With another Champions Tour season upon us, as of now we have a total of 14 rookies that will be making their first casts on the Champions Tour in 2022.
Here is a look at our first group of Champions Tour rookies.
Bob Griffin
Medina, MN
Bob has been a participant for many years in his bass club and has fished in the State TOC, but now has set his sights on the Champions Tour for 2022.
“Having followed the Champions Tour on Facebook and YouTube for years, and knowing several of the Tour anglers, I was inspired to test my skills against the best bass fishermen the Midwest has to offer. I am anxious, excited, intimidated, challenged, and can’t wait! The format has me further intrigued and motivated for the test of “every fish counts”! It is an honor to be a part of this tour.”
Tom Howland
Riceville, IA
Tom is the father of current Champions Tour Pro; Jason Howland and the duo was the 2021 Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series Tour Champion. Tom a Mississippi River Rat has racked up several top finishes in the BFL’s and served as the boat captain to the 2020 High School National Championship winners.
“I’m looking forward to fishing a new series with a new format and also fishing with some old friends and new anglers.”
Marty Thompson
Edina, MN
Marty is coming off a season where he was the Metro Hawg Hunters Angler of the Year, an award in which he also won in 2019.
“I’m excited to compete against the top bass fishermen in the state, along with competing in the under the catch and release format.”
Trey Thompson
Monticello, MN
Trey was the 2018 Metro Hawg Hunter Angler of the Year and is a three-time Metro Hawg Hunter TOC champion. Trey also has finished in top-twenty at the State Tournament four times.
“I’m excited to fish one of the biggest if not the biggest tournament circuit in the Midwest, this circuit is loaded with the best fisherman in the state, and I can’t wait to see how I stack up against the competition!”
Dane Vocelka
Richmond MN
Dane joins the Champions Tour after a very successful tournament campaign the past several seasons fishing with second year Tour Pro, Aaron Teal. Dane has amassed quite the resume, a 2018 NABC win on Mille Lacs, three Minnesota Bass Nation Team Trail wins in 2019, which gave them the 2019 Team of the Year honors, and in 2021 Dane and his partner were the Blackfish Classic Champions.
“I’m looking forward to challenging myself within a different tournament format this upcoming year. I’ll be pushing my comfort zone and building upon what I’ve learned over the past years. It will also be a great way to spend time on the water with heightened competition.”
