It was a busy spring for BBLADES sponsored anglers and racers who hooked-up to win some prestige events around the country.
BBLADES Bass Pro Matt Nogalski teamed-up with his brother-in-law Justin Kohn to win the 35 annual Mercury National Walleye Tournament on Lake Winnebago (WI). The pair weighed 10 fish over two days for a hefty 49.64 pounds and a $13,000 first place check. Matt and Justin led 298 other teams after day one with a five fish limit that tipped the scales at just over 25.5 pounds. Ironically, the team was randomly assigned boat #1 prior to the start of the event!
Go Fast, Turn Left
Congratulations to Johnny & Jason Saris on winning the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) Class 400 checkered flag during the Atlantic City Festival of Speed Offshore Grand Prix. The win was especially sweet, because team Saris Racing Engines spent the final days rigging a new 33 PowerPlay with staggered twin 650s, finishing with just enough time to get to AC for the race, but not enough time to test. “It was a little sketchy at first,” Johnny said, “but when the green flag dropped, adrenaline took over and everything was fine.” Saris said he was confident in his equipment; boat motors and props. “We’ve worked with Brett for a long time and have always had amazing results. There is no other option for us, BBLADES is the best.”
An eye on the Walleye guy
Keep an eye on BBLADES favorite walleye angler, Korey Sprengel, who is poised to have his best season in 7 years as a pro. As of this writing, the 25 year old from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin is second in the point standings of the National Walleye Tour (NWT) and sitting in the top three of the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC). His goal is to win Angler of the Year, and the title is well within reach.
Korey, who won the 2012 FLW Tour Event at Bay de Noz, says his success is all about experience and the confidence that comes with it. Specifically, “learning how to break-down a body of water quickly so I can find areas similar to those that are producing fish; sometimes you have to make a ‘milk run’ but areas with less fishing pressure often have better quality fish.”
He makes those runs in a Ranger 620, pushed by a 250 h.p. Mercury, propped with a Bravo 1 OB from BBLADES, “and I have a Tempest for really rough conditions.” Sprengel explains that anglers don’t change props like racers do, “A lot of guys don’t, but there are more guys that should.” He credits BBLADES with offering up that type of knowledge. “I thought I knew a lot about props, but Brett has taught me so much. BBLADES has great people; super friendly, always willing to answer questions and then follow up to make sure everything is working as expected.”
A Family Affair
Jake Anderson, his best friend Bryce Smith and Jake’s dad, Brett Anderson (President of BBLADES Propellers), celebrated Father’s Day in a big “weigh.” The trio won the Angler & Youth Angler Norton’s Dry Dock Tournament held at Big Green Lake (WI). Sponsored by Lund Boats, AYA is designed to introduce young people to competitive fishing working with a mentor. Five Smallmouth Bass totaling 17.34 pounds was enough to best 49 other teams. The boys won an expense-paid trip to compete in the International Championship Tournament to be held at Kenora, Ontario, Canada in August. They also won a 10’ Lund Boat, 5HP Merc Motor and Trailer. By the way the boys won the tournament running a 24 pitch BLASTER propeller.
Follow the progress of these intrepid competitors on the BBLADES Facebook page.
