BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — At just 20 years old, Brendan Baker of Jefferson City, Mo., has been given an opportunity that many B.A.S.S. fans dream of — a chance to fish with defending Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle.
The biggest catch, he only entered the “Bassmaster Fish With Gerald Swindle Sweepstakes” once! Talk about luck of the draw.
“This cannot be real!” Baker exclaimed after learning he was the lucky winner. “I was literally in shock and couldn’t believe I just won my very own bass boat.”
Baker is an avid bass fisherman who attends Missouri State University. He fell in love with fishing at a young age, thanks to the time his father and grandfather spent teaching him all about the sport. He enjoys fishing local bodies of water with his 12-year-old brother, Connor, and he says they spend at least five days a week on the water in the summer.
Baker will take a trip to a to-be-determined location to fish with Swindle. The trip includes airfare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations and $500 in spending money.
In addition to the fishing trip with Swindle, Baker received a Triton 17 TX bass boat with Mercury 60-horsepower 4-stroke engine, Humminbird Helix 12 fishfinder, Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor, a set of four KMC or XD wheels and one set of Odyssey Marine batteries. He also won prize packs from T-H Marine, Zoom Baits, Sunline, Dude Wipes, Rod Glove and War Eagle, plus a GoPro Hero5, Huk All Weather jacket and bib, Quantum Smoke HD baitcast combo, Rigid deck light kit, and Swindle’s Toyota Bassmaster Elite Series jersey, autographed by “the G-man” himself. His total winnings were $32,500.
When asked if he was nervous about fishing with one of the most well-known pros in the sport, Baker said, “I wouldn’t say I’m nervous to fish with Gerald, I’m just excited for the opportunity and extremely blessed. I can’t wait to learn some tips from a pro angler.”
Fans will have another shot at winning soon, when the Ultimate Tundra Giveaway Sweepstakes kicks off on May 15.
The grand prize will include a Toyota Tundra SR5 Double Cab 4X4 as well as an additional accessories package. The total value of this prize is $44,511.
Fishing fans can enter daily until Friday, Sept. 15, at Bassmaster.com/Sweepstakes.