April 18, 2020
By In-Fisherman Staff
As winners of the first ever Humminbird® and Minn Kota® One-Boat Challenge, Charlie Breitenbach and Seth Funt claimed bragging rights among their fellow competitors and a $10,000 first-place prize to be split between the two fishing-related charities of their choice. Breitenbach chose Captains for Clean Water and Funt chose the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) to each receive $5,000 in funding from the two organizing companies.
The One-Boat Challenge brought together eight anglers from a variety of fishing backgrounds to compete in bass fishing-related challenges on Mexico’s iconic Lake El Salto. In a reality-style four-episode show, the winning duo fought off the other teams to ultimately find the sunken prize in the final episode, which initially premiered on April 9, 2020.
With help from Humminbird and Minn Kota products that make up the One-Boat Network™, the four teams competed for charities that support the fishing community and the resources anglers enjoy. Both Breitenbach and Funt felt strongly about giving back to the fishing community in order to help solidify the ability of future generations to continue to enjoy the sport they've always loved.
“I chose Captains for Clean Water because they are fighting for Florida waters. I want my kids to have the same opportunities I had growing up – fishing, surfing and just enjoying the water with my family,” Breitenbach said. “I am also friends with a lot of Captains all over Florida – this is their livelihood!”
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Funt shared a similar passion for the work of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), his chosen charity.
“I support Coastal Conservation Association because of its large-scale governmental and fundamental oversight towards managing fisheries. CCA’s approach is science-based in the effort to manage fisheries in a sustainable manner across the country,” Funt said. “I am a very big advocate of the sport fishing industry and believe that CCA has a core philosophy of preserving our sport for future generations.”
The two charities will make good use of the donations made possible by the One-Boat Challenge by continuing to work for the sport of fishing and the habitats that support the fisheries enjoyed by so many anglers.
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“We are stoked to find out Captains for Clean Water is a benefiting organization from the One-Boat Challenge. The prize will go to fund our critical outreach and educational programs,” said Capt. Chris Wittman, co-founder of Captains for Clean Water. “Thank you to Minn Kota, Humminbird and Charlie Breitenbach for your generosity and support.”
Much like Captains for Clean Water, the CCA will use money donated to it through the One-Boat Challenge to continue its important mission of preserving fishing opportunities in some of the country’s most important fisheries.
“It is great partners like Humminbird and Minn Kota that move our conservation and habitat efforts forward. Without strong corporate partners, we would not be able to accomplish the vital mission of marine conservation,” said Coastal Conservation Association President Pat Murray. “We congratulate and thank Seth Funt for designating CCA as his charity recipient. Beyond his expert angling skill, his vision for conservation puts him in an elite class.”
The entire One-Boat Challenge series is currently available to stream on OneBoatChallenge.com and Minn Kota’s YouTube channel. The series highlights the ups and downs of the competition as well as key features and benefits of the One-Boat Network.
The teams were outfitted with gear from fishing’s most esteemed brands, including AFTCO, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Gerber, Old Town Kayak, Rapala, Plano, Shimano, St. Croix Rods, StrikeKing and VMC. Vexus Boats, rigged with the One-Boat Network, were towed by Toyota USA trucks and SUVs throughout the competition. The entire show was filmed on location at Angler’s Inn on Lake El Salto.
