SPRO® is committed to designing the world’s finest fishing tackle for America’s best anglers. This past week, SPRO angler Michael Neal capped off the win at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour CarParts.com Stage Seven at Lake St. Clair Presented by Covercraft in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
Neal caught 58 smallmouth bass totaling 168 pounds, 11 ounces – a new Bass Pro Tour Championship Round record for the heaviest one-day weight – to win by a 76-pound, 2-ounce margin over second place – also a new Bass Pro Tour record for the largest margin of victory.
“What a week! I really am not sure what to say at this point,” Neal joked in his post-tournament interview. “The first win of my career. I won the (Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit) Angler of the Year title earlier this year, but this is my first actual tournament win and it feels really, really good to get the monkey off of my back. I’ve had so many second-place finishes – I finished second this year at REDCREST. I never would have expected my first win would be with smallmouth. I’ve never been a smallmouth guy – I grew up on the Tennessee River fishing offshore. But, I’ll take it.”
For his accomplishments, Neal earned the top prize of $100,000, but most important to him – the giant red Bass Pro Tour winner’s trophy that he now will keep forever.
“It feels so good to finally win. I caught tons and tons of fish, had a great time and broke several records this week,” Neal went on to say. “But records are meant to be broken, and I’m sure someone else will break them the next time we go to another phenomenal smallmouth fishery.
“I’m really looking forward to getting that trophy. I’m way more excited about the trophy than I am the money, at this point. Just to have that – nobody can ever take that away from you. I’ll spend the money, but now I’ve got the trophy to take home and have forever.”
Neal relies on SPRO’s cutting-edge technology and versatile arsenal of baits to keep him prepared on the water all year long. From hard baits, soft baits, terminal, jigs and gear, SPRO has anglers covered no matter the season or pursuit.
“SPRO is incredibly proud of Michael and the way he performed and conducted himself at the event last week,” said Syd Rives, Marketing Director for SPRO. “He overcame challenges and persisted until the very end to secure the win. We’re very excited about this win for him and his family and are confident that he and other MLF anglers like him will continue to be solid ambassadors for our sport and brand.”
We are Sports Professionals. SPRO works with America’s best anglers to design the world’s finest fishing tackle. Using cutting edge technology and innovation, SPRO leads the way in developing the highest quality premium fishing equipment available.
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