Celebrating Our Champions: Marine Detail Supply Proudly Sponsors the Winning Team at the Lake Erie Walleye Trail Championship

CLEVELAND, Ohio — We at Marine Detail Supply are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of the dynamic duo, Ryan Buddie and Jason Kopf, at last week’s Lake Erie Walleye Trail Championship. As proud sponsors of this talented fishing team, we couldn’t be more excited about their incredible performance, which culminated in a stunning victory.

Over two intense days of competition, Buddie and Kopf demonstrated their exceptional skills and teamwork, landing a total of 10 fish that weighed in at an impressive 61 pounds, 4 ounces. Their remarkable haul not only secured their win but also surpassed the second-place team by nearly seven pounds.

The tournament kicked off from the Sandusky boat ramps, where competitors faced challenging conditions with big winds and choppy waters. Many teams had to brave the elements, limiting their fishing time and forcing them to use open water techniques. However, Kopf and Buddie had a strategy that paid off.

“We spent our practice days exploring Lake Erie from dawn to dusk,” shared Buddie, a Delta Air Lines pilot from Amherst. “While we found some fish around the lake, we discovered that Sandusky Bay, being protected from the wind, was a treasure trove of walleye just waiting to be caught.”

Traditionally known for its channel catfish bonanza, Sandusky Bay surprised everyone with the quality of walleye available. The key to their success? Water temperature. “The walleye were really biting in the cooler 62-degree waters of the bay, as opposed to the tougher conditions we encountered elsewhere,” explained Kopf, a custom home builder from Avon Lake. “Those conditions attracted the gizzard shad, which the walleye were feeding on.”

Their hard work and strategic thinking led them to weigh the biggest walleye of the tournament on Saturday, an impressive 8.09-pound catch. This victory not only earned them $19,000 in winnings but also the prestigious title of LEWT Team of the Year and the prize for the largest walleye.

We’re proud to support such dedicated and talented anglers, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Ryan and Jason. With their unwavering determination and passion for fishing, there’s no telling what they’ll achieve next!

In the end, Marvin Marker and Paul Glancy finished second with 54.98 pounds, followed closely by Kyle Kokanovich and Charlie Klaus in third place with 53.15 pounds. The competition was fierce, but Kopf and Buddie proved that teamwork, preparation, and a little ingenuity can lead to outstanding results.

Here’s to more great moments on the water and continued success for Ryan and Jason—Marine Detail Supply is proud to be part of your journey!