Stratos Pro Mike McClelland Looks to Begin New Streak in New Ride
OutdoorHub 04.16.14
Elite Series angler notches first win in new Stratos 201XL Evolution
Stratos Pro Mike McClelland has a lifetime of history with Table Rock Lake. When the recent B.A.S.S. Elite Series event converged on the famed Ozark Mountain fishery, the Bella Vista, Ark., pro found that not much had changed since his last tournament appearance there. This time, though, it seems his new ride was destined to play a big role in his success.
McClelland, who began competing this season in the acclaimed Stratos 201XL Evolution, captured his first Elite Series tournament victory since 2008, the last win in his four-wins-in-four-seasons streak. The win was not only McClelland’s first in six years but one he acknowledges had a lot to do with his Stratos boat.
“When you win one a year for four years in a row, sometimes you don’t realize it’s as hard as it truly is. The competition is so strong now and wins are harder to come by,” said McClelland, whose career earnings eclipsed $1.5 million by winning at Table Rock. “The biggest advantage of my new boat is that this is, by far, the fastest boat I’ve had and I’m running 5-6 mph faster than I’m used to running. It might not seem like a lot but if you think about the time you save in the course of a day those minutes really add up.”
McClelland’s 201XL Evolution is built for ultra-competitive anglers who don’t want to be outrun by the competition on the way to their favorite fishing spots. From an advanced instrument panel complete with a full compliment of performance and diagnostic gauges, to a huge front casting deck and 8-foot rod storages the 201XL Evolution is an aggressive, tournament-ready rig.
“The interior layout of my 201XL Evolution makes me so much more efficient when I’m fishing, whether I’m culling fish or looking for baits,” McClelland said. “I especially like the quick-access tackle boxes under the lids that make it really convenient to keep the things you know you’ll be needing that day. It helps me squeeze every last minute out of my tournament day, which is vital when you have to stretch everything to the limit.”
With his win on Table Rock Lake, McClelland pocketed $105,500 and secured his place in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, the 10th time he has qualified for the championship. The victory also cemented McClelland’s place among the biggest names in the sport as he become the fifth angler to win four or more B.A.S.S. Elite Series events.
“Mike embodies what a Stratos Pro should be: professional, competitive and successful. We feel truly privileged to have him as a member of the Stratos Family,” said Stratos Brand Manager Jason Bragg. “His knowledge of boats is extensive and he knows exactly what he needs from his rig to have a competitive edge. Seeing him aboard a 201XL Evolution, to me, is really as strong an endorsement as you can find.”
