Strike King News

December 6 , 2005

Brauer & Menendez make it to the big show!

Prattville, AL – Chad Brauer and Mark Menendez joined 90 other anglers this past week on the Alabama River In Prattville Alabama for one reason, to make it to the Bassmasters Classic. After day one both were tied for 16th place just 2 pounds out of the top 10 cut, but day two made all the difference. Chad weighed in a huge stringer moving him to 4th and Menendez did the same vaulting him 10 spots to sixth. One goal down, one more to go. The top 5 after the third day would automatically qualify for the Classic and Chad did just in impressive fashion, Menendez on the other hand had to be a rock star and make it interesting for the fans, “I knew it would be tight,” Mark said from a phone interview Saturday night, “I wasn’t sure and then when the dust cleared I was tied for 5th with Matt Reed. The tie breaker in BASS is most fish, I had a limit each day and he only had 12, I squeaked in, but I’m in!” Sunday was a free day of fishing it seemed for the top 5 as the Classic field had been set and only money was on the line. Chad and Mark both exhausted their primary areas on the first three days, “You don’t leave anything on the table for day 4 here,” says Brauer, once you make the Classic, the 4th day is free fishing.”

Chad finished a respectable 3rd throwing a Strike King Compact Silhouette Spinnerbait, A Denny Brauer Premier Pro-Model Jig and a Flippin’ Tube. Menendez Finished up in fifth throwing a ½ ounce Diamond Shad across sand flats all week.

“I’m glad this over with and I won’t have to talk about the Classic next year!” says Menendez.

Chad and Mark join reigning Classic Champ Kevin VanDam as well as Mike Wurm, George Cochran and Greg Hackney in the 2006 Bass Masters Classic on lake Toho to represent Team Strike King. Congratulations Guys!