Competition can be a good thing and most people engage in one way or another, whether they'd care to admit it or not. Bowlers will join leagues, same for golfers, same thing for archers. Card players might enter Texas Holdem' Tournaments, pie bakers enter baking contests, and so on and so on. There's competition involved and all would like to win and it gives them a chance to see how they stack up. Anglers really aren't any different and many have joined clubs, fished in a league, or entered a big time team or pro-am tournament. They do it because they love to fish and enjoy the competition along with the camaraderie. It doesn't make them any better than anyone else, but it can make them better anglers.

Becoming a better angler was my goal when I joined a bass club way back when and it was a super competitive bunch that were well versed in a lot of different presentations. Some had started fishing "money tournaments" and were doing quite well. The club tournaments we competed in were the draw type and you fished with another member which was a perfect learning format. After taking my lumps for a couple of years I started to make some ground and took the next step which was to enter a team money tournament with a fellow club member who knew the ropes. We didn't do all that well but I still remember it and learned ever more about finding and catching bass. In the next few years that followed I started competing in money circuits and was able to hold my own and won a few bucks. Then came the In-Fisherman which started a big time walleye circuit and I decided to give it a go and did mediocre in the inaugural event and got killed the first year they had a full schedule. But I did learn. I also learned I needed a lot of improvement in a lot of areas and took the next year off and did my homework on Mille Lacs Lake. Came back the next year and did fairly well and learned a ton while competing on diverse lakes from Erie to Oahe. I no longer compete but the lessons learned on the trail have definitely helped me become a better angler, which was my real goal all along.

The grassroots is really where it all gets started and there are typically a wide range of skill levels involved including seasoned "pros" and those that are just learning the ropes and is all part of the process. Crestliner recognizes the importance of the grassroots and has introduced a tremendous opportunity for anglers to make some more cash, and maybe even win a rigged 1850 Fish Hawk or a 202 Tournament Series boat! The program is called the Crestliner Angler's Tour and includes a $1,000 bonus for each tournament you compete in and win, that meets the program's guidelines. They include a field of at least 50 anglers in a Crestliner sanctioned tournament. Also; the first place Angler of the Year finisher will win a 202 Tournament Series, 225hp Optimax, and trailer, while the second place finisher will win an 1850 Fish Hawk, 150hp Optimax, and trailer, which really is incredible! Having a shot to win a fabulous boat package or extra $1,000 cash without paying any extra entry fee is huge! To qualify anglers must be the original owner of a '06 or newer Crestliner Boat with a factory installed livewell and pay a minimal $25 membership fee. The fee will get you registered as well as a hat and boat stickers. The Angler's Tour program shows a real commitment to Crestliner owners and is an opportunity for making some serious bucks. For more details and to get signed up go to www.crestlinersanglerstour.com

Ron Anlauf