Skeeter Owners Event Sets New Record

LAKE FORK, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–All time attendance records were set this weekend on Lake Fork, Texas, as Skeeter Products, Inc., manufacturer of Skeeter brand boats, hosted its largest owner’s tournament in the company’s history drawing 988 Boats with 1,946 anglers competing.

Donald McCormick of Greenville, Indiana won the event with an 11.19 pound bass, winning the angler a 2013 Skeeter FX Series bass boat powered by a Yamaha SHO 250 outboard engine, MinnKota 101 Trolling motor, Humminbird Electronics package all on a Skeeter Custom tandem axle trailer valued at $75,000. McCormick caught the fish on a Net Bait 5″ Salt Lick soft plastic lure in 10 feet of water during the first hour of the tournament.

“I basically had a hard time even fishing, or sleeping, the rest of the weekend, anything can happen on Lake Fork, there are so many big fish here – my fish could be beaten on any cast,” said McCormick after accepting the keys to his new Skeeter Boat at the events awards ceremony.

While McCormick’s lead held the entire weekend, one of the big stories of the tournament was when 14 year old Garrett Reding of Van, Texas weighed in a 2.95 bass which was the largest bass caught “under” the Lake Fork Slot limit of 16″ – 24″. The bass was caught on the second day of the tournament just prior to the final weigh in of the day which created a dramatic finish. Garrett was awarded a Skeeter ZX200 bass boat powered by a Yamaha SH0 200 outboard engine, MinnKota 80 pound trolling motor, Humminbird Electronics package on a Skeeter custom tandem axle trailer valued at $45,000.

“I knew it was a good one, but I did not realize that it was going to be that big,” commented Reding. “When the scales lit up, and I saw that it was almost 3 pounds, I could not believe my eyes.” Reding’s fish held throughout the final weigh-in hour and was declared the winner with his mom and dad alongside him to share in the victory – and to tow the boat home.

The weekend was filled with many activities and ways to win, including two Yamaha four wheeler giveaways. Everyone that took a Demo Ride in a new Skeeter, as well as for those that participated in the “Boatload of Toys” charity toy drive got their names in the hat to win one of two Yamaha ATV Four wheelers. Paul Pair won the demo ride draw prize, and Steven Andrews took home the other Yamaha four wheeler for donating to the toy drive.

Skeeter’s Professional Demo Team gave over 800 demo rides, and over 1000 toys were collected which will be distributed to East Texas Charities this fall prior to Christmas.

In addition, 50 “Rubber Ducks” were distributed all over the lake during the event, and found by anglers competing in the event for additional awards and prizes. Event host Fish Fishburne, emceed the event and highlighted not only the anglers but all the other vendors, interactive displays and other features of the event.

Angler Brian Stedman won the “Guide to the Green” event which is an industry exclusive special part of the tournament where anglers that win each hour on Saturday, along with two draw names, are paired with Skeeter/Yamaha Pro Anglers for a two hour fishing event with a drive through weigh in. In front of 2,000+ people, Stedman won the event and earned a VIP trip for 2 to the Bassmasters Classic in 2014, complete with airfare, ground transportation, lodging and $500 cash spending money. Stedman fished with Bassmaster Elite Series Pro’s Grant Goldbeck and Lance Vick. “The ‘Guide to the Green’ shootout is one of the highlights of the Owners Tournament, and the experience, to fish on a “team” with Bassmaster Pros and have a chance to go to the Classic with VIP credentials, is a once in a lifetime experience,” commented Ben Jarrett, Director of Sales and Marketing for Skeeter.

Additionally, the Skeeter Cooking Team held a Texas-sized BBQ on Saturday evening, preparing more than 2,000 plates for Skeeter owners, their family and locals. “The BBQ is prepared, cooked and served by Skeeter Employees as a way to show gratitude to our loyal customers friends and families. As with every year, there is no charge for the dinner for contestants or their families.

“The Skeeter Owners Tournament has become the largest of its kind and remains the premier event for Skeeter Owners,” commented Jarrett.

The 21st Annual Skeeter Owners Tournament – June 12-15, 2014 on Lake Fork.

For complete photos and coverage of the event, please go to www.facebook.com/skeeterteam.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its “Real Money” tournament incentive program, and a topnotch dealer network. Skeeter is the recipient of 11 consecutive NMMA C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index awards, and its boats are certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards. For a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information visit www.skeeterboats.com. For a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information visit www.skeeterboats.com.

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