Team Mercury 1 Makes History in the 2023 Garmin Lure Masters Trophy
In a thrilling showcase of angling expertise, Team Mercury 1, led by the talented duo of Jeffrey Van Woesik and Roy Van Woesik, etched their names in the annals of fishing history by becoming the first-ever team to secure the prestigious Garmin Lure Masters Trophy twice. The tournament, held in Ooltgensplaat, Netherlands, from September 13th to 16th, brought together anglers from across the globe for an intense three-day competition.
Team Mercury 1’s remarkable journey to victory was marked by exceptional fishing prowess and unwavering determination. They topped the leaderboard with a commanding score of 1098, cementing their reputation as elite anglers. Their achievement in securing the Garmin Lure Masters Trophy for the second time is an unprecedented milestone, a testament to their enduring skill and passion for the sport.
However, it was not without its moments of absolute tension and excitement. Team Garmin Belgium, represented by Luc Coppens and Toon Van Ham, went into the final day with a substantial lead, setting the stage for a nail-biting showdown. As the tournament neared its conclusion, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.
In a dramatic twist, the live leaderboard was shut down 2.5 hours before the tournament ended, intensifying the suspense. This decision added an element of uncertainty as many teams made their final pushes in those crucial moments. It was a true test of nerves and strategy as teams vied for their place in the top rankings.
The top 12 positions in the tournament were as follows:
| POS | BOAT NO. | TEAM | ANGLER | CO-ANGLER | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 | Mercury 1 | Jeffrey Van Woesik | Roy van Woesik | 1098 |
| 2 | 30 | Garmin Belgium | Luc Coppens | Toon Van Ham | 1049 |
| 3 | 32 | Team versekip.nl | Hidde Rinkel | Mats Van der Laan | 1048 |
| 4 | 54 | LMAB 1 | Enrico Di Ventura | Johannes Gasser | 1002 |
| 5 | 68 | Pikemasters | Pieter Boezel | Wouter Koese | 999 |
| 6 | 85 | KAC | Hendrik Erdmann | Nico Klein | 985 |
| 7 | 21 | Lund Boats Europe / Bootshandel Kiemstedt | Julian Dicke | Moritz Grabowski | 978 |
| 8 | 110 | Predatorfishing.be | Bjorn Bonny | Louis Vande Ginste | 972 |
| 9 | 10 | Team Voltium Energy | Koen Sipma | Tom Onincx | 970 |
| 10 | 63 | BFE Best Fishing Equipment | Patrick Wischermann | Pierre Johnen | 958 |
| 11 | 106 | Team Lowrance 1 | Jelle De Jong | Mitchell Croese | 956 |
| 12 | 91 | Quantum | Gerald Vierhout | Hendry Vis | 955 |
Team Mercury 1’s triumph not only reflects their outstanding skill but also underscores the allure and excitement of competitive fishing in the Europe. The Garmin Lure Masters Trophy continues to be a highlight in the world of sport fishing, drawing anglers from far and wide.
As we celebrate Team Mercury 1’s historic win and acknowledge the excellence of all the participating teams, we eagerly anticipate the next edition of the Garmin Lure Masters Trophy, where anglers will once again come together to test their skills, share their passion for fishing, and compete for this prestigious trophy. The 2023 tournament will be remembered for its heart-pounding moments and the ultimate triumph of Team Mercury 1.