boats and accessories for everyone from the serious fisherman to the recreational boater, Nisswa Marine has been helping people just like you enjoy the water for over 70 years.

Our customers can find their nearest dealer by clicking here.

About Crestliner

Located in Little Falls, Minn., Crestliner celebrates over 65 years in business and traces its origins to the Aluminum Boat Company that came to life within the walls of an airplane hanger back in 1946. The company’s unparalleled commitment to premium boats is reflected in outstanding durability, superior welded construction and exceptional performance that enhance all the consumer’s boating activities. A testament to our quality craftsmanship, Crestliner has received the CSI Award of Excellence in Customer Satisfaction for Aluminum Outboard Boats for the fifth consecutive year. Learn more about Crestliner and its line of boats by visiting www.crestliner.com.

Crestliner is a division of Brunswick Corporation, a leader in the recreational marine industry. www.brunswick.com

A Dolphin Tale

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The simple truth—some days on the water are harder to forget than others. Maybe you landed a trophy catch you’ve been waiting your whole life for in your favorite spot on your favorite lake. Or maybe you spent your morning waterskiing and parting the glassy morning water as the sun rises on another day. Those are the moments we live for, and certainly big reasons why we hit the water in the first place.

So when we read this story from Australia about a little boy’s first day fishing on the water in a Crestliner, we couldn’t help but share. It reminds us of boating’s greatest benefit—its ability to bring families together like nothing else.

To read the full article, click here!

Trumped is Back and Better Than Ever for 2013!

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March may just be the most difficult time to be a fisherman. Winter’s not quite over, but spring is still a few weeks away. But there is one bright spot: Crestliner Trumped is just around the corner. Leaderboards open on May 10 at 12:00 a.m.

Just like past Grand Prize Winners Dave Sellwood and Curt Plzak did, the first step to taking home great prizes is by getting your official Trumped ruler. It won’t guarantee success on the water but it will guarantee your lunker gets on a leaderboard. Getting one is easy. Starting Tuesday, March 5th simply make a request by clicking this link!

We’ve made some big upgrades for 2013 that are worth looking forward to as well:

A MOBILE-OPTIMIZED EXPERIENCE

Upload catches right from the water through a new mobile-optimized Trumped.com site.

COMPLETE FISHING PROFILES

Make your presence known with new fishing profiles that make tracking and managing competitions easier.

MONTHLY LIVEWELL CLEARINGS

Post often! Each month we will be clearing the livewell to make room for more winners. And don’t worry, if you have the top spot for one of the four species, you won’t lose it—until someone trumps you!

EVEN MORE WAYS TO WIN

We’re shaking things up this year by recognizing four grand prize positions (one grand prize per species leaderboard), rewarding the anglers with the longest fish in each category with a cash prize of $5,000 at the end of the 2013 season! Also, in addition to the great monthly prizes for the top three spots on each leaderboard, we will be introducing the Tales of the Tape Award, which will reward the individuals with the most inches caught in a species category per month.

Rulers will be sent out the last week in April on a first come, first served basis, so don’t delay.  Read through the new rules and get your lines ready, because the competition starts May 10, 2013—see you on the water!

Good luck to all!

Get Into Gear for 2013!

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Fact: Fisherman love gear and tinkering with gadgets. Whatever the reason, we just can’t seem to get enough of either. The open-water fishing season is just around the corner, and we’d like to take a couple minutes to highlight some unique products that are definitely worth a look before taking to the lakes this spring.

 

Berkley Gulp! Alive! Attractant

Can’t get the fish to bite? Well, a few sprays of this should do the trick. Better yet? It’s available in a variety of scents, from minnow to shrimp and, yes, even garlic.

 

TalkWithFish

Developed by Greg Bambenek—creator of Dr. Juice Fish Attractant—this iPhone app lures fish with underwater sounds like herring farts. (We haven’t tried this gadget just yet, but we couldn’t help ourselves. Herring farts, people. Herring farts.)

 

Lowrance Endura Out&Back Handheld GPS

You’ll have to pony up some bucks to get your hands on this device. But it’s well worth your money. It features a touchscreen and comes preloaded with key land features like lakes, rivers and more.

 

Frabill Teardrop Rubber Landing Net

Its knot-free surface results in fewer snags and less fish damage, while its flat bottom helps create easier fish removal. The rubber netting expands naturally to fit a fish’s size and weight, too. How nice is that?

 

Rapala Electric Fillet Knife

This knife makes quick work of cleaning fish. It’s not necessarily for the novice, but it’s worth the purchase once you’ve mastered the art of filleting.

 

Rapala Fillet Gloves

Fish are slimy, which can make filleting a heck of a lot harder. But these gloves are made from Tuff-Knit material for better grip and better protection. Which is good. Because nobody wants to see you lose a finger over a fillet.