Recent News

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HOT NEWS to Come!!!

As is typical during any fishing season - things get busy!  Okay, "BUSY" is an understatement.  There is so much going on from April through to November that it's hard to keep up.  Below please find some of the highlights from this season that I just haven't had the time to properly upload onto the site.  Please check back in the next few weeks as I find the time to update the 'Recent News' portion of my webpage.  You will find new pictures and stories to compliment highlights below:

Chris has built a great working relationship with Normark over this past year.  So, when he was asked to help out at a local fund raiser, he jumped at the opportunity.  What started as a half day charter giveaway ended up as a full day and $640 raised for Knox Christian School in Bowmanville, Ontario. 

Angler & Young Angler in the South

May 25, 2008 - Chris was delighted to bring the first every AYA tournament to southern Ontario this season.  The event was an incredible success with 36 of a potential full field of 40 teams signed up in for the first event.  The event went off without a snag and the weather on the 25th was stellar.  Sunny and warm.  This slowed the fishing tremendously but it didn't dampen the spirits of the kids involved.  The event started on Saturday evening with a pre tournament held at the Admiral Inn.  Professional walleye angler Sheldon Hatch presented an incredible seminar for the families who had little fishing experience and were to compete the next day.  Sunday morning started with setup and launch.  Fishing packages were given to all of the competing children from the event sponsors and breakfast was served as prepared by tournament emcee Danny Dunn.  Thanks Danny!  Everyone was in the water and ready to go after breakfast and the most comfortable and well organized blast off's commenced after everyone stood for our National Anthem.  The blast off was arranged and coordinated by Andy Pallotta of the CSFL and we'd like to express a very special thanks to Andy and Vita who offered us our stage, weigh-in system, live release boat and trailer backdrop including Lund banners.  This event would simply not have been possible without their help and of course the support of Greg and Astrid Booth of DT Powersports who were critical to the events organization.  jeff joel cam lund

The Reel Deal on Canada AM

July 7, 2008 - Chris is delighted to accommodate a request by the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA) to be interviewed by Canada AM (Canada's most watched morning show) on their behalf and speak about getting children into fishing and of course National Fishing Week which ran from July 5-13th this year.  Chris is an active and proud member of the CSIA and organizes and attends children's fishing activities all over Ontario.  He also happened to be running an event in Newcastle for Kylemore Homes during this year's National Fishing Week.

Recently voted a "TOP PICK" video on AOL!

More Radio Time

Spring 2008 - The Outdoor Writers of Canada proved to be the common ground between Chris and Albertan Michael Short.  Michael is the host and producer of Let's Go Outdoor Radio.  Originating from Alberta this too is where Michael built the foundation of his radio show.  Experiencing many successes with the program Michael reached out and began seeking persons to interview and call upon for a new National product.  Chris is delighted to have been selected as one of the Ontario correspondents for the show.  Chris was interviewed for the very first edition of this new program.  Topics touched included the Ontario bass tournament scene as well as the new Lund Predator that Chris had a hand in designing.  Michael continues his successes.  Check him out online at

http://www.letsgooutdoorsradio.com

A Full hour With Craig Stapon on CJOB 68

May 21, 2008 - Chris' good friend Craig Stapon, "Fishing Voice of Manitoba" requested a full evening interview with him on his radio show LET'S TALK FISHING.  It was no problem for these to gentleman to fill the full hour with a few listener calls in between.  Chris introduces e21 Carrot Stix to the Manitoba market and talked about Outdoor Canada, Lund, Angler & Young Angler, taking kids fishing, Ontario Tourism, Fish for the Wish, Lowrance, Navionics and Fugawi.  Quite the conversation and a lot of fun.

Click on the microphone to hear the interview.

Hockley Invited to Join Elite Pro Staff

March 2008 - After being sent a couple rods to try in 2007 Chris was elated to be invited to join the e21 pro staff.  "I had a great opportunity to try the new Carrot Stix and simply found them to be the lightest most sensitive rods I have ever laid hands on." says Hockley.  "Although I had only two to try I used them for various techniques and was never disappointed", he continues, "I can't help but laugh when I hand people the giant 7'9" Xtra Heavy Flippn' Stick and they almost throw it in the air as they prepare themselves for the weight of a standard stick of this action.  A strong rod that's virtually indestructible yet feels delicate enough to sense every bite... and a product of a Canadian company... I couldn't be prouder to be part of the team!"

Lund 2010 Predator SS Takes Fishing Industry by Storm!

“Whoa”, “wow”, “holy ____” – just some of the real life reactions to the brand new Lund boat – the 2010 Predator SS – during its release preview at the Fishing and Boat Show.  

February 15 - In this bass oriented market it's very rare to find any product where so many experienced anglers get as excited as they did over this new rig and its MASSIVE front deck.  

I was very fortunate to have built enough of a rapport with Lund boats this season to have them invite me to a VOC (voice of the customer) to have input on the new boat’s final design.  I was flattered and incredibly excited when I hopped on the plane enroute to Winnipeg.  I was treated like a king by the entire Lund boat staff while I was there.

Although many questioned my sanity as I begged to take this boat out for a rip… I was humoured and  granted the opportunity. Pro Staff coordinator Patrick Cox, Andy Pallotta of the CSFL and I joined local fishing guru and Lund boat designer Rory Wiebe on this excursion.

I wore the biggest smile I’ve ever had as I tore up and down the Red River at 62mph!  I found out later that the prop on the boat was not the correct one and I am confident in saying that I honestly believe this boat will do upwards of 65mph with relative ease.

I was also introduced to aggressive handling. Told to go out and play - I did. However, Rory hopped in the drivers seat to show me what ‘she was really capable of’.  Full out, he turned his head to me and said, “Hold on!” Much to my horror, he cranked the wheel as far to the left as possible.  I thought I was going to die!  What happened both shocked and impressed me.  The boat didn’t skip, slip or slide… it just turned. Sharply, but never out of control. That IPS hull took over.  I now share this story with everyone.

Thank you to Lund for this incredible experience and for allowing me to have some input on this rig.  In lending a hand in its design, I am now especially proud to say that the boat has just gone into production and I will be running one in 2008 thanks to DT Powersports!  Thanks Greg!!!

National "Go Ride Ontario" Tourism Television Commercial

“Chris, you and your son are the fishing poster boys for Ontario Tourism… you’re everywhere. You’re in our ads, the commercial, online and in our show booth,” exclaims Claude Aumont, Partnership Coordinator, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.

 
Check out the national television commercial and 90 second show promo online now at http://www.gorideontario.com/boat/boat-experience.html?lang=en
 
February 2008 - Just over a year ago, I met Greg Booth, owner of DT Powersports.  I began selling boats for him and he has supported all on my endeavours in the fishing industry ever since.  It was Greg who convinced me to run a Lund boat last year.  He arranged for me to run a DT demo Lund Pro-V and the rest is history.  I have built an incredible relationship with DT and Lund and they both back absolutely everything I am doing.  From my spring causeway clean up on Lake Scugog to becoming the first corporate sponsor of my Fish for the Wish program this winter..
 
Lund contacted me early last year to find out if I was interested in shooting a commercial with Ontario Tourism on their behalf.  There was no hesitation… of course!  The filming was to take place on the Moon River and my family was welcome to join me.  I showed up a day early to get a little scouting in before the filming began.  I was on the hook for a big fish.  Not getting one wasn’t an option as the point of the commercial was to promote the great fishing Ontario has to offer.  As I normally do when in a pinch, I headed straight for my box of Rapalas and three casts in, typical of the healthy lakes we fish, I caught a 4.5 pound smallmouth bass which made the commercial cut. That Chug Bug earned its spot in my box and in the commercial!
 
Now, eight months later the commercial has been cut and has just gone to air nationally.  The ads, booth and video promos all contain my son and I. I couldn’t be prouder!  My son is so excited that he gets to be on television, “just like you dad!”  Even the Boating Ontario booth has our photos on it!
 
Take the time to check out the new website just published online http://www.gorideontario.com Simply click on the waverunner and then on the Discover Boating Tab… there you will find the 30 sec commercial, 90 sec. promo, photos and even the buttons are of me in the boat.
 
I would like to thank DT and Lund for this opportunity, Claude for allowing me such a big part of the program, Leah and Jenna, my son Grayden for getting up at 4am with me to shoot this and for catching a fish on his first cast and of course Cynthia Hodgson of the OMOA and Robyn Connolly of the CMMA.  I’m a proud Daddy indeed!

Blitzcreek Pro Fishing Teams with The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

February 2008 -  In 1994, a very good friend of mine and fishing mentor, Duff Murphy, founded a charity program that he quickly built momentum with. His ultimate goal was to raise money for a worthy cause while doing what he loved to do best - compete in fishing tournaments. Although research programs were a serious option, he decided to donate the money he raised to those in need NOW. The charity of choice was the Children's Wish Foundation who grants wishes for children with life threatening illnesses. He aptly named the program Fish For The Wish. Click here to continue>>  Lund becomes first corporate sponsor.

Boating Ontario & Tourism Promotion

January 2008 -  As a result of the photo shoot that my family was a part of for Ontario Tourism this past summer - my son, Grayden, and I are pictured on the backdrop for the Ontario Boating show booth as well as the Ontario Tourism booths.  These display are set up and manned at all major outdoor shows in Ontario.

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