Call of the Tundra: In the summer of 2008, the camp was abuzz with excitement as camera crews scoured the lake capturing the experience of contestants in Toyota’s annual “Call of the Tundra” promotion. The tournament-style event featured five randomly drawn (and very lucky) winners selected from dealerships from the Prairie Zone in Western Canada fishing for the keys to a brand-new Toyota Tundra truck! For four fun-filled days, we were the proud hosts of Toyota’s “Call of the Tundra” grand prize trip.
The tournament begins:In two morning sessions of fishing each angler scored the total length of their five biggest walleyes (total of ten fish). The first morning of tournament fishing challenged the anglers with high West winds and cooler temperatures. Many fish were boated and each competitor got back to the dock eager to up their scores on day two. However, Mother Nature had other plans. Day two began with heavy winds and constant rain… Not conducive to filming. A revised plan had our guests fishing with the guides for fun and everyone enjoyed a classic Aikens shore lunch at the Great Gray Owl site, warming their hands by the fire and their bellies with deliciously prepared walleye.
Day 2 of the tournament: Having practiced their hook-sets and rested up for the last day’s event, the competitors (staff and film crew alike) were overjoyed to wake up to a beautiful sunny day for the final tournament session. The Back Bay had a magical fog hanging thick making for some awesome picture. Our host Dave Mercer, creator and host of “Facts of Fishing“, sounded the air horn to set off the five competing guide boats for an exciting shotgun start to day three.
At high noon, everyone congregated at shore lunch knowing that one of them would soon be the proud owner of a new truck! The afternoon was spent on the lake fishing, while back at the lodge, scores were tallied and the dining room was readied for the award ceremony. Lights, camera and action filled the lodge while Dave Mercer entertained the crowd before handing the keys to the winner. It was a very cool event to host in our spacious lodge.
The partners that made this event happen: Aikens is proud to have partnered with Prairie Toyota Dealers and Travel Manitoba in hosting this televised competition which promoted Toyota Tundra trucks, Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge and Manitoba wilderness! Also, a very special thanks to Dave Mercer for being a consummate host and for sharing his incredible talent for making people laugh anytime, anywhere.
So who won?!? Many of you are probably asking who left the lodge with such a huge prize? You will have to watch the show to find out! We are thrilled at how the show is able to showcase the incredible experience that each of the contestants had while at Aikens… and most of them had rarely (if ever) fished in their lives! It’s a true testament that the “Aikens Experience” is very unique and special in our industry. To view the show, click the link at the top of the page.
Call of the Tundra
