Berkley and The Berkley Conservation Institute continued to award Collegiate anglers with cash and prizes valued at more than $3,000 at the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Championship. Berkley has been a proud sponsor of the collegiate fishing program and rewards numerous anglers throughout the year.
Berkley had two potential Big Bass awards at the Championship, which was held on Lake Lewisville. The team weighing the largest bass and displaying the Berkley logo on their jersey or hat could win $500. On day one, Eastern Kentucky won the award and Western Kentucky followed up on day two of the event.
The Berkley Conservation Institute awards the prestigious Collegiate Angler of the Year. This is the only award that combines angling skill and also requires them to utilize their education experience. Cody Salzmann from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point did an outstanding report on invasive species throughout North America and was awarded the first-place crystal trophy and a check for $1,000. Cody detailed the species, life patterns and negative impact they are having on our waterways.
Shawn Stamps from Northwest Shoals Community College in Alabama was awarded 2nd place for a report on Conservation and Angling – preserving the tradition and received $500. Alex Craw from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga incorporated a conservation element into a future tournament that is being held by recycling used fishing line and promoting Berkley’s line recycling program. As an award recipient, Alex received $500 in tackle.
“The BoatUS Collegiate tournament series is one of our most exciting partnership programs,” said Andrew Marks, Marketing Director for Berkley. “The growth of the sport at this level and the professionalism that is displayed by these anglers is very positive for the future of our industry. While many of these anglers want to turn pro, others are looking for opportunities in the industry and this is also a great area for recruiting.”
Along with these great awards, every angler received a Berkley hat, spool of Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon, a bag of the new PowerBait Ripple Shad swim baits and a deck of Trilene Transoptic playing cards valued at over $40 at the anglers registration. The winning team of Ben Cleary and Bo Page from the University of Georgia also received an Abu Garcia Revo STX reel and Vendetta rod along with a spool of Berkley Trilene Transoptic line and digital scale.
