STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER PROGRAM
By Mason Prince
PHOTO BY JODY WHITE
CO-ANGLER
OF THE YEAR
Strike King Co-Angler Program Hit New Heights in 2022
The Strike King co-angler program in both the Toyota Series Presented by A . R . E . and the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine continues to grow in popularity and participation every year , with yet another impressive turnout in 2022 .
“ We set participation records in each of the last two seasons , and the Strike King co-angler program is an integral part of that success ,” said Dave Washburn , MLF Vice President of Operations . “ We are proud to recognize all the quality anglers who fish from the back of the boat . In fact , we created the term ‘ co-angler ’ years ago to do exactly that .”
In all , there are seven co-angler divisions in the Toyota Series and 24 divisions in the BFLs . Strike King co-anglers earned points all year long toward winning their division ’ s respective Co-Angler of the Year award . Co-Angler of the Year winners in the Toyota Series took home $ 2,000 apiece while BFL winners enjoyed a $ 500 bonus each for their successful seasons .
Since 2018 , the Toyota Series has seen nearly a 34-percent increase in co-anglers while the BFLs have increased more than 14 percent . As the program continues to grow and provide more anglers the opportunities to succeed , it ’ s MLF ’ s hope that even more anglers are able to participate in the experience of being a co-angler .
“ Fishing as a co-angler with Major League Fishing offers amazing opportunities ,” said Daniel Fennel , Senior Director of Tournament Operations . “ Whether learning new techniques on your home water or experiencing a new lake for the first time , there are multiple reasons to get involved . We want to give a big thanks to Strike King for supporting our co-anglers in our BFL and Toyota Series .”
STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER HIGHLIGHTS Sandidge claims convincing co-angler win at Toyota Series Championship
The memory of 2021 ’ s third-place finish is now eclipsed by a 2022 victory for Jason Sandidge , the Strike King co-angler champion at the Toyota Series Championship Presented by A . R . E . on Lake Guntersville . The Arkansas co-angler caught five bass for 16 pounds , 2 ounces on Day 3 , giving him 40-6 for the tournament , which was good enough for a 7-pound edge over Jason Swanson in second .
After finishing third at the Toyota Series Championship in 2021 , Sandidge was elated to hoist the 2022 trophy just a short year later .
“ I ’ ve been so close so many times ,” Sandidge said with a sigh . “ When it ’ s your time , it ’ s your time . I understand that now . I knew I needed to fish the conditions and fish my strengths and I would get a win someday .”
In a three-day tournament , Sandidge caught them just about every way he could on Guntersville in the fall . Sandidge was paired with Andy Wicker on Day 1 , Brent Anderson on Day 2 and ( pro winner ) Kyle Hall on Day 3 . All three boaters had different ideas on how to catch ‘ em , and Sandidge rolled with the punches each day .
“ Day 1 for me was all about punching grass so hard that my arms cramped up ,” Sandidge said . “ Day 2 , we ran 50 miles up the river and I caught my limit of spotted bass in like 20 minutes on an Alabama rig . Day 3 , it was about grinding with an A-rig and a topwater . It was just meant to be .”
Sandidge filled his limit early on Day 3 . But even before he filled his livewell , he began to feel more at ease with his cushion .
78 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | DECEMBER-JANUARY 2023