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South Bend®, one of America’s oldest and best-loved fishing tackle brands, is bringing back its popular Lunkerville Lounge and ‘Casting Call’ contest to the fishing industry’s largest trade show, ICAST 2015.  Since its debut at ICAST two years ago, South Bend’s Lunkerville Lounge has been a hot destination for angling attendees who want a chance to star on the award-winning, internationally syndicated TV show, “South Bend’s Lunkerville” (“SBL”).  All they need to do for their audition is tell their best fish tale to the show’s host, Mike D, on camera, the Lunkerville Lounge will be set up with couches, cameras and studio lights, just like a retro talk show.  The one with the most compelling story will win the grand prize of starring in their very own episode!

HOW IT WORKS – Anglers of all levels are invited to stop by the Lunkerville Lounge in the South Bend Booth #1743, where a camera crew will film their first, fondest or freakiest fishing tale, as they tell it to SBL host, Mike D.

  • CASTING CALL HOURS – Wednesday, July 15, 1pm-4pm; Thursday, July 16, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm.
  • Every auditionee will receive a limited edition, “South Bend’s Lunkerville” ICAST 2015 T-shirt.
  • The grand prize winner will be announced on Thursday at 5pm in the South Bend Booth #1743.

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR!

LIMITED EDITION TEES – This year marks the start of a new tradition: Custom designed, collectible “South Bend’s Lunkerville” ICAST 2015 T-shirts. Only 100 will be made to award each auditionee, as well as winners of daily social media mini-contests at the booth.  Stop by the South Bend Booth #1743 for details.

SOCIAL MEDIA MADNESS – SBL is hooking onto its Facebook fan base with real time posts throughout each day so they can experience ICAST virtually.  Those attending ICAST can come by for a FB photo with Mike D and answer a skill-testing question for a chance to snag a limited edition SBL ICAST 2015 T-shirt!

FREE STUFF!  Along with postcards and bumper stickers, the first 500 anglers to stop by the Lunkerville Lounge will get a Mike D signature Mossy Oak hat.  And everyone who passes by can snack on their favorite candies from the ‘60s and ‘70s!

ADDED ATTRACTIONS – Last year, fishing legend Jimmy Houston stopped by to share some of his funniest and most memorable stories, and Bill Dance appeared for a photo op.  Captain Wild Bill of “Deadliest Catch” fame loves what the show is all about so much, he made a point of coming by to talk with Mike D about the importance of getting kids interested in fishing and see when they can fish together –look for that episode next season!  This year promises even more fishing VIP visits!

“South Bend’s Lunkerville” reflects a multiyear partnership between South Bend and the popular TV series that features “real people with real fish stories”.  “We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Mike D and the show,” says Scott Griffith, Vice President of Marketing for Big Game International, the parent company of South Bend.  “We share a mission to inspire everyone to get outside and enjoy nature with their family and friends through fishing.  By featuring everyday folks who love to fish, Mike D and his guests show how easy, accessible and affordable fishing really is.  He was the first to do this and “South Bend’s Lunkerville” is still the only fishing show that consistently and exclusively embraces the simple joy of fishing.”

“Every week, we’re bringing more people into fishing — I know because they tell me on Facebook,” says Michael de Avila, aka “Mike D”, Lunkerville’s host and creator.  “Our Facebook ‘Likes’ are exploding, we’re at 142,000 fans and growing, averaging over 2,000 new fans each week — and they’re all organic.  “South Bend’s Lunkerville” is really making a difference in people’s lives and that makes a difference in mine.”