Minn Kota launches the only shallow-water anchor that gives anglers control from anywhere in the boat, plus unlocks more water for precise, anchored fishing with a new 15-foot version.

Racine, Wisconsin (8/4/2017) – Using a Minn Kota® Talon® for precise boat control has never been easier. In fact, there are now five ways for anglers to activate the Talon from anywhere in the boat. The newest way utilizes Bluetooth® communication to pair the Talon with Humminbird® units on the boat for total boat control on one console (including the ability to pair Humminbird units with select Minn Kota trolling motors). Anglers can also engage the anchor using a foot switch, with a wireless remote (every Talon comes standard with two), via the new Talon smartphone app, and with the Talon’s built-in control panel.

According to Minn Kota Brand Manager Brad Henry, “When it’s time to Talon down we give anglers options so they can lock on a spot no matter where they are in the boat or their style of fishing.”

Another major advancement is the introduction of Minn Kota’s new 15-foot Talon, the deepest shallow-water anchor ever made. It allows anglers to lock down on more spots to effectively unlock more water.

Hall of Fame angler Al Lindner explains how Talon’s depth delivers results for his multi-species pursuits. “I use it for catfish in rivers, for crappies in the spring, naturally for bass, and in more cases than I ever thought – for walleyes. Yeah, you heard me right, walleyes.”

Also new for 2017 is a clever work light built into the Talon top cap. When fishing in dark conditions, the work light illuminates the entire back deck of the boat to help anglers when rigging and landing fish at night. It has three brightness settings and white or blue LED light options for ideal illumination.

Talon allows anglers to anchor in any condition with three user-selectable anchoring modes – another exclusive feature. The AUTO-DRIVE MODE powers the spike into the bottom with three increasingly aggressive hits. A SOFT BOTTOM MODE is ideal for less aggressive anchoring and easier retraction in muddy or silted bottom. When the wind is blowing, the ROUGH WATER MODE performs three consecutive auto-drive sequences at 10-second intervals for a secure hold when the boat rises and falls in waves.

Talon’s electro-mechanical design keeps the motor above the waterline for silent stealth below the surface. Talon also deploys vertically and out of the way, helping eliminate unwanted tangles when fighting boat-side fish. Also, anglers can add the tilt bracket accessory for easy tilt function for passing under low-hanging obstacles.

In addition to the new 15-footer, Talons are also available in 8-, 10- and 12-foot models. They all feature Bluetooth technology with a variety of color combinations including red/black, blue/black, silver/black, silver/white, all black and all white. The new Talons will be available in October 2017 and will retail for $1,899.99 (8-foot), $1,999.99 (10-foot), 2,099.99 (12-foot) and $2,499.99 (15-foot).

For more information visit MinnKotaMotors.com/NewTalon.

About Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors and consists of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird® is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fishfinders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers and premium cartography products. Minn Kota® is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of Talon® shallow-water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon® is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

About Johnson Outdoors
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products.  The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear.  Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include, among others: Old Town^® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak^™ and Necky^® kayaks; Carlisle^®paddles; Extrasport^® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota^® fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon^® downriggers; Humminbird^® marine electronics and digital charts; SCUBAPRO^® dive equipment; Silva^® compasses; Jetboil^® outdoor cooking systems; and Eureka!^®camping and hiking equipment.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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The 7^th annual Fish-N-Friends open Bass Tournament benefiting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program took place Saturday, July 8^th, 2017 on the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill Maryland. As a member of the Delaware TBF, the Wicomico/Nanticoke Bass Club holds 9 tournaments each year, but this fund raiser event for Toys For Tots is always a “classic”.

Wayne Gorrow assisted by Delaware TBF Tournament Director Brian Barnes noted that 30 boats containing 55 anglers from 11 different bass clubs from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia participated in the event. Although the river was fishing “a little small”, Weighmaster Fabian Rodriguez tallied over 200 pounds of largemouth bass with more than 121 toys, gifts and fishing tackle donated by the anglers, Mr. Gorrow notes that the heartfelt spirit of all those who participated was a true testament to the Delaware TBF, its members and the bass fishing community as a whole. Thanks to everyone for their generosity and support.  After the tournament all anglers were treated to some burgers and hot dogs cooked on the grill by Delaware TBF President Bob Chango.

1^st Place Winners (L) Kenny Spicer, with Delaware TBF President Bob Chango, (R) Jeremy Birmingham. Jeremy holds the days 4.57lb lunker 1^st place 12.42 pounds

 2^nd Place (L) Delaware TBF Vice President  Bobby Smith, Bob Chango  (R) Larry Taylor 2^nd place awarded for 10.45 pounds

3^rd Place Mark Hogan with Bob Chango, and Cindy Hogan. 3^rd place awarded for 9.48 pounds

4^th place winners (L) PJ Martin (C) Jim Smith with Bob Chango 4^th place awarded for 8.84 pounds

Founded in 1947, The Toys For Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys that are distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the local community. The primary goal of the program is to deliver a message of hope to these youngsters especially at Christmas. Youth who range in age from 3-15, and who likely would not receive presents at Christmas are blessed by these gifts.

All photos by Ralph Newberry