BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — When Michael Wohlgemuth was looking forward to this 50th birthday, he had no idea he would get not only a new bass boat as a gift, but also a fishing trip with 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought they were pulling my leg,” the San Jose, Calif., resident said about learning he’d won the Fish With Randy Howell Sweepstakes. “I got the email first, and it was kind of hard to believe. I sent in all my information, and then I got a call from B.A.S.S., but I still couldn’t believe it.”
Wohlgemuth hasn’t even broken the news to his extended family yet that by winning the sweepstakes he will take a trip to a to-be-determined U.S. location to fish with Howell, including round-trip, airfare for one; three nights hotel accommodations; a rental car; and $500 spending money.
He also won a 2015 Triton 17TX with 60ELPT Mercury 4-stroke engine and trailer; Lowrance HDS-12 Gen2 Touch with 83/200 kHz transducer; Zeko shoes prize pack; Daiwa/Tatula prize pack; Costa Del Mar sunglasses; Livingston Lures from the Howeller Lures Collection; hooks from Daiichi and lures from TTI Companies; Rigrap Storage; a Randy Howell autographed hat; a Frogg Toggs Pilot Guide Series Jacket; Bluewater LED assorted lights; Valley Fashions Randy Howell jersey, hoodie and gator; lures from Lunker Lures; and a Gamma Lines assortment. The value of his prize totals $28,000.
“I figured the only way I’d ever have a new boat is to win one,” said Wohlgemuth, who works as a school bus driver for East Side Union High School District. Every day during his midday break, Wohlgemuth said he would enter the sweepstakes. “So, I probably entered 70 times. I’ve been playing for years,” he said.
Wohlgemuth lives in San Jose with his wife, Traveena, his stepdaughter, Navreesha, and his granddaughter, Devina. He won a local tournament, the Coyote Bait and Tackle Team Tournament, back in 2007 and fishes local reservoirs such as Anderson and Coyote. Lately he’s been enjoying fishing on Clear Lake with a friend. “On our best day, we probably had 22 to 24 pounds, which wouldn’t get you any money in a tournament there, but it’s close to my best day,” he said.
After years of checking Bassmaster.com for tournament standings and entering the sweepstakes, Wohlgemuth said he’s excited to fish with Howell. “I did watch him win the Classic on TV; I follow bass fishing quite often,” he said. “I’ve heard from a lot of people that he’s a really nice guy.
“I hope to learn whatever he thinks is good that day. I hope to learn more about reading fishfinders.”
From now through June 30, visit Bassmaster.com to enter the latest sweepstakes, Fish with Greg Hackney. The winner will receive a trip to fish with 2014 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Greg Hackney, including airfare, hotel, rental car and $500 cash. A prize pack of Hackney’s gear will also be awarded, including four premium Dick Cepek tires, two Garmin Echo Fishfinder units, a Quantum Smoke baitcast reel and Quantum Smoke 7-6 heavy rod, a six-pack of Gamma Line, a STORMR Fusion rainsuit, a Strike King lures prize pack and a Bass Mafia tacklebox and flex-fit cap. The total value of the prize is $6,000.