Mark Zona Says He’ll ‘Be Nice’ to BoatUS Angler Winner

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 26 -- The Boat Owners Association of the United States issued the following news release:

If you're an angler and you know what a "slaunch" is, chances are you're a fan of Mark Zona, the self-proclaimed "knucklehead" host of TV's Bassmaster Elite Series and "Zona's Awesome Fishing Show." Now, with some help from BoatUS Angler, the 24-hour towing service and insurance provider, Zona wants to take you to all of his secret locations on his home waters in the state of Michigan for an "Awesome Fishing Trip" in search of slaunches - monster smallmouth bass. You can earn a chance to win by simply becoming a BoatUS Angler member at www.BoatUSAngler.com/zona. Speaking about the trip, Zona said, "This year is prime for a northern smallmouth beatdown! We're going to time this trip perfectly - it will be Chicago Bears, smashmouth, autumn trophy hunting at it's finest! We're gonna knock their lights out. And if we don't, well, we will still look fantastic!" Anglers must join by the contest entry deadline of August 15, 2012, and all current BoatUS Anglers are automatically entered. On August 20, 2012, a random drawing will be held to choose three finalists, who will then compete for the trip by telling, in their own 250-500 words, why they should be selected to go fishing with "the Z-Train," as fans affectionately call Zona. Entrants must also include one (1) photo. Selected contestants must submit their essay and photo on or before August 27, 2012. The fishing trip will take place in October, 2012 in Michigan. Included with the prize are a $1,000 gift card for airfare and lodging, and a BoatUS Angler prize pack containing BoatUS Angler logo apparel.

Additional entries can be gained by recruiting your fishing buddies and sponsoring a new BoatUS Angler member - once they join you get an extra chance to win. To sponsor a BoatUS Angler member or view contest rules, to go to www.BoatUSAngler.com/zona. BoatUS Angler (http://www.boatusangler.com/), a membership program from the nation's largest association of recreational boaters, BoatUS, offers boat-owning fishermen services such as on-the-water breakdown and towing assistance provided by the largest fleet of towboats in North America, roadside boat trailer and tow vehicle assistance through 18,000 specialized towing companies, and fishing boat insurance that has the right coverage for anglers. Benefits begin at only $38 that includes BoatUS Angler membership with On-the-Road Towing, which provides services such as fuel delivery, jump-starts, flat tire assistance, lockout service, ramp winching and tow truck service for both your trailer and tow vehicle while trailering your boat. Visit BoatUSAngler.com for more.

TNS cp -120627-JF78-3927565 StaffFurigay