Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament Celebrates Success at Pickwick Lake

David Mullis Takes Home $50,000 Grand Prize Amidst Tough Competition and Challenging Weather on Historic Pickwick Lake. 

RACINE, Wis. (June 17, 2024) –– The Second Annual Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament, held at Pickwick Landing State Park May 30 to June 1, 2024, attracted over 700 anglers from 26 different states and Canada, with over $180,000 distributed in cash and prizes. The tournament, set against the backdrop of Tennessee's historic Pickwick Lake, showcased three days of intense competition, culminating in outstanding performances and memorable catches. Minn Kota and Humminbird partnered with Trifecta Fishing (Big Bass Tour) to manage the tournament, marketing and event execution. Trifecta operates one of the largest big bass tournament organizations in the country and has been in business since 2010.

 

The event kicked off with registration day on May 29, featuring a Clean Earth Challenge trash clean-up event in collaboration with Johnson Outdoors (parent company of Minn Kota and Humminbird) and the Tennessee Bass Nation. The local fishing team from Scotts Hill High participated in the Clean Earth Challenge, a global cleanup initiative launched in 2022 by Johnson Outdoors and the National Wildlife Federation, collecting over 2000 pieces of litter weighing over 200 pounds. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has removed over 7 million pieces of trash from natural spaces worldwide. 

 

Tournament competitors vied for hourly prizes, with seven weigh-ins each day, awarding cash to the top ten anglers for the biggest catch every hour. The grand prize of $50,000 was awarded to Tennessee angler David Mullis, weighing in a 7.12-pound largemouth bass during the first weigh-in hour on the final day. The top five overall winners also received Minn Kota and Humminbird products including all-new Ultrex QUEST Trolling Motors and APEX 13 Fish Finders. 

 

How Mullis Made It Happen 

Despite 20 mph winds and torrential downpours on Pickwick, Mullis and his dog “Scout” set out just after the official start time on Saturday and got set up on some structure that produced a quality bass for him back in 2023. He fished from his Scout Sportfish 185 Center Console boat, got in position with the Minn Kota Terrova Trolling Motor using Spot-Lock®, and started fishing. 

 

“I had formulated a game plan based on last year and thought that first thing was my best chance to catch a big one. I got to the ‘structure’ and on my first cast I felt one bite, but I missed it,” Mullis said. “On the very next cast, I got bit again and set into what I initially thought was a catfish.” 

 

After what felt like an eternity, the Tennessee angler finally got eyes on the lunker bass and the adrenaline rush began. With the Minn Kota locked in place, he had the spinning rod in one hand and the net in the other while the bass took him all around the boat. It was soon over with the fish in the boat and the celebration with his dog began.

 

“I knew it was a money fish, but I had no idea it was even a bass at first; my dog was barking and I was shaking,” he added. “It was definitely one of those forever memorable moments. I was in a bay boat, competing against hundreds of other anglers in bass boats, and through my experience and planning, I was able to make it happen. I had no idea it was that big.” 

 

With the fish safely in the livewell just before 6:00 am, Mullis had some time to enjoy the moment and spent his efforts on making sure the fish was well kept until the scales opened at 7:00 am. After weighing his fish over 7 pounds, the weight master told him it was the biggest fish thus far, but he was shocked that it actually held up. 

 

“I cannot believe with all the anglers in the field that I would end up winning, but that is one of the reasons I love the Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament. With the flexibility of these events, anyone at any age, with any boat or any skill level, has a shot - I love it. If you get into a school, you could weigh in every hour and earn prizes. Or you can hunt for one fish the entire time like I did. There are plenty of good incentives just for signing up including an Abu Garcia fishing rod for being one of the first, and the swag bag at registration. It was another fun event.” 

 

In addition to utilizing Spot-Lock®, Mullis gained confidence in locating structure and fish by studying available maps on his electronics and his phone. The One-Boat Network App revealed several key areas where he was able to mark pins and visit when he got to the water. 

 

“I've noticed that each of the lake maps on the market will usually reveal something, but Humminbird Lakemaster is the most current, up-to-date mapping available to anglers, and it helped me locate structure and those really defined, detailed edges. I had a ton of confidence in the area I was fishing,” he concluded. 

 

With over $30,000 in draw prizes awarded to randomly selected anglers and more than 210 hourly payouts, the tournament provided amateur anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to participate and win. 

 

Overall Winning Weights: 

First Place: 7.12 

Second Place: 6.96 

Third Place: 6.76 

Fourth Place: 6.67 

Fifth Place: 6.51 

 

“We extend our gratitude to all the anglers who participated in this year’s annual Owners Tournament,” said Brad Henry, Sr. Brand Manager. “Your passion, dedication, and genuine love for the sport and our Minn Kota and Humminbird brands have truly made this event the best one yet.  We are already looking forward to next year, where we will continue to raise awareness for our sport and strengthen our incredible fishing community.” 

 

The success of the Second Annual Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament underscores the enduring popularity and competitive spirit of the event, setting a high bar for future tournaments and further solidifying the legacy of Minn Kota and Humminbird in the angling community. 

 

For more information about the tournament results, visit minnkotaowners.com. 

 

To learn more about Minn Kota, visit minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us. 

To learn more about Humminbird, visit humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/us. 

 

JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics  products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium  cartography products. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors,  as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.