08.04.2010 - Skeeter Owners' Tournament 2010
Skeeter owners' love their boats and they love their tournament fishing, and when it comes to a great social outing there's few things better than the Skeeter Owners' Tournament. For Skeeter Australia head honcho Josh Batterson it's a way to get his loyal customers together and enjoy the thrill of tournament fishing and everything Skeeter.
Run every spring on either Lake Glenbawn or at South West Rocks, this years event was scheduled to hit the waters of Glenbawn on the 18th & 19th September however due to a jam packed tourament calendar and a host of events on Glenbawn we will be heading back to South West Rocks.
"We love going to Glenbawn for the Owners' Tournament however with so many events on around the same time and on the same waterway it seems the best option is to head back to South West Rocks," explained Josh.
"While the owner's tournament will take place on the date originally planned and on the same weekend as the Quantum BASS Pro Grand Final, both Josh and ABT Tournament Director Simon Goldsmith believe this is the least disruptive compromise.
"We could have changed the date and stayed at the Glenbawn but it was impossible to find a free weekend that wasn't in school holidays or months earlier or later than what we had ear marked for the event. We thought it was easier for people to change where they were going rather than when they were going. There might be a slight clash with anglers fishing the BASS Grand Final but we think this is best of all the options available", explained Josh.
"It's difficult to find a weekend clear of other events and that doesn't clash. For Josh to change location was a big plus for us and BASS Grand Final competitors and we appreciate Josh and Skeeter making the switch", explained Simon Goldsmith.
For Skeeter Owners the focus is now on South West Rocks, one of the central coasts hidden bream fisheries.
Keep an eye out for all the Tournment details wo be posted soon including the all important Registration Form.
We look forward to seeing you all there again in 2010.
23.10.2009 - Skeeter Bay Range a Big Success - A Word from our Customer
Since reaching my goal of claiming Qld Bream AOY and then selling my SX170 to move back into my passion, "Offshore Fishing", you sold me a ZX20 Bay Skeeter and I have never looked back mate. My passion has been Giant Trevally and having this boat has opened the door to get to offshore reefs and bombies in QLD to target these fish. I have in 12 months had the pleasure of the bay boat and my dreams have been full filled with catches of Marlin, Snapper, Jewfish and Tuna plus more, and in recent times reaching a new PB in my GT fishing. In fact, on a recent trip north of Brisbane I managed a 42, 38 and 36 kilo in one session. It was looking at these pictures that my decision to move back to a bay boat was the correct move!
The ZX Bay range of Skeeters is the ultimate sportsfishing boat. My 80lb Terrova pulls the boat around if I want to fish canals for Jacks etc, but the fuel capacity of 160 litres gets me wherever I want to go. If you want an all round boat from the Skeeter range look no further than the Bay boats. Sure you can do all the comps but you also can get offshore for a feed of Snapper.
To read more about the Bay range check out the Boat Range page.
23.10.2009 - BIG FISH Announcement for Skeeter Installations of Jensen Marine Stereos
Big Fish have released their latest newsletter announcing their partnership with Skeeter Australia where Jensen Marine Audio equipment will be installed in Skeeter Boats, upon request.
To check out the announcement client this link to open the newsletter in PDF format.
30.09.2009 - September Edition of the Skeeter Newsletter NOW AVAILABLE
The latest edition of the Skeeter Australia Newsletter is now available. Click the link below and throughout the website to download your copy of the September Edition.
28.09.2009 - Successful Skeeter Owner's Tournament 2009
Well it has been yet another successful year for the Skeeter Owner's Tournament. To check out all the photos, results and a full review on the weekend go to the Skeeter Owner's Tournment page by clicking this link. We look forward to the next Skeeter Owner's Tournament at Lake Glenbawn in 2010.
25.09.2009 - All New Skeeter ZX170
Skeeter Australia is pleased to announce our latest edition to our extensive range of premium Bass/Bream Boats.The ZX170 is the smallest ZX in the range however, it still has all the features of its larger brother the ZX180.
At 16'8" long and 89" wide this awesome boat will be suited to our waterways here in Australia. It has the modular consoles, recessed trolling motor tray, ice chest built into the deck on the starboard side, carpet padding, plus the legendary Skeeter ZX smooth dry ride. The boat is designed for either a 90hp or 115hp engine and either engine will give you great performance out of this awesome boat.
For all enquiries about all of Skeeters range of boats please email josh@skeeterboats.com.au or call 0408 621 426
25.09.2009 - Trip of a LIFETIME!
Yes it was the Skeeter trip of a Lifetime – in every sense of the word. Words can not do justice to our 17 days spent in the USA.
Carl Jocumsen, 2008 Angler of the Year, Bass pro Grand final champion, AFC Superstar, highest BASS PRO money earner and ranked Number 1 Bass angler in Australia was the winner of this trip.
A brief run down of the trip begins in Los Angeles – a trip through Disneyland, Hollywood, fishing Lake Castaic with Gary Boyd and Newport Beach followed by jumping on a plane and visiting Texas – the home of Skeeter Boats. We played golf on the Friday with Skeeter management followed by Saturday and Sunday fishing on Lake Fork with 2 of Skeeter's Pro Bass Fisherman – Lance Vick and Brooks Rodgers. Wow we caught some fish – largemouth. In total we guessed around 60 bass up to 6lbs in the two days on a variety of techniques, spinnerbaits, deep cranks, texas rigging worms and squdgies.
Monday was the factory tour with the National Sales Manager and President of Skeeter Boats. This was amazing and I am sure if you ask Carl how good a Skeeter really is, his answers will blow your mind.
From Texas we flew to Las Vegas for the US Open Bass Tournament, after three practice days on Lake Mead Carl was ready for action. This three day tournament is one of the biggest in the USA and, yep, Aussie Carl put in a stella performance and finished 2nd – just missing out on a victory in the US Open.
t certainly was the "Trip of a Lifetime" and I am sure Carl will remember his Skeeter time in the USA forever
25.09.2009 - Skeeter Newsletter September Edition - COMING SOON!!!!
The next edition of the Skeeter Australia Newsletter will be available soon.
02.07.2009 - July 2009 Edition - Skeeter Newsletter
The next edition of the Skeeter Australia Newsletter is now available for download. Be sure to locate the Newsletter link throughout the website to download your copy.
06.05.2009 - May 2009 Edition - Skeeter Newsletter
The next edition of the Skeeter Australia Newsletter is now available for download. Be sure to locate the Newsletter link throughout the website to download your copy
29.04.2009 - The 2009 SKEETER OWNER'S TOURNAMENT has been announced
Well it is that time again for the 2009 Skeeter Owner's Tournament. This year it will be at South West Rocks. So to all you Skeeter Owner's out there click the button below to take you to all the details on this years special event. Entries close this year on 10th July so download your Official Reply Form now and return to Skeeter Australia.We look forward to seeing you there!
01.03.2009 - March 2009 Edition - Skeeter Newsletter
The next edition of the Skeeter Australia Newsletter is now available for download. Be sure to locate the Newsletter link throughout the website to download your copy.
21.04.2009 - Gamakatsu Hooks Victory in the Qld Bream Open
Skeeter Owner and Team Gamakatsu angler Michael Starkey and fellow Team angler Dean Silvester had a very impressive 15/15 8.48kg bag taking out the $10,000 winners cheque at the 3rd Annual Queensland BREAM Open held in conjuction with the Tinnie and Tackle Show at Brisbane’s Iconic RNA Showgrounds.
For the event victor’s, Starkey and Silvester, it was the execution of a calculated game plan that delivered them the result they’ve long worked for on the tournament circuit.
Along with Team Gamakatsu’s first place winnings of $10,000.00 Michael also receives another $500.00 from Skeeter Boats Australia as part of the Skeeter Performance Fishing Program. Congratulations!!!
01.03.2009 - Team Skeeter Win Hawkesbury & Sydney Events
The Berkley Summer Series is a series of two events that is organised by Berkley Pro Staff Mark Mangold and Scott Towner. With the help of ABT and associated sponsors this series turned out to be outstanding both in terms of the numbers of competitors and the prize pool.
With great fortune it was Skeeter Australia’s own Josh Batterson and Matt Webb who captured the series with victories in both rounds, on the Hawkesbury River in January and on Sydney Harbour in February.
The first round was on the Hawkesbury River with Batterson and Webb finding good-sized fish holding in the washes around the various headlands that dominate the lower end of the Hawkesbury system. Fishing from a Skeeter Iclass powered by the powerful Evinrude Etec 225HO, casting a variety of soft plastics such as Berkley Gulp minnows and shrimps, on G Loomis Dropshot rods and Shimano Stella reels, the team quickly picked up a number of good quality fish. As the swells picked up it they had to retreat to the rock walls and calmer areas of the Hawkesbury to pick up the fifth fish of the bag. With 4.00kg of Bream it was daylight between first and second with nearly 700grams separating the winners from second place.
Batterson said “it was just one of those days where everything seems to go right and it was great to win an event and also qualify for the grand Final”
The second round was on Sydney Harbour and after a good prefish day that included pouring rain and gale force winds, getting out of bed was still quite difficult Batterson commented, but after winning the first round, it was worth trying to win the series and the Berkley Cash that was up for grabs. But as in the first round Batterson and Webb were to steal victory again with a solid 3.76kg bag of Sydney Harbour Bream. Utilising Batterson’s new Skeeter ZX200 powered by an Evinrude 225HO, G Loomis Rods and Stella’s, Batterson said “we chose to fish various pontoons, marinas and mooring blocks throughout the middle section of the Harbour from Balmain Marina through to Rose Bay, while the lure of choice was the Berkley Banana Prawn Shrimp along with the new FireTiger colour. The other important factor when fishing deep mooring blocks is the use of the Lowrance sounder, this gives you an idea of exactly where the mooring block and rope is”.
With Berkley being a prominent business partner of Skeeter Australia, Batterson said it was "great to see the involvement of the Berkley company in backing the sport that builds our boat business here in Australia. It was an honour to take out both rounds and the series and a big Thank You to Berkley”.
29.01.2009 - What a Start For 2009 For Skeeter Boat Users
Skeeter owners have had some amazing results that has the entire tournament community taking notice. We have been saying for years that the best fish from a Skeeter boat and the opening to the 2009 tournament season has shown that.
Firstly there was a spectacular win for Team Franklins Plumbing in the Australian Open on Sydney Harbour. Graham Franklin was fishing from his Skeeter ZX200 powered by an Evinrude Etec 225HO. The emphatic victory was Graham’s first major Bream Tournament win which was even more special considering he was fishing against one of the best fields ever assembled for a Bream teams event. Skeeter Australia would like to extend our congratulations to Graham and Dean.
The first round of the ever popular Berkley Summer Challenge was held on the Hawkesbury River. Skeeter Australia’s own Josh Batterson fishing with Skeeter boat technician Matt Webb captured another win for Skeeter in 2009. Fishing out of a Skeeter IClass powered by an Evinrude 225HO, Batterson and Webb used the speed and stability of the Skeeter to fish the washes around the extensive Hawkesbury System. Josh commented that “without the stability of the Skeeter it would have been nearly impossible to fish in the locations where the fish were. I credit this win to the Skeeter boat.”
The first ABT BREAM Event of the year was conducted on the Manning River and yet another Skeeter Boat took out the victory. Adam Ward fishing out of his Skeeter ZX190 and Evinrude Etec 150Ho combination caught the only 10/10 bag for the weekend to claim his first ever BREAM Event victory. In winning this event Adam also claimed the Skeeter Performance Program Bonus of $500.00. Adam was joyous in victory saying that "It was awesome to get a win so early in the season and qualify for the grand final, but it was also fantastic to win the Skeeter $500.00 bonus." Adam commented that "It is awesome to see a company like Skeeter boats supporting the anglers that use their product so much. There is no ther boat company in Australia that has a programn such as this.
Skeeter Australia would like to extend their congratulations to all these event winners and we are sure there will be more to come in 2009.
29.01.2009 - 2009 Sanctioned Tournament Events Updated
The 2009 Skeeter Performance Program sanctioned tournament events have been updated. When any Skeeter Owner wins first place in a sanctioned event, you are also rewared with an additional $500 from Skeeter Australia.
Click here to view the 2009 Sanctioned Tournament Event list.
15.12.2008 - The First Skeeter Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Our Inaugural Skeeter Bi-monthly Newsletter is now available for download. Select the Newsletter button, which can be found on any page on this website, to download a PDF format of the Newsletter. If you have any stories you think should be included in any of our future editions please email me at josh@skeeterboats.com.au
10.12.2008 - The BEST Now Rides The BEST
The number 1 ranked BASS Angler in Australia, the 2008 Angler of the Year, the 2008 BASS Grand Final victor, the Lake Glenbawn 2008 Super Series winner, it is hard to believe that Carl Jocumsen could achieve anything else this year. To make 2008 a more memorable year Carl has just taken delivery of his new Skeeter ZX190 powered with a 150HO Evinrude Etec.
When questioned about his choice of boat Carl said "Really the decision was quite easy, I have fished out of most brands of boats but not one rivals Skeeter in ride, performance, fishability, quality of construction and fitout. Couple this with Skeeter Australia's market leading reputation for customer service and their support for the tournament circuit it is actually an easy decision to go with Skeeter. I can't wait to get out next season and compete out of the ZX190, and I am sure it will help me with the results."
Josh Batterson of Skeeter Australia commented that he "was delighted to have Carl onboard as a Team Skeeter member for the 2009 season. With Skeeter Australia's team of Bass fisherman it is overly evident that the best fish from a Skeeter."
Skeeter Australia wishes Carl the best of luck for 2009 and beyond!
09.12.2008 - Team Pflueger WIN Skeeter Teams Event
Team Pflueger's Andrew Homann and Neil Foley take out one of the best Events on the ABT Bream calender, Team Skeeter angler Andrew Homann fishing out of his Skeeter ZX190.
Utilising the latest in tackle from the Pflueger/Berkley stable Homann and Foley fished an extremely productive section of bank using Gulp Banana Prawn Shrimp. This section of bank was also the bank where Homann had his BREAM Super Series win earlier in the year.
A great Skeeter SX170 and Evinrude Etec package went to the victors. Homann said "he would like to thank Skeeter Boats for their continued support of Bream Fishing along with the support to him personally. He would like to thank his other sponsors Pflueger/Berkley, Evinrude Etec, Lowrance and Power Pole".
This Classic Final victory was Foleys first large Bream tournemant win. He said it was great to take out the win but even more special to do it as a team with a great mate.
Skeeter Australia would like to congratulate Homann and Foley on their great win.
09.12.2008 - Wilhelm Captures Teemburra Title
Team Skeeter, Evinrude & Shimano angler Jason Wilhelm captures his second career BARRA Event at Teemburra.Compiling a 9/10, 543cm bag for the two day event Wilhelm showed that quantity rather than quality was the key to success at the event, racking up a string of conservatively sized fish to secure victory.
Fishing the points in the main basin and the adjacent shallow bays and edges Wilhelm utilized a super shallow and ultra light presentation to catch his fish.
Fishing from his Skeeter ZX190 with a 150HO Etec Wilhelm focused on the discoloured and muddy edges presenting a modified, weight reduced, Evil Minnow coloured 110 Squidgy Slick Rig Pro, casting the offering tight to the edge before beginning an ultra slow retrieve out from the bank.
"They turned on late in the session when the moon came out and lit up the place", explained Wilhelm.
Jason added that it was great to get off to a good start on the Barra tour and looked forward ot the following few weeks.
Skeeter Australia would like to congratulate Jason on fine win against the best tournament Barramundi fishermen in Australia
10.09.2008 - Bonus $500 worth of Fishing Gear with EVERY NEW SKEETER purchased in September and October
04.10.2008 - Skeeter Owner's Tournament Competition
The Skeeter Boats Owners Tournament is billed as one of the best weekends on our tournament calendar here in Australia and once again this year it did not disappoint.
The weekend started off on Friday night with a BBQ, some drinks and the briefing that outlined the events for the weekend. The highlight of the evening was Berkley Pro Staff member Andrew Homann outlining how to catch the bass of Lake Glenbawn using the sponsors products that were included in the welcome bag, this included Atomic Berkley, and Squidgy plastics along with jigheads from Nitro. This informative discussion was welcomed by entrants that had never caught a bass before.
After a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs, it was time to hit the water for a 7.00am start. With 25 Skeeter Boats lining the bank of the picturesque Lake Glenbawn it was certainly an eye opener for all comers.
The first activity for the weekend was to find a yellow rubber duck. With great prizes on offer there were 10 yellow ducks placed on the Lake.
The second activity for the weekend was to catch 4 fish during the Saturday session, and only 1 team accomplished this mission, Les and Mel King with a great bag of 4 bass weighing 4.090kg.
Once the days fishing was completed at 2pm the Skeeter Owners retired to Glenbawn kiosk for some cold beverages and a roast dinner prepared at the kiosk. That night we awarded the duck prizes which were greatly received by the duck hunters.
Sunday morning arrived, although a little hazy for some, for others fine and sunny.
After a tough session where no teams managed to catch all 4 fish, Team Ward, consisting of Adam Ward and Craig Simmons, were crowned victors of the 2008 Skeeter Owners Tournament.
While accepting the champion team award for the weekend Craig Simmons told the crowd
“this type of event is what makes Skeeter Australia special. No other bass boat company in Australia puts on a tournament for there owners let alone a tournament that has over $10,000.00 in prizes, while fishing Skeeter representatives are handing out cold drinks, Mars Bars and chips on the water – that is awesome!”
The major prizes for the weekend went to:
Champion Team: $500 Cash and Trophy - Adam Ward and Craig Simmons
Session 1 Shimano Secret Weight Fish - Adam Ward and Craig Simmons
Session 1 Pure Fishing Secret Weight Bag - Adam Ward and Craig Simmons
Session 1 Megabass Biggest Bass - Les and Melissa King
Session 2 Shimano Secret Weight Fish - Anthony Nyeberg
Session 2 Pure Fishing Secret Weight Bag - Mic Elsley and Bruce Anderson
Session 2 Megabass Biggest Bass - Wayne Parry and Justin Scott
Skeeter Australia would like to thank their event sponsors which include:
ABT, AFC and Fishing Monthly Group
Pure Fishing with Berkley Plflueger
Shimano and Squidgies
Frogleys Offshore with Atomic, Gamakatsu and Megabass
Lowrance
BRP with Evinrude Etec
Bing Lee
G Loomis and Lucky Craft
Jackall Lures
Minn Kota
Overall this has been another hugely successful weekend for Skeeter Australia and we would like to thank everyone who made the effort to come along and we wish to see more of you, our Skeeter Owners, in September 2009 at South West Rocks.
02.09.2008 - Christ Britton Makes it 3 From 3 and Wins Performance Program Dollars
Skeeter Owner, Berkley / Pure Fishing Team Angler Chris Britton had an extremely successful weekend’s fishing during the ABT’s Final Super Series event on the Gold Coast.
After three days of fishing and continually weighing in great bags, Chris made it three wins from the last three ABT Super Series Tournaments for Skeeter Boats. Following in the footsteps of Mangold and Homann, it is painting a picture that the best fish in Skeeter Boats.
Utilising a combination of Berkley Pro Tactic Rods, Abu Cardinal Reels, Stren Microfuse, Nitro Jigheads and Berkley 3 inch minnows in natural colours Chris compiled his daily limits of five fish.
After a final day run and gun affair Chris found the fish he needed to secure victory and the $10,000.00 Super Series cheque. On top of the $10,000.00 there is another $500.00 from Skeeter Boats Australia.
When questioned about the Performance Program Chris said “I think it's great that Skeeter supports the sport and customers post sale and this gives Skeeter Owners great incentive to do well”
Our Performance Program for Bream, Bass and Barra fisherman is the best of any boat company here in Australia and continues to show how we lead the way.
02.09.2008 - Skeeter and Team Berkley Clean Sweep ABT Super Series
Skeeter and Team Berkley have proven to be an unbeatable combination making a clean sweep of the ABT super series.
Skeeter has withstood the challenge of the tough Australian competition arenas, conditions and competitors to deliver an outstanding high performance result for these team Berkley and team Skeeter anglers. Skeeter continues to support the development of the Australian competition circuit through the “Skeeter Performance Program”
By registering with the “Skeeter Performance Program” each of these anglers won an additional $500.00.
Skeeter Australia is the only boat company to offer a Performance Program incentive to anglers. With this on going dedication it is easy to see why Skeeter is the Number 1 choice of tournament anglers.
Results
Mark Mangold – ABT Super Series Gippsland Lakes (11 / 15, 8.75kg)
Quote - "it is great to see companies like Skeeter Australia supporting their customers and as an incentive program this is fantastic. To win $10,000 for the comp and the extra $500 from Skeeter was awesome".
Andrew Homann – ABT Super Series Clarence River (15 /15, 10.74kg)
Quote – “ winning the event has lifted the monkey from his back and is grateful for the Support that Skeeter Australia is giving back to the anglers and the industry
Chris Britton – ABT Super Series Gold Coast (15 /15 8.04kg)
Quote - "I think its great that Skeeter supports the sport and customers post sale and this gives Skeeter Owners great incentive to do well"
20.07.2008 - Andy Homann and Skeeter Win Again
Skeeter Australia would like to extend our congratulations to Andrew Homann, winner of the ABT Clarence River Super Series event.
It was great to see Andrew blitz the field by almost 2kg on a river that he has never fished before. Andrew, being a member of Team Pflueger utilised the newly released Banana prawn Shrimp on a Nitro jighead to fill most of his bag, along with the new range of Pflueger Spin rods and reels.
Andrew said that "Winnng the event has lifted the monkey form his back and is grateful for the support that Skeeter Australia is giving back to the anglers and the industry. He would also like to thatnk his other sponsors Evinrude Etec, Berkley and Lowrance." This makes it two from two for Skeeter Boats. Mark mangold won the previous ABT Super Series event on Gippsland Lakes, while Adnrew has won the Clarence Event. For the best results it pays to ride in the best.
17.06.2008 - Mango Wins Skeeter Performance Program Dollars
Mark "Mango"Mangold, a Team Skeeter, Berkley and Evinrude Etec angler wins Skeeters $500 Performance Program dollars.
After a tough hard fought competition on Gippsland Lakes in Victoria Mangold was victorious in the prestigious ABT Super Serives event pocketing a cool $10,000.00.
As an agler owning and fishing out of his Skeeter Boat and registered for the Performance Program Mangold picked up hsi bonus $500.00 from Skeeter Australia.
When questioned Manog said "it is great to see companies like Skeeter Australia supportung their customers and as an incentive program this is fantastic. To win $10,000 for the comp and the extra $500 from Skeeter was awesome". Skeeter Australia is the only boat company to offer a Performance Program incentrive to anglers. With this ongoing dedication it is easy to see why Skeeter is the Number 1 choice of tournament anglers.
20.07.2008 - International Dealer of the Year 2008
For the third consecutive year Skeeter Australia has won Skeeter Products USA coveted International Dealer of the Year Award. This prestigious achievement was accepted by Josh Batterson, director of Skeeter Australia at the Skeeter Products Dealer meeting in Frisco, Texas.
When asked about the achievement, Josh was happy to elaborate:
“We at Skeeter Australia are extremely proud to have achieved this award for the last three years. I also would like to thank our customers, business partners and supporters as you are the ones that allow us to keep making remarkable achievements here in Australia and also internationally”
Skeeter President, Jeff Stone, and International/National Sales Manager, Ben Jarrett, also showed their excitement when awarding this trophy saying "it is absolutely remarkable what Skeeter Boats have achieved in Australia and we, down-under, can look forward to many exciting new things in the future!”
03.06.2008 - Calling all Skeeter Owners - The 2008 Skeeter Owners Tournament is Launched
CALLING ALL SKEETER OWNERS!
The 2008 Skeeter Owners Tournament has been launched.
Click the link above for all the details on this years tournament. (Link no longer available)
11.03.08 - Kerry Symes - ABT Bass Pro Grand Final 2007
29.02.2008 - SKEETER GIVEAWAY 2007 TEAM BREAM GRAND FINAL
The Skeeter ABT National BREAM Classic Championship at Port Macquarie November 10-11 was a culmination of the year's Classic teams events - held in all six states of Australia. 73 teams qualified and braved the torrential rain and dirty water conditions, on offer to the winning team was a new Skeeter ZX190 and Evinrude Etec 115 motor package.It was team SQUIDGY, Chris Cleaver & Zachias Crombie, who won the competition in trying conditions with a combined weight for the competition of 5.94kg.Skeeter Australia was proud to be associated with this outstanding event and remains as a major sponsor of the ABT Bream and Bass tournaments supporting the Australian competition circuit, from entry level through to professional rounds, in a way that no other boating supplier within Australia has been able to match.It is this ongoing commitment that will see Skeeter Australia remain as the No 1 Choice in high performance Bream and Bass boats in Australia for years to come.
