Fan’s Dream Becomes Reality, Wins Fish With Greg Hackney Sweepstakes

Doug Markwell of Greenup, Ill., wins the Fish with Greg Hackney Sweepstakes, which includes a day on the water with 2014 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Greg Hackney along with gear and products worth $6,000. Photo by Gary Tramontina/Bassmaster

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For longtime B.A.S.S. member Doug Markwell of Greenup, Ill., getting the opportunity to fish with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Greg Hackney was only a dream. That dream became a reality when he was selected as the sole winner of the Fish with Greg Hackney Sweepstakes.
 
“I have entered many sweepstakes daily for years from Bassmaster and other outdoor sites, but this is the first big prize I have won, proving the “never give up” theory,” Markwell said.
 
Markwell will take a trip to a to-be-determined location to fish with Hackney. The trip will include round-trip airfare for one; three nights/four days hotel accommodations; a rental car; and $500 spending money.
 
In addition to the fishing trip with Hackney, Markwell also won a Garmin echo 551dv Fishfinder, a Garmin echoMAP 43dv Chartplotter, four Dick Cepek Tires, a Quantum Smoke baitcast reel and Quantum Smoke 7-6 heavy action rod, a STORMR Fusion Suit, a Strike King lures pack, a Bass Mafia Tackle Box and Flex Fit Cap and a Gamma lines pack. The value of his prizes total $6,000.
 
Markwell has been an avid angler and hunter since a young age. He fished local tournaments throughout his 20s, but now enjoys recreational fishing on one of Bassmaster’s Top 100 Lakes, Newton Lake, near his Illinois home. 
 
“A chance to fish with someone like Greg, who represents the current generation of anglers so well, will be truly an honor,” Markwell said. “I am hoping for a smallmouth bass trip, as I rarely get a chance at a big bronzeback in my neck of the woods.”
 
“The chance to learn from Greg and swap a few fishing stories will be the true prize,” Markwell said.
 
Another lucky fishing fan will have a chance to get on the water with an Elite Series pro very soon through the Fish with Casey Ashley Sweepstakes, which is currently underway on Bassmaster.com
 
The winner will receive a fishing trip with 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion Casey Ashley, which includes round-trip airfare, ground transportation, $500 cash and Casey’s gear. In addition, the winner will also receive a Triton/Mercury bass boat. The total value of the prize is $35,000.
 
The Fish with Casey Ashley Sweepstakes runs through August 31st, and the winner will be selected on Sept. 8, 2015.  

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
 
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.