Call of the Tundra to be aired!

With over 25 hours worth of footage in the can, Prairie Toyota Dealers' "Call Of The Tundra" promotion is set to air on Global in mid-October. As mentioned in past newsletter posts, Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge is extremely proud to have hosted this great event (see past item here). For the past four days, the camp has been buzzing with excitement as camera crews scoured the lake and the peninsula capturing the contestants' experience. The tournament-style contest had five lucky contestants fishing for the keys to a brand-new 2008 Toyota Tundra! In two morning sessions of fishing each angler scored the total length of their five biggest fish (total of ten fish). The first morning of tournament fishing challenged the anglers with high West winds and cooler temperatures. Many fish were boated and each competitor got back to the dock eager to up their scores on day two. However, Mother Nature had other plans. Day two began with heavy winds and constant rain... Not conducive to filming. A revised plan had our guests fishing with the guides for fun and everyone enjoyed a classic Aikens shore lunch at the Gray Owl site, warming their hands by the fire and their bellies with deliciously prepared walleye. Having practiced their hook-sets and rested up for the last day's event, the competitors (staff and film crew alike) were over-joyed to wake up to a beautiful sunny day for the final tournament session. The Back Bay had a magical fog hanging thick making for some awesome pictures. Our host Dave Mercer (creator and host of "Facts of Fishing") sounded the air horn to set off the five competing guide boats for an exiting Shot-Gun start to day three. At high Noon, everyone congregated at shore lunch knowing that one of them would soon be the proud owner of a new truck! The afternoon was spent on the lake fishing, while back at the lodge, scores were tallied and the dining room was readied for the award ceremony. Lights, camera and action filled the lodge while Dave Mercer entertained the crowd before handing the keys to the winner. It was a very cool event to host in our spacious lodge. Congratulations to all the the contestants for having participated in such a one-of-a-kind event. Aikens is proud to have partnered with Prairie Toyota Dealers' and Travel Manitoba in hosting this televised competition which promoted Toyota Tundra Trucks, Aikens Lake Lodge and Manitoba wilderness! Also, a very special thanks to Dave Mercer for having made everyone laugh and enjoy their experience at Aikens. You are a true showman and your fishing tips gave everyone that extra edge needed to angle their way into a new Tundra! Many of you are probably asking who left the lodge with such a huge prize? Well, the answer will be aired on Global during a weekend this October. We will be posting the show time here on the newsletter as soon as the production team finishes editing their footage.