Rick Olson and Norb Wollack

[just curious]

On the boats and motors page it has Olson and Wollack's picture advertising for Crestliner. Are these guys no longer associated with TRACKER? Why the change between sponsorships? Just Curious

[Jesse-WI]

You would be correct. There were several press releases in regards to the change.

As to why, my guess would be that RCL played a part in it. I'm sure there were other reasons also.

[walleye guy]

Yes, It is true that they have switched to Crestliner. I know Rick really well and just recently talked with him on the phone. I am sure that they gave them a deal that TRACKER couldn't match. I know as a previous Aluminum boat owner I would never own another one. I am running a 20' Tracker now and the ride is by far the best there is in rough water. I'm sure if Tracker would have given them a better deal then Crestliner they would have stayed. My opinion only is RCL really doesn't play any factor in there decision. Sure they probably want to fish the RCL but its who will give them the best deal. Now days people have to look out for themselves if Crestliner was only to offer them one free boat and tracker two they probably would stay with tracker. Being competative is tough and trying to make a living at what you love to do is even tougher. The RCL probably didn't play any factor in there decision. Like I stated before and maybe I'm wrong but this is only my opinion. Its none of my business why they went to Crestliner or what they were offered. They are two excellent fisherman and probably went to Crestliner for what they offered them not just because they wanted to fish the RCL.

[Erica Kalkofen]

Yes, it is true that Rick and Norb have joined the Crestliner Pro-staff. As the Crestliner Pro-staff Manager, I know we are extremely pleased to have such excellent fishemen and spokespersons on our staff. Even though the actual fishing season hasn't begun, we have felt their positive impact on the entire show season. Crestliner hopes to continue this success throughout the summer not only with Rick and Norb, but also with all the other fine anglers we have signed this season. I believe you will see some strong strides this tournament season from Crestliner and make anyone who doesn't own aluminum to take another look when ordering their next boat. Check out our website: crestliner.com for more information on the Tournament Series boats that Rick and Norb will be running. They will both be at the Minneapolis Sportshow March 17 and 18, along with several Tournament Series. Stop by to listen to seminars and see the new boats for yourselves. A new Team Crestliner site will be up later this summer offering information about team members, tournament successes, press releases, and how you can join the Crestliner family. Feel free to email me should you have any questions. Look for more improvements in boats and team throughout this summer. Good luck fishing!

[Ron Anlauf]

Knowing Norb and Rick as I do, I can tell you that they would never, ever, settle for a boat that wasn't competitive. Like Erica said, you may want to take another look at aluminum. Aluminum has made huge strides, and the Crestliner product takes a back seat to no one. The match is a natural one: boats being made by walleye fisherman, for walleye fisherman, in walleye country. Also, if you're in the market, take a look at resale and see who comes out on top. In regards to the RCL, it sure didn't hurt in their decision making process. These two guys thrive on competition, and it would have torn them up to know a tournament of this caliber was beign held while they were sitting on the sidelines.

Ron Anlauf

[Bullfrog]

It seems no matter what occurs in sponsorship, it's always aluminum vs. glass boats. Lots more anglers will be running aluminum this year, due in part to huge strides made in the processes. Look at the boats Parssons and Kavajecz will be in this season--aluminum, and Gary says the ride can't be beat. Look at the top anglers like Gofron, Roach, Martin adn others in Lund boats.

[Bookmaker]

These guys are so good, they would be competitive in any boat.
Remember, the top 5 Crestliners in each RCL qualifyer advance to the Championship. I would say those are some great odds for these two excellent, veteran pros. They will be making some good RCL checks with this move.

[Julie W.]

Thanks Erica and Ron for the great words about the guys, one of them being my guy. I just want to set the record straight, the spelling is WALLOCK. There are many reasons why any professional fisherman makes any decision. The speculations from throughout the tournament fishing world can become countless but I'll say one thing about what I know. And believe it or not, I may have played a 'little' part in this decision. It was the right decision at the right time in their careers! Thanks. Mrs. Norb!

[Jesse-WI]

If you are a boat company involved in the RCL it would be in your best interest to have your pro's be fishing on that last day. You are spending alot of money on this tourney, and your goal seems to have your name mean the same as the other boat sponsers when consumers hear the name.

So if you could upgrade the quality of pro's on your team, it would be in your company's best interest. You would initially search for the best pro's not under any of the current sponsers flag. These pro's must be very successful and have demonstrated their abilities to fish in multiple tournament series. Their level of professionalism must already have been proven.

You would do what it takes to bring these types of professionals under your flag. There is no doubt that these men meet these qualities as their records speak for themselves. As careers grow, things change usually for the better.

It would seem to me that Crestliner has made a very impressive statement on what they want people to think of their boats, and these individuals are a very positive statement of that fact.

So this is what I mean when I say the RCL has something to do with.