ProTeam / Staff
Mark Courts (Graph Power Pro, Pro 36V)
Minnesota’s Mark Courts and has been fishing professionally in both bass and walleye tournament circuits since 2000. In the span of nearly 25 years, Courts has had over 35 Top 10 finishes and has placed first in two tournaments. Courts has come to rely on Connect-Ease products over the years to provide reliable, fail-proof, and reliable, clean power to his electronics, whether he’s fishing pro bass tournaments or competing at National Walleye Tournament (NWT) events.
Randy Howell (Graph Power Pro, Pro 36V)
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Born September 25, 1973, Randy Howell hails from Guntersville, Alabama, though he fished professionally since his teens and began guiding on Lake Gaston, NC at just 11 years old
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Rising early in the B.A.S.S. scene, he earned his pro card in May 1993 as the youngest angler to qualify for the Top 100 via Invitationals
🏆 Major Wins & Career Highlights
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In 2014, Howell captured the Bassmaster Classic championship, weighing in 67‑lb 8‑oz over three days at Lake Guntersville, earning elite recognition and over $1.9 million in career earnings
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He also broke the Bass Pro Tour Big Bass record two days in a row during Stage One in Louisiana—landing a 10‑lb 11‑oz kicker followed by a 12‑lb 14‑oz monster, surpassing the lake record at Bussey Brake
⚙️ Tournament Progression & Style
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A 27‑plus year veteran of Bassmaster Elite-level competition with 5 major wins, 51 Top‑10 finishes, and over 125 Top‑30 finishes
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Known for “junk fishing”—a versatile approach of covering all structure types and lure patterns instead of relying on a single strategy—to consistently catch his five‑bass limit each round
🧪 Sponsors & Gear
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Randy’s roster of sponsors spans across the industry: Yamaha Marine (joined pro team in 2025), Triton Boats, Daiwa, Lowrance, Livingston Lures, Bass Pro Shops, Power‑Pole, Yamamoto Baits, King’s Home charity, and many others
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Through his charity work with King’s Home, he’s raised over $2.3 million via annual boat giveaways tied to his Triton/Mercury rig
🎯 Angler Identity & What Sets Him Apart
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Randy blends veteran insight with adaptability and grit. Whether it’s fishing lipless crankbaits, finesse worms, spinnerbaits, or docks, he’s known for reading water structure—and adjusting on the fly.
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He brings heart to the sport—he and his wife Robin, childhood sweethearts, have managed life on the road together for over 30 years, homeschooling their sons, and grounding his career in faith and community service via King’s Home
🔍 Quick Fact Sheet
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Guntersville, AL |
| Born | September 25, 1973 |
| Pro Since | 1993 (youngest top‑100 qualifier) |
| Classic Title | 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion |
| Career Stats | 5 wins, 51 Top 10s, $1.9M+ earnings |
| Notable Feat | Back-to-back Bass Pro Tour Big Bass records |
| Sponsors | Yamaha, Daiwa, Triton, Bass Pro Shops, etc. |
| Charity Work | $2.3M+ raised for King’s Home |
Randy Howell stands out not just for the bass he’s landed, but for how he handles every cast: with knowledge, adaptability, and purpose. His mix of tournament toughness, family values, and charity legacy make him both admired and respected across the bass fishing community.
Want to dig into his tackle toolbox, check out pro-rig walkthroughs, or dive into some detailed tournament tactics? Just say the word!
Bill McDonald (Graph Power Pro, 36V Ignite with XL Power to Quick Swap between two 36V Lithium Pros )
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Born April 27, 1960, in Greenwood, Indiana, Bill grew up fishing from the earliest age and honed his skills in local Indiana strip pits, bass, and bluegill waters
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He stepped into the pro circuit around 2000, building over 20 years of competitive tournament experience including FLW events and the Pro Circuit
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His home water is the legendary Kentucky Lake, which remains his favorite tournament venue
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Outside the boat, Bill is a devoted family man—living the outdoors life, whether fishing, deer hunting, or chilling at the beach with his wife Candy and kids Brandon and Brittany Instagram+7Lews+7Major League Fishing+7.
🏆 Career Achievements
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4 career wins, with 19 top‑10s in Major League Fishing and FLW events over more than 150 tournaments and over $425,000 total earnings
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One standout moment came at the 2012 Detroit River FLW Tour event, where Bill bagged an incredible 25 lb 2 oz of smallmouth in one day—earning him the lead and eventual runner‑up finish to Larry Nixon
⚙️ Tournament Progression & Style
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Bill competed across FLW and MLF Pro Circuit and Bass Pro Tour trails, including two bow appearances at the prestigious Forrest Wood Cup
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He joined the Bass Cat pro team in 2020, enhancing his ongoing partnership with Lucas Oil, aligning well with his Indiana roots and tournament-ready boat strategy Major League Fishing.
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Known for a polished, pressure‑tested approach—Bill blends old-school finesse with modern tactics, always dialed into structure, pattern shifts, and weather-driven bites.
🧪 Sponsors & Gear
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Longtime backed by Lucas Oil, Bill often features their marine products during tour stops and media content
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He’s also a pro-staffer for Lew’s Fishing, sharing gear picks and fishing tips in Lew’s content like Wired2Fish articles
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McDonald joined the Bass Cat team for a Cougar FTD in tournaments, emphasizing the synergy between boat performance and his oil/boat partnerships
🎯 Angling Identity & What Sets Him Apart
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Bill represents the collision of decades of competitive fishing, family-focused values, and Midwest grit. He fishes with consistency and respect.
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Whether he’s talking pre spawn baits or water-column angles, his advice comes from hands-on lake hours and real patterns—like his signature use of lipless crankbaits and vibrating jigs during spring tips featured by Wired2Fish
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His reputation as a friendly, technically-savvy angler with a passion for teaching makes him a pro anglers and weekend warriors alike love following.
🔍 Quick Fact Sheet
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Greenwood, Indiana |
| Born | April 27, 1960 |
| Pro Since | ~2000 |
| Wins / Top‑10s | 4 wins, 19 top‑10s |
| Career Winnings | ~$425K |
| Favorite Water | Kentucky Lake |
| Sponsors | Lucas Oil, Lew’s Fishing, Bass Cat |
| Hobbies | Deer hunting, family time, outdoors |
Bill McDonald is the kind of angler whose consistency over years and trust in tackle partnerships make his career both solid and relatable. Whether sharing pre spawn bait insight or showcasing his Bass Cat rig on tour, he brings experience and credibility. Let me know if you’d like to dive into his gear picks, training techniques, or tournament highlights!
Blake Smith (Graph Power Pro, Double Time 36V)
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Born January 13, 1984, in central Florida and raised amid bass and redfish fisheries in Polk County. His dad, Capt. Keiland Smith, hosted one of Florida’s earliest fishing radio shows and guided fly anglers—a foundational influence on Blake’s diverse skillset
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He started competing young, won his first fishing derby at age 11, and set two freshwater IGFA world records by age 13
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A seasoned guide and U.S. Coast Guard–certified “Captain,” Blake fishes both freshwater bass and saltwater redfish circuits, making him one of the rare dual-circuit pros
🏆 Career Highlights & Style
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Competes across Major League Fishing, Bassmaster Opens, FLW, IFA Redfish and Lucas Oil Pro Ams, and began full-time MLF pro circuit competition in 2015
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Known for versatility: flip‑pitch finesse in freshwater and aggressive redfish tactics in saltwater. A favorite of anglers who appreciate adaptable, habitat‑based fishing explained in insiders’ columns
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Honored with the prestigious Forrest L. Wood Sportsmanship & Community Leadership Award in 2019 for his faith-driven outreach at over 30 events annually
⚙️ Identity & Philosophy
Blake’s identity on the water blends:
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Deep faith: travels year‑round with wife Meagan and their five daughters, often sharing motivational messages under the motto “Faith Over Fishing
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Community impact: engaged with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and global mission trips; sees fishing as both sport and platform for hope
🔧 Gear & Sponsors
Backed by tackle and gear brands including:
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Yamaha Marine, Skeeter Boats, Amped Outdoors, All‑Service, Gary Yamamoto Baits, Lowrance, Abu Garcia, Power‑Pole, among others
📋 Quick Fact Sheet
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Lakeland, Florida |
| Born | January 13, 1984 |
| First Derby Win | At age 11 |
| World Records | Two IGFA freshwater records by age 13 |
| Circuits Fished | MLF, Bassmaster Opens, FLW, IFA Redfish & Lucas Oil Pro Ams |
| Signature Style | Dual freshwater/redfish pro; finesse flipping meets casting |
| Awards | 2019 Forrest Wood Sportsmanship Award |
| Family | Wife Meagan, five daughters |
| Voice | Minister, speaker, community leader |
🌟 Why Anglers Follow Blake Smith
Blake stands out by bringing authenticity, versatility, and service to professional bass fishing. Whether flipping grass bites in lakes or targeting trophy redfish in coastal marshes, his technique is deeply informed—and grounded in his faith. His presence both on stage and behind the mic serves as inspiration for anglers who value competition and character in equal measure.
Need tackle breakdowns, boat rig tours, or video profiles? I’m ready to get them to you
Cody Stahl (36v ignite, graph Power Pro)
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Born March 12, 1998 in Barnesville, Georgia, Cody cut his teeth on the water from age 4 fishing with his dad Chad, and at age 7 he told his father after winning a Friday‑night derby that he “wanted to do this for the rest of his life.”
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Raised in competitive fishing throughout teen years, he formed a high school B.A.S.S. team and earned back‑to‑back Georgia state championships via lakes like Hartwell and West Point.
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Attended Savannah College of Art and Design on a fishing scholarship, studying industrial design while competing nationally.
🏆 Major Wins & Tournament Highlights
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In September 2024, Cody took the title at the St. Croix Bassmaster Open on the Mississippi River, weighing in a massive 53 lb 1 oz over three days and claiming $40,607, along with an invitation to the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.
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More recently, in June 2025, he won the CATT Lake Murray tournament, weighing five bass totaling 23.80 lb, including a 7.19‑lb big fish, earning him first place.
⚙️ Tournament Progression
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Started as a co‑angler in Bassmaster Opens to learn different waterways and techniques, claiming a co‑angler win on James River and eventually winning the co‑angler Angler of the Year title before transitioning to a boater.
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Climbed through the Opens Elite Qualifier series, maintaining a full‑time industry job while fishing all events. As of late 2024, he sat in 20th in points and had locked in his Classic qualification with the Open win.
🧪 Sponsors & Gear
Cody is backed by a solid roster of industry names, including:
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Big Bite Baits, Buckeye Lures, Bill Lewis Lures, ALX Rods, and Pure Fishing
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Supporting gear includes Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro, Ranger Boats, Power‑Pole, and more.
🧠 Angler Philosophy & Personal Edge
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Cody blends design training with angling. He worked as a mold-design supervisor at TDS Molds and now serves as a rod-design engineer at Pure Fishing. Bassmaster+1LinkedIn+1
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His approach is deeply analytical—embracing bait design, habitat enhancement, and strategic water selection. He’s known for hunting pressure‑free zones (e.g. Pool 7 on the Mississippi), mapping sweet spots, and retooling tactics mid‑event.
🎯 Why He Resonates with Savvy Anglers
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Cody is the angler who cut his teeth on small-lake Georgia weekends, built a formal educational foundation around design and fisheries, and translated that into smart, calculated wins on major circuits.
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Whether tweaking a lure mold or choosing frog patterns to fool big fish, his game comes from intense observation and real water experience.
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His journey from co‑angler to Opens winner and Classic qualifier—while keeping a foot in the industry—is inspiring and emblematic of modern pro paths.
Quick Fact Sheet
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Barnsville, GA |
| Born | March 12, 1998 |
| 2024 Title | St. Croix Bassmaster Open – Mississippi River |
| 2025 Tournament | CATT Lake Murray Champion |
| Sponsors | Big Bite, Buckeye, ALX Rods, Pure Fishing, etc. |
| Profession | Industrial design & rod engineer (Pure Fishing) |
| Big Goals | Qualify regularly for Elite Series and contend for Classic titles |
Cody Stahl stands out not just for the fish he catches, but for his combination of design precision, tournament grit, and unwavering passion from childhood. He’s one to watch as he stakes his claim in the Elite ranks—and anglers coast to coast will be pulling for him.
Want a breakdown of rigs he uses, tournament video highlights, or more on how he patterns waters? Just say the word.
Greg Bohannan ( Graph Power Pro, Pro 36V)
Greg Bohannan was born September 25, 1971, and raised on a family farm near Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas, where hard work, athletics, and the outdoors shaped his character. He played college football and baseball before earning a BS in Agribusiness from Arkansas Tech University and then spending over a decade rising through management at Tyson Foods; he became the youngest plant manager in Tyson history at age 28. In 2006 he followed his dream into full-time fishing and joined the FLW Tour in 2008
Greg lives in Bentonville with his wife Holly and son Brock, and remains active in local community causes and outdoor pursuits like fly fishing and archery hunting
🏆 Career Highlights & Tournament Record
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Began competing on the FLW Tour circuit in 1999 and fished as a full-time pro starting 2008
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Achieved 3 career wins and over 22 Top‑10 finishes, along with career winnings approaching $1 million across FLW and MLF circuits
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Known as a power fisherman who excels when chucking crankbaits and covering structure—bringing in massive bags and big bass during events like Beaver Lake and Lake Cumberland.
One standout moment: at the Stren Series Central Division event on Columbus Pool, Greg landed a blistering 19‑lb 15‑oz limit, including a 7‑lb 10‑oz kicker that earned Big Bass honors and propelled him into the lead near mid-tournament. He went on to win that tournament with a total haul of 44‑lb 7‑oz, netting the $25,000 first prize using a black buzzbait and his instincts to adapt on the fly
🎯 Fishing Style & Strategy
Greg is most often described as a power angler who embraces a non-stop, bait-heavy approach with reaction-style tactics like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. He doesn’t lock into one lure or structure—he adjusts to weather and pressure, covering water and feeding off momentum. He also shares practical dock-fishing tips and cold-water techniques in media and Pro Tip columns
🧭 Sponsorships & Community Impact
Greg carries the Pringles Pro Angler title, including event appearances under the #StuckInPringles banner, following partnerships with Kellogg’s brands and the legacy Pop‑Tarts sponsorships
He also represents brands like Bass Pro Shops, Mercury, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Nitro, Skeeter, Toyota, and Dakota Lithium—reflecting his roots in the Ozark fishing scene
Off the water, he and Holly support children’s causes in Northwest Arkansas and frequently appear at community events and youth-outreach programs
✅ Quick Fact Sheet
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Bentonville, AR |
| Born | September 25, 1971 |
| Pro Since | FLW Tour since 2008 (competed since ‘99) |
| Wins / Top-10s | 3 wins, 22+ Top‑10 finishes |
| Career Earnings | ~$900K–$1M+ |
| Signature Style | Crankbait-heavy power fishing |
| Sponsors | Pringles/Kellogg’s, Bass Pro Shops, Toyota, Mercury, and more |
| Hobbies | Archery, fly fishing, farm life, family |
Greg Bohannan exemplifies the blend of agricultural grit, athletic competitiveness, and tournament savvy. Whether throwing crankbaits across Beaver Lake flats or working a guide day, he fishes with purpose and authenticity.
Want breakdowns of his bass bag patterns, boat rig setup, or video walkthroughs from his MLF events? Just say when!
Ramie Colson (Graph Power Pro, Pro 36V)
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Hailing from Cadiz, Kentucky, Ramie Colson Jr. developed his craft on Kentucky/Barkley Lake ledges and structure—waters he remains closely tied to today
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He began as a concrete finisher before pursuing full-time pro fishing, joining the FLW Tour in 2008 after years honing skills at regional BFLs and Minor League events
🏆 Major Career Highlights
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Top finish: Wheeler FLW Series (2008) — Ramie poured in a final‑day limit of 17–02, edging the win by just 1 oz for a total of 59‑02 and $100K plus bonuses
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Consistent touring presence—across FLW and MLF circuits, he’s logged 255 Pro Circuit events, claimed 3 career wins, and more than 40 top‑10 finishes, banking nearly $924,000 in career earnings
🎯 Fishing Style & Strategy
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A jig and deep-water finesse specialist, Ramie connects with structure using steady presentations rather than flash baits—working ledges, rock transitions, and channel swings when other pros scatter
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He’s the kind of angler who stays patient in crowded zones—while others drift, Ramie grinds between boats, trusting subtle bites, trimmed skirt jigs, and fluoro line for detectability
🧪 Gear & Signature Techniques
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One winning setup included: 7' G. Loomis 843 IMX rod, Shimano Chronarch MG reel, Berkley Trilene 100% fluoro (15 lb), a trimmed-down 5/16 oz jig (War Eagle Heavy Finesse) with Zoom Super Chunk Jr. trailers—tailored to fall fast and trigger subtle visually-precise strikes.
🔍 Quick Fact Sheet
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Cadiz, Kentucky |
| Waters Fished | Kentucky & Barkley Lake systems |
| Turned Pro | FLW Tour full-time since 2008 |
| Career Wins | 3 |
| Top‑10 Finishes | ~42 |
| Pro Circuit Events | ~255 |
| Career Winnings | ~$924K |
| Specialty | Deep-water jig finesse and structure |
| Signature Lake | Wheeler FLW Series standout (2008) |
| Home Advantage | Mastery of ledge and channel-fish tactics |
Ramie Colson Jr. typifies the angler who wins not by flash, but by focus—he digs in deep, fishes ledges others ignore, and executes methodical bite detection where others chase noise. His 2008 Wheeler victory remains a benchmark for structure-oriented anglers.
Want a breakdown of his seasonal patterns, tournament bag weights, or deeper tackle walkthroughs? Just say the word!
Mike McClelland Game Changer 36V)
Connect-Ease user and Arkansas-native, Mike McClelland, has won eight tour-level events, amassed 35 Top 10 finishes, 67 top 20 finishes, and more than $2 million in winnings throughout his ongoing career competing in B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) events.
CONNECT-EASE PRO WALLEYE ANGLERS
Brett King
Hager City, Wisconsin native Brett King learned to fish walleyes as a youth on Mississippi River Pool 3 & 4 and has never looked back. With a pro walleye fishing career that spans nearly 30 years, Brett has notched wins in the NWT, AIM, and FLW professional walleye tournament circuits. In 2019, Brett took NWT Angler of the Year.
Brett started working with Connect-Ease founder, Cal Munkvold, over a decade ago, looking for a better way to rig, manage, and maintain clean power to his trolling motor and sophisticated fish-finding electronics. Brett’s input was invaluable in Cal’s design of GRAPH-POWER to meet and exceed the growing needs of professional tournament anglers. Check out the video here!
Brad Mork
Platte, South Dakota's Brad Mork is a walleye expert, with years logged on the waters of the Missouri River system and Lake Francis Case. He fishes both the MWC and NTC professional walleye circuits besides local tournaments.
Mork runs a 2020 Skeeter WX2060 with a Yamaha 250SHO, Lowrance GHOST 36V trolling motor, and (3) 12" Lowrance units, including Active Target forward-facing sonar. Powering his system, Mork uses (3) Norsk Lithium batteries and (1) Optima all networked with Connect-Ease battery power solutions for both the trolling motor and his electronics.
Mork reports: "I had a drop in voltage and interference that would clutter up the screen of my FF sonar. I knew there had to be a better way, so I went with Connect-Ease. I haven't had any problems since. With the correct wire size along with the tinned wire in a protective covering, dedicated for each graph and Active Target black box, I can get clean power to all my devices for a crystal clear picture for a long day on the water."
Joe Okada
2024 marks Madison, Wisconsin-based Joe Okada's 20th year fishing walleyes professionally. He cut his tournament fishing teeth on the MWC in 2004 -- and cites a 2012 MWC win on Green Bay with his dad as the highpoint of his career.
Since, Okada has notched numerous Top 10 finishes in MWC, AIM, and NWT walleye tournament trail events.
Joe runs a Yar-Craft 210TFX and loves fishing big waters, especially situations where he can cast swimbaits, one of his favorite techniques.
CONNECT-EASE FISHING GUIDES/CHARTER CAPTAINS
Brian "Bro" Brosdahl
Location: Grand Rapids, MN (Red Lake, Winnibigoshish, Lake of the Woods, and hundreds of other open-water and ice fishing lakes)
Web: https://brosguideservice.com/
Phone/E-mail: +218 340 6051
Target Species: Walleye/Perch
John Campbell
Captain John Campbell has fished Lake Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes for decades. He knows where the fish are hiding—and how to catch them! Prior to full-time guiding, Campbell fished the highest levels of walleye tournaments for over 25 years, finishing as one of the top anglers of all time.
Retired from a career tournament angling, Campbell enjoys teaching people how to become better anglers. Over the years, he has been a mainstage-featured speaker at outdoors shows in Minneapolis, Chicago, and throughout the Midwest. John has appeared in hundreds of TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines along the way as a true walleye expert.
A typical day on the water with Campbell is a fish-catching experience with walleyes, muskies/pike, bass, bluegills, perch, and crappies. Campbell ensures everyone gets in on the action and personally teaches each client what they need to do to put fish in the boat. For many families, a day in the boat with Campbell is the best day on the water they’ve ever experienced. To book a trip, you can reach Campbell at head_bake@yahoo.com.
Johnnie Candle
Location:
Winter: Carrabelle, FL
Spring/Summer: Devils Lake, ND
Web: https://johnniecandle.com/
Phone: +701 371 9431
Target Species: Walleye, Redfish, Sea Trout
Capt. Clay Shidler
Location:
Crystal River, FL
Web: https://hangemhighsportfishing.com/
Phone: +352 586 2748
Target Species: Inshore - Redfish, Snapper, Sea Trout; Off-Shore - Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Hogfish, Cobia, Amberjack, Kingfish, Grunts & Sea Bass
Reed Ylitalo
Location: Minnesota
Web: https://wingsandwalleyesguideservice.com/guided-fishing
Phone: +1 (218) 259-0354
Target Species: Walleye, bass, panfish, pike, muskie
CONNECT-EASE FIELD STAFF
Ty Macheledt
Third generation Otter Tail County, Minnesota fishing guide turned federal agriculture agent, Macheledt works every day from 5 am until 3 pm, then fishing Lake Sakakawea until dark (or when his wife tells him it's suppertime). Lucky to live right on the NW North Dakota reservoir, Macheledt is a very skilled angler whose kept up with the latest in technology and is constantly refining his game through many hours on Sakakawea, the Missouri River System, Fort Peck Reservoir in Montana, Ontario--and occasionally back on Otter Tail Lake.
Although his government work schedule prevents fishing major walleye circuits, the young Macheledt and his father (a fishing guide on Otter Tail Lake in MN) and other partners have placed high in the ND Governor's Cup over the years.
Macheledt runs a 2024 2090 Warrior Tiller, Norsk Lithium Heated-Core Batteries, and a combination of Garmin and Lowrance electronics, including LiveScope, MEGA Live, and MEGA 360 Imaging. He is a great resource for using electronics with walleye-catching techniques; for example, monitoring bottom bouncers in real-time by pointing his tiller-positioned LiveScope behind the boat.
Ty is also a JT Outdoors and Northland Fishing Tackle field staffer, constantly testing new JT rods and Northland baits for numerous walleye techniques -- and offering his feedback to the companies. In his mid-30s, Ty fishes every day and is fond of saying "You can't learn new techniques by sitting on the couch."
Speaking to Connect-Ease products, Macheledt says: "It really removed the intimidation of rigging, especially with all the graphs and live imaging I'm using on my boat. I have a lot of batteries and different makes of graphs and FF sonar, and it took the best in rigging materials to give me the absolute cleanest power possible so I can always see my bait and fish, super bright and crisp."
CONNECT-EASE CERTIFIED RIGGERS/INSTALLERS
Helm Marine, South Dakota
Dan's Southside, Minnesota
Andvanced Angling The Boat Center, Wisconsin
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