Presented by Yamaha Motor Corp USA and Warrior Boats Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 13, 2023
Contact: Denny Fox, 920-505-0122
Anglers Insight Marketing LLC (AIM™)
Celebrating 10 Years Of AIM’s Weekend Walleye Series:
Growth, Conservation, Affordability Remain Its Goals
Ten years ago, a small group of forward-thinking professional walleye anglers had a vision: Revolutionize the sport with a totally new concept called the AIM Weekend Walleye Series. Bring it to some of the country’s most productive lakes, bays and rivers, and design it so it is easy and affordable with a unique catch-and-releases format that preserves the fishery wherever its events take place.
In addition to sparking an idea that would change tournament fishing forever, AIM’s format was designed to open access to all anglers, with qualifying events on weekends so working walleye anglers wouldn’t have to take days off to practice.
“Those seeds sowed the formation of the AIM Weekend Walleye Series which has become the most lucrative affordable tournament in walleye fishing, and we thought it was time you, Fan Nation, were introduced to those who grew this series from nothing to what it is today, with more than 1,000 active anglers in four divisions, including our new Rivers Division, and more than 34,000 Facebook fans who tune in on tournament weekends to watch their favorite teams,” said Denny Fox, AIM National Tournament director.
Due to Denny’s public involvement, he has unassumingly become the face of the AIM Weekend Walleye Series. But did you know AIM has a Board of Directors that continues to guide and grow this revolutionary series while staying true to the original vision? Full credit needs to be given to the original founding Board that gave Denny the framework to operate within over 10 years ago. Their names are familiar to most current walleye anglers and included: Brett King, Chase Parsons, Tommy Kemos, Jim Carroll, and Mark Martin.
These original five set the course for the AIM Weekend Walleye Series from its beginning by utilizing the now-famous and trademarked Catch-Record-ReleaseÔ format, guaranteeing that the fishery in each location AIM tournaments take place would be unaffected. Fish caught would be measured, photographed, and released into the same water they came from a few seconds earlier, ensuring that they would still be there for local anglers after the tournament was over. Since AIM’s adoption of C-R-R, other tournaments, and not just for walleye, also began adopting similar rules.
They also constructed AIM’s philosophy of ensuring its qualifying events were open to everyone with extremely affordable membership and entry fees also made the series within reach of anyone from the start, promoting interest in the sport among those who always thought that entering a major tournament was out of their reach.
As the series evolved so did its leadership. Like any organization, an influx of energy and ideas while staying true to focus produces growth and strength, which is the task of the current Board including: Brett King (Chairman), Joe Okada, Jason Przekurat, Kent Andersen, and Jake LaPine. Under their current leadership, AIM has expanded to include the new Rivers Division, and was able to bring to the anglers a $100,000 1st place prize package for the AIM Warrior Boats National Championship Shootout including a Warrior V193 powered by a Yamaha 200 SHO four-stroke, with a host of Garmin electronics and trolling motor and Rosemore Rods and Odyssey Batteries to round out this package.
What do the next 10 years hold? A huge Thank You goes out to its board members both past and current as AIM looks forward to continued growth and innovation, always with the goals of keeping tournament fishing fun, affordable, sustainable, and within reach of anyone.
In early 2024, registration will open for the entire 2024 qualifier season in AIM’s four divisions. Learn how to get in on the fun at aimfishing.com. And watch this space soon for the announcement of where the 2024 Warrior Boats National Championship Shootout will launch in early June. What are you waiting for?
You know you want to. You know you can.
Anglers Insight Marketing LLC (AIM™) is a unique tournament organization created and owned by many of the most accomplished and recognizable professional walleye anglers, along with others who share the mission of advancing competitive walleye fishing and making it sustainable into the future.
AIM is committed to marketing excellence on behalf of its tournament competitors, the tournament host communities, and the brands that partner with it. AIM is also committed to maintaining healthy fisheries across the nation by the development of the exclusive AIM Catch-Record-Release™ format which is integral to its dynamic events and unparalleled consumer engagement. For more information about AIM™, AIM Pro Walleye Series™, AIM Weekend Walleye Series, AIM sponsors and AIM anglers, visit www.aimfishing.com.
AIM Presenting Sponsors: Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. and Warrior Boats inc.
AIM Supporting Sponsors: Mercury Marine, Garmin, Navionics, Power Pole, Worldwide Marine Insurance, Off Shore Tackle, Gemini Sport Marketing, Moonshine Lures Shiver Minnow, JT Outdoors Products, McQuoids Inn, Rosemore Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Authority fish house rentals, Island Bar and Grill, Bait Box on the Rock, Oconto County WI, Odyssey Battery.