The 2019 Crappie Masters Tournament Trail is about to begin a new year of showcasing the benefits of 10 percent ethanol blends for fishing and boating. The first of 16 tournaments begins Friday, February 1 in Deland, Florida on the St. Johns River.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) are co-title sponsors of the tournament for the third consecutive year to help fuel the knowledge of participants.

“We have done significant education outreach to the boating community on the benefits of 10 percent ethanol blends (E10), and have helped push back on misinformation on higher blends like E15,” said Crappie Masters President Mike Vallentine. “Every Crappie Masters tournament winning team for the past four years has safely used E10 fuel with no reported engine issues.”

RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White says they have seen the partnership pay off as boaters become more educated and, in turn, educate others. “The winners of the 2018 season highlighted the numerous environmental and performance-related benefits of using E10 in their boat. For nearly 30 years, E10 has been used in all types of marine engines and the fuel blend is approved for use by all major marine engine manufacturers, helping to clean the air and water,” he added.

“This season, we are excited about continuing to engage with boaters and anglers about the benefits of the renewable corn ethanol they fill up their boats with throughout the tournament trail,” said NCGA Ethanol Action Team Chair and Missouri farmer Jay Schutte. “Not only are there a number of environmental benefits to fuel blended with 10 percent ethanol, but as the world’s cleanest and most affordable octane source, ethanol helps maximize engine performance.”

Crappie Masters Television will also highlight each tournament. The weekly show can be found on the Pursuit Channel, which is on DIRECTV 604, Dish Network 393, Verizon, CenturyLink and Roku.

The 2019 Crappie Masters Tournament Trail season runs through September 28. Click for the full schedule.

Listen to an interview here with Robert White and Missouri Corn Director of Market Development Bradley Schad from last year’s tournament about why this has been such a good educational opportunity for corn farmers and ethanol producers.
Interview with Robert White, RFA, and Bradley Schad, MO Corn