Old Milwaukee Bass Trek Challenge — Erie

The Bassmaster Bass Trek Challenge, presented by Old Milwaukee, was both a bass tournament and a celebration of the sport.

Ryan Newara, owner of the Oasis Pub in Erie, Pa., welcomed Friday’s gathering of Old Milwaukee Bassmaster Bass Trek participants. With three bars, ample room, a stage and plenty of Old Milwaukee Beer, the Oasis rocks.
Ryan Newara, owner of the Oasis Pub in Erie, Pa., welcomed Friday’s gathering of Old Milwaukee Bassmaster Bass Trek participants. With three bars, ample room, a stage and plenty of Old Milwaukee Beer, the Oasis rocks.
The Old Milwaukee Bassmaster Basstrek banner was prominently displayed at the Oasis Pub.
The Old Milwaukee Bassmaster Basstrek banner was prominently displayed at the Oasis Pub.
The Old Milwaukee Girls were on hand throughout Basstrek to help with the festivities. They are (from left to right) Kyra McCune, Jessica Miller and Raevan Gregson.
The Old Milwaukee Girls were on hand throughout Basstrek to help with the festivities. They are (from left to right) Kyra McCune, Jessica Miller and Raevan Gregson.
Glade Squires (left), commissioner for the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, competed in the Basstrek tournament. He is a huge supporter of bass fishing. Ben Bilott, president of the Pennslvania’s B.A.S.S. Nation, came to lend a hand.
Glade Squires (left), commissioner for the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, competed in the Basstrek tournament. He is a huge supporter of bass fishing. Ben Bilott, president of the Pennslvania’s B.A.S.S. Nation, came to lend a hand.
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Fletcher Shryock was a hit with B.A.S.S. fans.
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Fletcher Shryock was a hit with B.A.S.S. fans.
Past Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Matt Lazaroff (left) wrestles with Jon Stewart, Director of B.A.S.S. Nation, for an Old Milwaukee T-shirt.
Past Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Matt Lazaroff (left) wrestles with Jon Stewart, Director of B.A.S.S. Nation, for an Old Milwaukee T-shirt.
Bass pro Fletcher Shryock and Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Ben Bilott hit it off.
Bass pro Fletcher Shryock and Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Ben Bilott hit it off.
The Old Milwaukee Girls pose with Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall and Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock.
The Old Milwaukee Girls pose with Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall and Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock.
When you bought an Old Milwaukee beer at the Oasis Pub during the Basstrek party, you were entitled to pick one of four gifts. They included ball caps, T-shirts, tumblers and sunglasses sporting the Old Milwaukee label.
When you bought an Old Milwaukee beer at the Oasis Pub during the Basstrek party, you were entitled to pick one of four gifts. They included ball caps, T-shirts, tumblers and sunglasses sporting the Old Milwaukee label.
On hand to broadcast from the Basstrek party were Carrie Leigh and Alex Womer of 93.9 Wolf radio.
On hand to broadcast from the Basstrek party were Carrie Leigh and Alex Womer of 93.9 Wolf radio.
Wolf Radio’s Carrie Leigh and Alex Womer toast each other with Old Milwaukee beer tumblers.
Wolf Radio’s Carrie Leigh and Alex Womer toast each other with Old Milwaukee beer tumblers.
Jim Tipler (left) and Deron Eck enjoy themselves at the Basstrek party. They finished second in the Basstrek tournament the next day.
Jim Tipler (left) and Deron Eck enjoy themselves at the Basstrek party. They finished second in the Basstrek tournament the next day.
Shawn and Megan Brown know how to have a good time. Shawn volunteered to be a boat driver for B.A.S.S. writer/photographer Mark Hicks. He also measured bass during the weigh-in.
Shawn and Megan Brown know how to have a good time. Shawn volunteered to be a boat driver for B.A.S.S. writer/photographer Mark Hicks. He also measured bass during the weigh-in.
It was hard to miss team Landish and Petticord.
It was hard to miss team Landish and Petticord.
Ohio anglers Steve Klein and Dave Neumore at the Basstrek party. They finished third the next day.
Ohio anglers Steve Klein and Dave Neumore at the Basstrek party. They finished third the next day.
Life B.A.S.S. member Dave Waikem (left) and Jeremy Snyder couldn’t resist driving over from Canton, Ohio to participate in Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
Life B.A.S.S. member Dave Waikem (left) and Jeremy Snyder couldn’t resist driving over from Canton, Ohio to participate in Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
Fletcher Shryock and Steve Schubert appear to agree on something that pertains to bass fishing.
Fletcher Shryock and Steve Schubert appear to agree on something that pertains to bass fishing.
Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek party in full swing.
Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek party in full swing.
Pennsylvania fishermen Matt Evans (left) and Todd Caddy took full advantage of what the Oasis Pub and Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek had to offer.
Pennsylvania fishermen Matt Evans (left) and Todd Caddy took full advantage of what the Oasis Pub and Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek had to offer.
James Hall and Carrie Leigh call attention to a special drawing. The prize is fishing with B.A.S.S. Pro Fletcher Shryock and James Hall the next day.
James Hall and Carrie Leigh call attention to a special drawing. The prize is fishing with B.A.S.S. Pro Fletcher Shryock and James Hall the next day.
The Old Milwaukee Girls stir the entries.
The Old Milwaukee Girls stir the entries.
And the winner is…
And the winner is…
…a very happy George Erkens.
…a very happy George Erkens.
George and Melissa Erkens pose with James Hall and Fletcher Shryock.
George and Melissa Erkens pose with James Hall and Fletcher Shryock.
Here’s what the organized display of Old Milwaukee memorabilia looked like when the Basstrek party started.
Here’s what the organized display of Old Milwaukee memorabilia looked like when the Basstrek party started.
It would soon be in disarray as Basstrek participants sampled Old Milwaukee beer and claimed the goodies.
It would soon be in disarray as Basstrek participants sampled Old Milwaukee beer and claimed the goodies.
The Old Milwaukee Girls were more than happy to help fishermen find the right size T-shirts.
The Old Milwaukee Girls were more than happy to help fishermen find the right size T-shirts.
Old Milwaukee beer coolers were also in the mix.
Old Milwaukee beer coolers were also in the mix.
James Hall and winner George Erkens make plans to meet the next morning for a day of fishing.
James Hall and winner George Erkens make plans to meet the next morning for a day of fishing.
One more photo to remember good times at Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
One more photo to remember good times at Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
Old Milwaukee Bassmaster Basstrek banners were prominently displayed at Presque Isle State Park Marina where the tournament took place.
Old Milwaukee Bassmaster Basstrek banners were prominently displayed at Presque Isle State Park Marina where the tournament took place.
Registration for the Old Milwaukee Basstrek tournament began in the dark Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
Registration for the Old Milwaukee Basstrek tournament began in the dark Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
Tournament director Jon Stewart keeps a watchful eye on the proceedings to make sure no mistakes are made.
Tournament director Jon Stewart keeps a watchful eye on the proceedings to make sure no mistakes are made.
There was plenty of hot Tim Hortons coffee on hand.
There was plenty of hot Tim Hortons coffee on hand.
The coffee, cream, sugar and insulated cups were welcome items during the registration process.
The coffee, cream, sugar and insulated cups were welcome items during the registration process.
There were also ample Tim Hortons donuts of all varieties.
There were also ample Tim Hortons donuts of all varieties.
They all look good. Which ones do I choose?
They all look good. Which ones do I choose?
The multiple boat ramps at Presque Isle State Park Marine made launching a piece of cake.
The multiple boat ramps at Presque Isle State Park Marine made launching a piece of cake.
A pair of anglers launch simultaneously.
A pair of anglers launch simultaneously.
Day was breaking as the anglers launched.
Day was breaking as the anglers launched.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock backs his boat down the ramp.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock backs his boat down the ramp.
It’s hard to miss Fletcher Shryock’s wrapped truck…
It’s hard to miss Fletcher Shryock’s wrapped truck…
…not to mention his wrapped rig.
…not to mention his wrapped rig.
Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall mans Shryock’s boat during the launch.
Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall mans Shryock’s boat during the launch.
After launching, the anglers pulled their boats to the bank until takeoff.
After launching, the anglers pulled their boats to the bank until takeoff.
As jitters set in, some anglers attend to last minute preparations.
As jitters set in, some anglers attend to last minute preparations.
Pennsylvania anglers Bryan Stuyvesant (left), who retired from the Air Force after 22 years, and Mike Reams look ready and confidant. Thank you for serving, Bryan.
Pennsylvania anglers Bryan Stuyvesant (left), who retired from the Air Force after 22 years, and Mike Reams look ready and confidant. Thank you for serving, Bryan.
The baits on Stuyvesant’s rods imply that he is going to start on largemouth bass.
The baits on Stuyvesant’s rods imply that he is going to start on largemouth bass.
Armas Jokinen and John Henry fished Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek from an aluminum boat. They boxed a good smallmouth bass on Lake Erie, but couldn't come up with a largemouth in Presque Isle Bay.
Armas Jokinen and John Henry fished Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek from an aluminum boat. They boxed a good smallmouth bass on Lake Erie, but couldn’t come up with a largemouth in Presque Isle Bay.
Cameraman Dave Peterson was filming the event for <a href=http://www.visiteriepa.com/>Visit Erie</a>.
Cameraman Dave Peterson was filming the event for Visit Erie.
Tournament director Jon Stewart recaps the rules to the competitors.
Tournament director Jon Stewart recaps the rules to the competitors.
After the short meeting, the anglers head for their boats.
After the short meeting, the anglers head for their boats.
The anglers start their engines and get ready to roll at Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
The anglers start their engines and get ready to roll at Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
Jon Stewart keeps the takeoff in proper order.
Jon Stewart keeps the takeoff in proper order.
Checking off the boats as they head out.
Checking off the boats as they head out.
A string of bass boats heads out of the marina in search of smallmouth and largemouth bass.
A string of bass boats heads out of the marina in search of smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Who will figure out the puzzle? The weigh-in will tell.
Who will figure out the puzzle? The weigh-in will tell.
At Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek tournament, most of the teams started on Lake Erie in search of the big smallmouth bass that these waters are known for. A brisk northeast wind made for a bumpy boat ride.
At Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek tournament, most of the teams started on Lake Erie in search of the big smallmouth bass that these waters are known for. A brisk northeast wind made for a bumpy boat ride.
A Basstrek angler hooks a solid bass on Lake Erie.
A Basstrek angler hooks a solid bass on Lake Erie.
The bass is in no hurry to give up.
The bass is in no hurry to give up.
Just a little closer.
Just a little closer.
Stop that!
Stop that!
The dig.
The dig.
Success.
Success.
With this kicker smallmouth, it’s time to head for Presque Isle Bay and land a largemouth.
With this kicker smallmouth, it’s time to head for Presque Isle Bay and land a largemouth.
Tournament director Jon Stewart and Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Ben Bilott weren’t entered in Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek tournament, but they couldn’t resist fishing anyway.
Tournament director Jon Stewart and Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Ben Bilott weren’t entered in Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek tournament, but they couldn’t resist fishing anyway.
The Perry Monument in Presque Isle Bay overlooks grass beds that hold largemouth bass.
The Perry Monument in Presque Isle Bay overlooks grass beds that hold largemouth bass.
Largemouth fishing in Presque Isle Bay was tranquil after battling a bumpy Lake Erie for smallmouth bass.
Largemouth fishing in Presque Isle Bay was tranquil after battling a bumpy Lake Erie for smallmouth bass.
This walleye boat is well suited to fishing at Presque Isle. It handles Erie’s big water well and is right at home in shallow largemouth water.
This walleye boat is well suited to fishing at Presque Isle. It handles Erie’s big water well and is right at home in shallow largemouth water.
An Old Milwaukee Basstrek team is on a mission to catch largemouths. They already have a smallmouth in the box.
An Old Milwaukee Basstrek team is on a mission to catch largemouths. They already have a smallmouth in the box.
Shoreline fishing access is readily available at Presque Isle Bay.
Shoreline fishing access is readily available at Presque Isle Bay.
Old Milwaukee Basstrek competitors and local anglers amicably shared the best largemouth spots.
Old Milwaukee Basstrek competitors and local anglers amicably shared the best largemouth spots.
Mid-October’s bright autumn foliage was on display during Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek at Presque Isle Bay.
Mid-October’s bright autumn foliage was on display during Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek at Presque Isle Bay.
Presque Isle Bay’s largemouths average smaller than Lake Erie’s smallmouths, but they are abundant.
Presque Isle Bay’s largemouths average smaller than Lake Erie’s smallmouths, but they are abundant.
This largemouth was netted and given a cushy boat ride.
This largemouth was netted and given a cushy boat ride.
Pickerel can be a nuisance when you’re fishing a bass tournament at Presque Isle Bay.
Pickerel can be a nuisance when you’re fishing a bass tournament at Presque Isle Bay.
When fishing Presque Isle Bay’s shallow grass beds offshore, a cast in any direction can produce a bite.
When fishing Presque Isle Bay’s shallow grass beds offshore, a cast in any direction can produce a bite.
These Basstrek anglers probe Presque Isle Bay’s grass beds with baitcasting and spinning tackle.
These Basstrek anglers probe Presque Isle Bay’s grass beds with baitcasting and spinning tackle.
Fish on!
Fish on!
This largemouth isn’t ready for the net.
This largemouth isn’t ready for the net.
The bass is barely hooked with a small crankbait.
The bass is barely hooked with a small crankbait.
It’s nice to have a partner that knows how to handle a landing net.
It’s nice to have a partner that knows how to handle a landing net.
Was there ever any doubt?
Was there ever any doubt?
These Basstrek anglers make their last casts of the day near Presque Isle Bay Marina. They’re still looking for a good largemouth.
These Basstrek anglers make their last casts of the day near Presque Isle Bay Marina. They’re still looking for a good largemouth.
The Basstrek anglers in this aluminum boat ventured onto Lake Erie and caught a good smallmouth. Unfortunately, they couldn’t sack a largemouth in the Bay.
The Basstrek anglers in this aluminum boat ventured onto Lake Erie and caught a good smallmouth. Unfortunately, they couldn’t sack a largemouth in the Bay.
Tournament director Jon Stewart and Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Ben Bilott played hooky and caught this smallmouth before attending to weigh-in duties.
Tournament director Jon Stewart and Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation president Ben Bilott played hooky and caught this smallmouth before attending to weigh-in duties.
Despite chilly weather, the Old Milwaukee Girls did whatever they could to help during the weigh-in and pizza party that followed.
Despite chilly weather, the Old Milwaukee Girls did whatever they could to help during the weigh-in and pizza party that followed.
The bass were weighed on official scales and the weights duly recorded on a computer.
The bass were weighed on official scales and the weights duly recorded on a computer.
Mike Nelson and Chris Odem took the early lead with a smallmouth and a largemouth that weighed 7.19 pounds. They finished in fourth place.
Mike Nelson and Chris Odem took the early lead with a smallmouth and a largemouth that weighed 7.19 pounds. They finished in fourth place.
Winners Danny Jones and Jeremy Limerick toast each other with a largemouth and a smallmouth that total 8 pounds even.
Winners Danny Jones and Jeremy Limerick toast each other with a largemouth and a smallmouth that total 8 pounds even.
Danny Jones and Jeremy Limerick proved they are versatile anglers by catching a quality largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Danny Jones and Jeremy Limerick proved they are versatile anglers by catching a quality largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Deron Eck and Ben Tipler claimed second place with 7.44 pounds.
Deron Eck and Ben Tipler claimed second place with 7.44 pounds.
Third place went to Steve Klein and Dave Neumore. Their total was 7.21 pounds.
Third place went to Steve Klein and Dave Neumore. Their total was 7.21 pounds.
Several anglers caught big smallmouth bass on Lake Erie but couldn’t connect with a largemouth in the bay. You needed both to weigh-in.
Several anglers caught big smallmouth bass on Lake Erie but couldn’t connect with a largemouth in the bay. You needed both to weigh-in.
Shawn Brown volunteered to check for live bass and measure them at the weigh-in. He was also the boat driver for the Bassmaster photographer that covered Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
Shawn Brown volunteered to check for live bass and measure them at the weigh-in. He was also the boat driver for the Bassmaster photographer that covered Old Milwaukee’s Basstrek.
After the weigh-in there were piles of cheese and pepperoni pizzas available for Old Milwaukee Basstrek participants.
After the weigh-in there were piles of cheese and pepperoni pizzas available for Old Milwaukee Basstrek participants.
The Old Milwaukee Girls served up the pizza.
The Old Milwaukee Girls served up the pizza.
The pepperoni pizza proved to be the most popular.
The pepperoni pizza proved to be the most popular.
What’s a pizza party without selfies?
What’s a pizza party without selfies?
The Old Milwaukee Girls were happy to pose with the fishermen.
The Old Milwaukee Girls were happy to pose with the fishermen.
Steve Klein and Dave Neumore fill out government forms prior to receiving their checks.
Steve Klein and Dave Neumore fill out government forms prior to receiving their checks.
Deron Eck and Ben Tipler attend to the necessary paperwork.
Deron Eck and Ben Tipler attend to the necessary paperwork.
Old Milwaukee Basstrek winners Danny Jones and Jeremy Limerick get right with the government.
Old Milwaukee Basstrek winners Danny Jones and Jeremy Limerick get right with the government.
Deana Gevacitano sporting her Old Milwaukee sunglasses.
Deana Gevacitano sporting her Old Milwaukee sunglasses.
After the weigh-in, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock sighed hats.
After the weigh-in, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock sighed hats.
Bassmaster Magazine Editor James Hall also got into the hat signing.
Bassmaster Magazine Editor James Hall also got into the hat signing.