Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks event

Nearly 300 registered Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks members traveled from 27 different states to Table Rock Lake for the No Entry Fee event that pays $5,000 for first place and enriches everybody with free fellowship, clothing, meals and a chance to mingle with the best pros in the world.
Nearly 300 registered Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks members traveled from 27 different states to Table Rock Lake for the No Entry Fee event that pays $5,000 for first place and enriches everybody with free fellowship, clothing, meals and a chance to mingle with the best pros in the world.
Employees from Dynamic Sponsorships in Tulsa, Okla., worked hard to coordinate the event. This was the fifth year for the highly enjoyable tournament that’s been held previously in North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana.
Employees from Dynamic Sponsorships in Tulsa, Okla., worked hard to coordinate the event. This was the fifth year for the highly enjoyable tournament that’s been held previously in North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana.
Kevin VanDam was among the first to arrive. Full-time pros are not allowed to compete in the tournament, but they’re on hand to help host the event and fellowship with Toyota owners.
Kevin VanDam was among the first to arrive. Full-time pros are not allowed to compete in the tournament, but they’re on hand to help host the event and fellowship with Toyota owners.
Participants attend an official registration meeting on Saturday evening. This year the meeting was held at a magnificent facility near Big Cedar Lodge called the Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy.
Participants attend an official registration meeting on Saturday evening. This year the meeting was held at a magnificent facility near Big Cedar Lodge called the Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy.
A Bonus Bucks banner says it all as participants begin to arrive at the meeting. “Weekend Strategy: Have Fun, Win Big.”
A Bonus Bucks banner says it all as participants begin to arrive at the meeting. “Weekend Strategy: Have Fun, Win Big.”
Few teams traveled further than Jesus Vergara and Charlie Donahue. Making the dependability of a Tundra even more critical along their 19.5 hour drive from Delaware.
Few teams traveled further than Jesus Vergara and Charlie Donahue. Making the dependability of a Tundra even more critical along their 19.5 hour drive from Delaware.
Ron Ratlief and Roy Hawk. They drove 20 hours from Lake Havasu, Ariz., with plenty of towing power.
Ron Ratlief and Roy Hawk. They drove 20 hours from Lake Havasu, Ariz., with plenty of towing power.
Kendell Callaway Mooney (sitting right) is the primary daily contact for the highly successful Bonus Bucks program that was launched in 2008. And fittingly, she’s among the very first to greet anglers.
Kendell Callaway Mooney (sitting right) is the primary daily contact for the highly successful Bonus Bucks program that was launched in 2008. And fittingly, she’s among the very first to greet anglers.
Mike Iaconelli was also one of the first to greet attendees of the event.
Mike Iaconelli was also one of the first to greet attendees of the event.
Iaconelli’s Tundra, and those of Terry “Big Show” Scroggins, current Bassmaster Classic Champ Edwin Evers, and Kevin VanDam’s truck were also on display.
Iaconelli’s Tundra, and those of Terry “Big Show” Scroggins, current Bassmaster Classic Champ Edwin Evers, and Kevin VanDam’s truck were also on display.
Always jovial Terry “Big Show” Scroggins was checking to make sure everybody had a valid fishing license.
Always jovial Terry “Big Show” Scroggins was checking to make sure everybody had a valid fishing license.
The always popular ‘gift line’ began with a free Toyota Carhartt hoodie from Jon James of Dynamic Sponsorships.
The always popular ‘gift line’ began with a free Toyota Carhartt hoodie from Jon James of Dynamic Sponsorships.
A colorful number of Carhartt Force shirts were also given to every angler by hard-workin’ James Chevrier.
A colorful number of Carhartt Force shirts were also given to every angler by hard-workin’ James Chevrier.
Representatives from LEER Truck Caps, Costa and T-H Marine were also a popular part of the ‘gifting line.’
Representatives from LEER Truck Caps, Costa and T-H Marine were also a popular part of the ‘gifting line.’
Edwin Evers was on hand with his 2016 Bassmaster Classic trophy for fans that wanted a photo and an autograph.
Edwin Evers was on hand with his 2016 Bassmaster Classic trophy for fans that wanted a photo and an autograph.
Anglers consumed nearly the weight of a Tacoma truck in free BBQ, potato salad, corn, rolls and cobbler from the talented culinary folks at Big Cedar Lodge.
Anglers consumed nearly the weight of a Tacoma truck in free BBQ, potato salad, corn, rolls and cobbler from the talented culinary folks at Big Cedar Lodge.
Great weather afforded a perfect and comfortable place to eat, and take in a view of The Ozarks.
Great weather afforded a perfect and comfortable place to eat, and take in a view of The Ozarks.
During dinner, Tyler McBride, representing Toyota, told attendees that of the numerous wide-ranging events he is fortunate to attend as a marketing leader that bass fishing was near the very top of his list of favorites because of the goodness of folks that love to fish.
During dinner, Tyler McBride, representing Toyota, told attendees that of the numerous wide-ranging events he is fortunate to attend as a marketing leader that bass fishing was near the very top of his list of favorites because of the goodness of folks that love to fish.
Speaking of guys that love to fish – Kevin VanDam and Jerry McKinnis also spoke with Bonus Bucks members as they finished their cobbler.
Speaking of guys that love to fish – Kevin VanDam and Jerry McKinnis also spoke with Bonus Bucks members as they finished their cobbler.
These anglers, and former high school classmates, told the story of how they’ve been using the annual Bonus Bucks Owners Event as a fantastic reunion venue to share life and laughter with one another at least once a year.
These anglers, and former high school classmates, told the story of how they’ve been using the annual Bonus Bucks Owners Event as a fantastic reunion venue to share life and laughter with one another at least once a year.
Tournament day starts in the pre-dawn as a Tundra backs down the ramp near Long Creek Marina on Table Rock.
Tournament day starts in the pre-dawn as a Tundra backs down the ramp near Long Creek Marina on Table Rock.
A gorgeous autumn morning greeted anglers at Long Creek Marina.
A gorgeous autumn morning greeted anglers at Long Creek Marina.
Light fog eventually got thicker. A ton of fellowship was in the air too.
Light fog eventually got thicker. A ton of fellowship was in the air too.
Iaconelli and VanDam were on the dock with a cup of coffee, along with a truckload of humor to share with the angler guests.
Iaconelli and VanDam were on the dock with a cup of coffee, along with a truckload of humor to share with the angler guests.
The Father & Son team of Roy and Clayton Byrd traveled to Table Rock from Mississippi.
The Father & Son team of Roy and Clayton Byrd traveled to Table Rock from Mississippi.
Jeff and Neal Anderson of Kalamazoo, Mich.
Jeff and Neal Anderson of Kalamazoo, Mich.
Graden Hansen and Dustin Lee of Missouri.
Graden Hansen and Dustin Lee of Missouri.
Kevin Willoughby and James Adams joked about getting their topwater untangled in preparation for the day ahead.
Kevin Willoughby and James Adams joked about getting their topwater untangled in preparation for the day ahead.
Stoney Hardy and wife Kim made great use of the free knit beanies they got at Saturday evening’s registration meeting.
Stoney Hardy and wife Kim made great use of the free knit beanies they got at Saturday evening’s registration meeting.
Shana and Mike Perez are looking good and staying warm in their brand new matching  Carhartt hoodies.
Shana and Mike Perez are looking good and staying warm in their brand new matching Carhartt hoodies.
And then, there’s these two outlaws (kidding) – talented media members, and passionate anglers, James Overstreet and Steve Bowman of Bassmaster.com.
And then, there’s these two outlaws (kidding) – talented media members, and passionate anglers, James Overstreet and Steve Bowman of Bassmaster.com.
Joseph Richmond and Shannon Lawrence of Arkansas are feeling grateful for a great day full of fishing and fellowship.
Joseph Richmond and Shannon Lawrence of Arkansas are feeling grateful for a great day full of fishing and fellowship.
B.A.S.S. goes to great efforts to conduct the tournament – including bringing their Shimano Live Release pontoon boats to assure proper care and live release of the tournament caught bass.
B.A.S.S. goes to great efforts to conduct the tournament – including bringing their Shimano Live Release pontoon boats to assure proper care and live release of the tournament caught bass.
Iaconelli and VanDam had a blast interacting with anglers prior to takeoff.
Iaconelli and VanDam had a blast interacting with anglers prior to takeoff.
Kim has her Toyota hat on tight for when husband Raymond slams the outboard’s throttle.
Kim has her Toyota hat on tight for when husband Raymond slams the outboard’s throttle.
The Englands from New England! Last year they drove 68 hours round trip for this event at Toledo Bend, and this year they made another long haul from their home in New Hampshire to Table Rock.
The Englands from New England! Last year they drove 68 hours round trip for this event at Toledo Bend, and this year they made another long haul from their home in New Hampshire to Table Rock.
Highly experienced and accomplished regional anglers Mike Roller and Ed Barton are bundled-up and ready for a chilly run in the fog.
Highly experienced and accomplished regional anglers Mike Roller and Ed Barton are bundled-up and ready for a chilly run in the fog.
A wide variety of the participants’ Toyota trucks.
A wide variety of the participants’ Toyota trucks.
Local volunteer avid outdoorsman Matt Gaunt offered to assist B.A.S.S. Senior Tournament Director Chris Bowes with weigh-in.
Local volunteer avid outdoorsman Matt Gaunt offered to assist B.A.S.S. Senior Tournament Director Chris Bowes with weigh-in.
John and Jonathan Miller finished in ninth place.
John and Jonathan Miller finished in ninth place.
Scott and Derek Holland finished 21st.
Scott and Derek Holland finished 21st.
Jeff Schwent and Dan Bean ended-up in 20th place.
Jeff Schwent and Dan Bean ended-up in 20th place.
Jason and Jerry Benjamin hauled home an admirable third place finish with their 11-pound limit.
Jason and Jerry Benjamin hauled home an admirable third place finish with their 11-pound limit.
J.P. Duran and Dennis O’Dell nailed down fifth place.
J.P. Duran and Dennis O’Dell nailed down fifth place.
Marty Rowland and Paul Gorzsas had reason to smile with an 11-place finish on a tough day for most.
Marty Rowland and Paul Gorzsas had reason to smile with an 11-place finish on a tough day for most.
Tammie Michelson holds ‘em high as husband Mike smiles proudly. They finished 22nd.
Tammie Michelson holds ‘em high as husband Mike smiles proudly. They finished 22nd.
This 3 pound, 15 ounce bass that David Hargis and Charles Davis caught was good enough for Big Bass of the Tournament and a generous $1,000 Free Clothing Certificate from Carhartt.
This 3 pound, 15 ounce bass that David Hargis and Charles Davis caught was good enough for Big Bass of the Tournament and a generous $1,000 Free Clothing Certificate from Carhartt.
Team Roe reigned-in 12th place with just three bass that totaled 7 pounds 12 ounces.
Team Roe reigned-in 12th place with just three bass that totaled 7 pounds 12 ounces.
Anglers enjoyed another a free meal at weigh-in.
Anglers enjoyed another a free meal at weigh-in.
Tom Hunley and Charles Morrison had an awesome day – finishing fourth.
Tom Hunley and Charles Morrison had an awesome day – finishing fourth.
Stoney and Kim Hardy had plenty of reason to smile with this nice largemouth.
Stoney and Kim Hardy had plenty of reason to smile with this nice largemouth.
Did you ever think Mike Iaconelli and Kevin VanDam would be working backstage to measure fish in a No Entry Fee tournament for weekend warriors that proudly own Toyota trucks and love to fish?
Did you ever think Mike Iaconelli and Kevin VanDam would be working backstage to measure fish in a No Entry Fee tournament for weekend warriors that proudly own Toyota trucks and love to fish?
Dave Jena and Michael Drake brought a variety of species to the scales for a 26th place finish.
Dave Jena and Michael Drake brought a variety of species to the scales for a 26th place finish.
Kevin Jeane of V & M Lures and partner Kevin Lasyone took home a Top 10.
Kevin Jeane of V & M Lures and partner Kevin Lasyone took home a Top 10.
Cody Millican and John Cook finished sixth.
Cody Millican and John Cook finished sixth.
Chris Brimager and Beau Branine had a great day and finished eighth.
Chris Brimager and Beau Branine had a great day and finished eighth.
Lance Williams and longtime Tracker Marine employee Rick Emmitt finished 16th.
Lance Williams and longtime Tracker Marine employee Rick Emmitt finished 16th.
Accomplished anglers Stephen Mui and Mike Butler ended up 17th.
Accomplished anglers Stephen Mui and Mike Butler ended up 17th.
The talented Alabama team of Jeff Ragsdale and Doug Webster got the win and a check for $5,000 in the No Entry Fee event. They caught their 14 pounds, 10 ounces on a Carolina Rig in 12 to 15 feet of water – all in about a 30 minute flurry.
The talented Alabama team of Jeff Ragsdale and Doug Webster got the win and a check for $5,000 in the No Entry Fee event. They caught their 14 pounds, 10 ounces on a Carolina Rig in 12 to 15 feet of water – all in about a 30 minute flurry.