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Dave Mercer Unites Fishing and Baseball
Posted on: Sep 22, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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Professional angler and host of Facts of Fishing THE SHOW® Dave Mercer has made the Major League Baseball history books. On September 21st at 7:00pm Dave became the first person in the history of the league to “cast” (with rod and reel) the opening pitch, kicking off the game between the Toronto Blue Jays® and Baltimore Orioles.
The historic cast took place at the Rogers Center® in downtown Toronto, and created an excellent opportunity to raise money for a great cause. In conjunction with the Blue Jays a “Facts of Fishing” section of seats was created where $5 from every ticket sold was donated by the Jays to Dave Mercer’s Casting for a Cure charity benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society. Casting for Mr. Mercer created a Cure in honor of his late mother, Ann Mercer who lost her battle with cancer and has since raised over $100,000 for cancer research.
Not the first place one would expect to see a “cast”, Dave continues to be a great ambassador for the sport of fishing. By putting the sport in front of mainstream audiences such as those watching the game Dave has been able to introduce new people to the sport who otherwise would never
have given it a chance. Dave stated, “My most vivid memories from my childhood were the times spent with family in the boat. So many people never get the opportunity to experience all the things this great sport has to offer. My goal is always to get one more person out there to give
it a try.”
ABOUT DAVE MERCER:
Fishing funny-man, Dave Mercer, host of television’s Facts of Fishing® THE SHOW and the Facts of Fishing Tip Series spends over 250 days a year on the water fishing for just about anything that swims. He is one of today’s most sought-after seminar speakers and his off-the-wall blend of
edutainment has had audiences across the country rolling in the aisles. This unique and original mix of humor, entertainment and education has made Dave one of Canada’s most recognized and revered anglers.
Saltwater 24/7 fishing tips and Tactics
Posted on: Aug 13, 2009
Posted in: Hooks, News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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There is a hot new site on the internet, Saltwater 24/7, with some great “how to” and informational videos. Of course some of the first up relate to Eagle Claw and Lazer Sharp hooks and how to rig ‘em. What else would you expect. After all the hook is the only thing that ever touches a fish. Without a good hook, that expensive rod and reel is not much more than a fancy stick. Check these out:
Choosing a Hook and Rigging Live Bait
and
Eagle Claw on Americas Got Talent
Posted on: Aug 07, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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If you are a fan of America’s Got talent you know the name Kevin Skinner. The chicken farmer/singer who wowed the judges the last few weeks. Well, you may or may not be a fan of Kevin, but Kevin sure is a fan of Eagle Claw.
Check out this link and look closely.
That favorite tan hat he wears proudly states Eagle Claw 1925.
Since he wears it backwards it can be tough to see but trust me, it’s there.
World Record King Salmon?
Posted on: Jul 29, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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On July 17th, Eagle Claw and Wright & McGill pro staff guide, John Whitlatch, guided his client Joe Atchison to what could be a world record breaking King Salmon on Alaska Kenai River. This monster was released immediately after snapping the photo so the only evidence remaining are the measurements taken of the fish – 58″ long with a 34″ girth and this great shot of the trophy fish. John, a well respected veteran guide on the river, estimated the fish weighed at least 91 pounds.
Shortly into the fight I told Joe, “man, it’s a big fish,” said Whitlatch, owner of Reel Adventures guiding service of Soldotna. “It went on one run and then went back up the river slow and with some real authority, like there’s nothing you’re going to do about it.”
Nearby anglers cooperated by steering clear of the big fish. After working around a bend in the river and heading downstream, the fish tired. Whitlatch and Atchison maneuvered him close to the bank to be netted. After some measurements and photos, Whitlatch released him.”It went incredibly smoothly,” Whitlatch said. “A real quick-and-easy deal. We tried not to stress the big fish out at all.”
Atchison said he had no second thoughts about releasing a fish that may have been near the world record. “I felt good about it.” So did the fish.
“He took off like a rocket,” Whitlatch said. “He almost took my shoulder off.”
“But to me, the real story is for somebody to actually be conservation-minded and choose to let it go. Johnny pushes catch and release. This fish was really fresh and still heading upriver to spawn. By releasing this fish we help the chances of having giant fish in the river in future years.”
“Kenai kings are genetically unique and need to be protected.”
Whitlatch, who grew up in Palmer, moved to the Kenai Peninsula in 1995. For years, he has advocated catch and release among his clients.
“With a little education and effort, we can save these big fish. They’re special,” he said.
John, we may never know for sure if this was the new world record, but we do know this was a real world class trophy fish. Thanks for giving us all the chance to find one in the future.
Hot News! Skeet Reese Signs up to fish with Wright and McGill Rods
Posted on: May 20, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News, Wright & McGill
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2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Skeet Reese, announces a new partnership with the Wright & McGill Co. to produce a new line of Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods and will be fishing Wright & McGill rods exclusively in the coming years. The series will be based on the competitive needs of one of the world’s best anglers combined with the technological expertise of one of the industry’s most well known manufacturers.
The Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods will feature nine technique specific models designed by Reese to fit his own fishing style and the most popular fishing techniques being utilized today. From drop shotting to flippin’ and pitchin’, swimbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits, the lineup will fill the needs of any serious angler. The new lineup will be constructed using Wright & McGill’s proprietary S-Curve blank technology.
S-Curve is Wright & McGill’s new process of blank construction that blends a precise mixture of materials in a specific process for assembly that results in a thin diameter blank that weighs less than conventional construction without sacrificing durability. The result of the S-Curve construction and premium components is a premium bass fishing rod that would make a Bassmaster Classic Champion proud, while making it affordable for the angling public.
“I am very excited about this new partnership with Wright & McGill,” said Reese, who has been active in design and construction of new products with his sponsors for many years. “I have always wanted to be able to produce a premium fishing rod that would be at a price point that every angler would be able to afford; Wright & McGill Co. has given me that opportunity. This new project will allow me to build the rods I’ve always wanted to build at a price point that everyone can afford; and with Wright & McGill’s distribution network, we will be able to provide many anglers a chance to experience their quality construction and affordability.”
“Chris Russell, Marketing Director for the Wright & McGill Co. said that the company is equally as excited to be working with Reese. “The thought of working with a Bassmaster Classic Champion and Angler of the Year is certainly thrilling,” Russell said, but that was not the only draw. “Skeet has a real understanding of the business side of the fishing industry, and a real sense of what the fishing public needs and wants; when coupled with his skill as an angler and his work ethic, he represents a tremendous asset, one we are proud to enter into this project with.”
Reese said the rods fit his style, both as an angler and an icon. “The components are the best available, the blanks are some of the most technologically advanced I’ve ever seen,” Reese said. “The look of the rods will certainly be aggressive, reflecting my personal trademarks, I think everyone will see them for the revolutionary product they are.”
Wright & McGill’s Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Rods will make their industry debut at ICAST in Orlando in July. The rods are expected to be available for sale to the public in September of this year. In keeping with the Wright & McGill Co. brand strategy, these rods will be designed and priced to offer exceptional quality and value at a price point affordable to a wide range of anglers; the entire line is expected to retail between $89 – $99.
Skeet Reese is a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, he is the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year who has compiled career earnings that total more than $1.9 million in career earnings. Reese has qualified for 10 Bassmaster Classic appearances, and has finished in the top 10 41 times, including four wins in BASS competition in an 11 year career. Reese is a 39-year-old California native who resides in Auburn, Calif. with his wife Kim, and two daughters; Leamarie and Courtney. Visit his website: www.skeetreeseinc.com.
Wright & McGill Company is one of the most recognizable companies in the fishing industry. They have been in business for over 80 years manufacturing Lazer Sharp and Eagle Claw hooks in Denver Co and their own brand of rods and reels, as well as other big game tackle. Their line of Essentials and Accessories gear has become one of the most sought after brands in the world today, and the new fishing rod home of 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese.
Comments from the Pro circuit
Posted on: Feb 13, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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It is not very often we get feedback on one of our Top Pros from another Pro.
Chris Elliott has been a valued part of our Pro Fishing Team and guide staff for a number of year and we enjoy working with him.
Check out what other people have to say.
This email is long overdue. Back in May on 2006, I fished the co-angler side of the FLW Series Tournament on Lake Cumberland. On day three, I was blessed with the opportunity to fish with Eagle Claw pro Chris Elliott. My day on the lake with Chris was very enjoyable. I only caught two fish, but Chris was very helpful, courteous, and a blast to fish with for the day. Looking back on that experience, I should have come straight home and emailed your company concerning the professionalism of Mr. Elliott. For whatever reason, I failed to do so at the time, but now after fishing the BASS Southern Opens last season, and experiencing another side of professional bass anglers, I realize how truly BLESSED I was by drawing Chris as a pro. Tomorrow morning, I will make a 6 ½ hour drive from my home here in Eastern Kentucky to Guntersville Alabama, where I will compete as a co-angler in the FLW Tour event this week. My prayer is, that if I don’t draw Chris as my pro, then I draw someone who will show the same professionalism as he did back in 2006. Again, I apologize for not writing your company sooner, but as a co-angler who has invested quite a bite of money to fish all six FLW Tour events this season, I appreciate the attitude and character exhibited by Chris. Eagle Claw has a great spokesman in Chris Elliott.
Sincerely,
Phillip Little
You can check out more about Chris and even book a saltwater charter with him www.crystalcoastcharters.com
Redfish Team $50,000 Richer
Posted on: Oct 02, 2008
Posted in: Hooks, News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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Eagle Claw Pro Staff and FLW Redfish tournament anglers, Tadd Vandermark and Kevin Shaw, topped the leader board in Venice, LA to win the FLW Redfish Series final event of the year.
The boys finished the event strong with day 2 and day 3 weights of 17 pounds 11 ounces – the heaviest in FLW history – to leap to first place with a total weight of 51 pounds.
Second place went to the Eagle Claw Team of Wiggins/Tanner – just behind the first place team at 50 pounds 1 ounce.
Both teams fished DOA shrimp rigged on Lazer Sharp hooks under poppin’ corks in the marshes west of Venice.
