THE
FRONT PAGE
CO-ANGLER
OF THE YEAR
Strike King Co-Angler Program Was a Winner in 2021
The Strike King Co-Angler program kicked off on Jan . 2 , 2021 with the first Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine event of the season , on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas . Over 21,000 total co-angler entries later and it ’ s safe to say that the program was a rousing success .
Co-anglers all over the country competed in the multiple divisions of the Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League , earning points all season long toward AOY standings in their respective divisions . After a full season of events , there are seven Strike King Co-Anglers of the Year in the Toyota Series to go along with 24 in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League from the various divisions .
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 .
“ The co-angler side is such a great part of this sport ,” says Strike King Marketing Manager Tom Brewbaker . “ I ’ m sure Strike King baits and line helped land more than few key fish for co-angling champions this year , so we loved being a part of the reward for an incredible season .”
A record year for back-of-the-boat anglers
Record numbers of anglers from across the country competed as Strike King Co-Anglers in 2021 , many of them for the first time ever . Toyota Series co-angler participation was up 11 percent while BFL total entries were up 20 percent .
That sheer volume of opportunity is perhaps the most important benefit that the Strike King Co-Angler Program provides to everyday anglers who wish to pursue their various goals in tournament bass fishing . After such a successful 2021 season , Strike King and MLF will continue to partner and grow the Co-Angler Program even further in 2022 .
“ Co-angling is the gateway to competitive bass fishing for those without a boat or anyone who ’ s looking to learn more and improve as an angler while potentially cashing a check at the same time ,” Brewbaker says . “ I remember Kevin VanDam telling me that fishing with as many different people as possible is one of the best ways to improve as an angler because you get a chance to see a variety of techniques from someone else ’ s perspective . What better way to do that than by fishing as a co-angler ? We ’ re excited to partner with MLF on this award again next year .”
STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER HIGHLIGHTS Parsons picks up big co-angler payday at Toyota Series Championship
It definitely wasn ’ t a fast-and-furious bite on Pickwick Lake for the Toyota Series Championship in late October , but Arkansas co-angler Scott Parsons worked every ounce out of a tough fishery and emerged with the Strike King Co-Angler title . Parsons weighed in 12 fish for 35 pounds , 8 ounces in three days to secure a brand-new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat .
Parsons had never fished on Pickwick before and wasn ’ t quite sure what to expect . Thanks to a long drive and some friendly advice , he was able to get the inkling of an idea of how to attack the Tennessee River fishery .
“ My buddy , Jason Sandidge , lived on Pickwick 30 years ago and hasn ’ t fished it since ,” Parsons said . “ He clued me in a little bit on what to do and we drove up here together
14 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | DECEMBER-JANUARY 2022