PITTSGROVE, N.J. — The next edition of Ike Live! features Bassmaster Elite Series rookies Matt Lee and Jordan Lee and second-year pro Joe Sancho. In addition, Ish Monroe and Keith Poche will call in to talk about their recent altercation.
Mike Iaconelli will host Ike Live! with Pete Gluszek, Monday, Jan. 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. ET, followed by a free-form discussion among Twitter followers and Iaconelli and Gluszek from 10 to 11 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the live-streaming interactive show at MikeIaconelli.com/IkeLive.
Brothers Matt and Jordan Lee start their rookie years on the Elite Series this coming season. Matt, 25, earned his berth through the Southern Opens, while Jordan, 23, earned his through the Central Opens.
Both men made names for themselves in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series through Auburn University. In 2012, Matt beat Jordan in head-to-head competition to qualify for the 2013 Classic. The next year, Jordan qualified for the 2014 Classic, finishing in sixth place.
Sancho completed his rookie year on the Elite Series in August, after some 20 years of weekend tournament fishing, the first 11 years as a nonboater. A New York City electrician whose employer supported his 2014 Elite Series fishing schedule, Sancho is quickly learning the rigors of professional fishing.
In addition, Ike Live! announces its first major nonendemic sponsor, Exmark Manufacturing Co.
“I’m extremely excited to be working with Exmark in 2015, and I am proud to help bring awareness of this superior brand of mowers to the sportfishing world,” said Iaconelli. “As a father of four who is always on the road, the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend all day mowing the lawn. Thanks to my Exmark, I can spend more time doing the things I love, knowing my yard looks great.”
“Mike’s ‘Never Give Up’ mantra, coupled with his charismatic brand essence and strong work ethic, are a perfect match for Exmark in demonstrating our commitment to quality workmanship, durability and desire to create more free time for our customers,” said John Cloutier, senior marketing manager at Exmark.
“As evidenced by Mike’s recent win on the Delaware River, it’s clear that he has an extremely passionate fan base that embraces his unique approach to professional fishing and enjoyment of the sport. We are thrilled to tap into Mike’s enthusiasm to help Exmark continue becoming the preferred mower brand among fishing and outdoor enthusiasts.”
Exmark and Iaconelli will unveil a video submission contest this spring called Take Back Your Weekends, in which the winner will get an all-expenses-paid fishing trip with Iaconelli in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Fans can receive an email reminder for the Jan. 26 show by joining Ike’s Fish Heads Nation and can opt-in to the monthly newsletter for links to videos and periodic discount offers. They also can watch videos of previous shows at MikeIaconelli.com/IkeLive and watch or subscribe to clips on YouTube at Going Ike.