Lund kicked off 2018 by partnering with the Student Angler Organization (SAO) and the Student Angler Tournament Trail. Lund has always had a rich tradition in supporting grassroots, nationally renowned tournaments as well as youth tournaments such as Angler & Young Angler (AYA) tournaments across the U.S. and Canada. Most recently, it’s embarking on a new journey to grow and protect the future of fishing by helping to bring new anglers to the sport.
The fishing industry is hitting a resurgence with an infusion of young anglers across the continent. Very similar to the youth movement in trap shooting recently, which has seen a rapid growth of high school trap shooting teams. High school fishing teams are springing up left-and-right as high schools have been jumping on board this newly discovered team sport.
Minnesota is just one of these states to see this flurry of activity, and is one of the key reasons why the SAO started their Student Angling Tournament Trail (SATT). Minnesota has experienced exponential growth in the number of schools starting fishing teams, and with all this growth comes a need for more events and tournaments in which these young anglers can participate. In 2018 there will be five regional tournaments for these young anglers, with one Tournament of Champions (TOC) event at the end of the season. All this growth activity requires a lot of support, which is why Lund is stepping up with additional resources.
“In order to properly support this program and these efforts, we felt we really needed some additional resources, which is why I’m excited to announce the partnership with the SAO and the addition of Jimmy Bell as a resource to help nurture and grow this program for us,” states Jason Oakes, the director of marketing for Lund. “An opportunity to grow our sport and expose thousands of young anglers to fishing doesn’t come along very often, and is why we are so proud to be a part of this journey.”
With over 25 years as a multi-species professional angler, Jimmy is driven by sharing his life experiences with those around him. He has Angler of the Year and Professional Rookie of the Year titles, along with three tournament wins at the national level. As president of the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA), his passion is helping others succeed as professional anglers and growing the sport we all love. With Jimmy’s deep passion for student angling, it’s fitting that he would be one of the founders for the SAO and SATT.
“Having an opportunity to work with an industry leader like Lund Boats has always been on my bucket list,” adds Jimmy Bell. “With Lund’s commitment to Student Angling, and my passion for the same, it gives us an opportunity to truly grow the sport we love. Lund has always created the Ultimate Fishing Experience, and now they are committing to the ultimate support of the student anglers. I cannot be more excited to be a part of such a great organization that has the same values and integrity that my family and I continue to live by.”
Lund started a concerted effort last year by supporting a few teams and working with their coaches, like Jason Bahr from Brainerd; Stephen and Brenda Picht from Grand Rapids, MN; Chris Wedes and Kolt Ringer from Minnetonka, and Timothy Bray from Pequot Lakes, but felt a further need to step up to the next level in 2018.
“Lund’s commitment to student angling is second to none. I am very proud to be part of the Lund team that’s focused on growing the sport of fishing through high school angling,” says Bahr, head coach of the Brainerd Warriors fishing team. “I’m also very pleased with the addition of Jimmy Bell, who has many years of experience in the world of sport fishing, and we can’t wait to get started working with Jimmy and Lund on providing even more opportunities for young anglers across the country.” Lund Boat Company. P.O. Box 248 . 318 West Gilman Street . New York Mills, MN. 56567 Phone: 218.385.2235 URL : www.lundboats.com
For more information on the Student Angler Organization and it’s Student Angler Tournament Trail go to www.studentangler.org.
