Tim Rongstad of Woodbury, Minn. was recently chosen from thousands of entries as the grand prize winner of the 2008 North American Fisherman Anglers’ Legacy sweepstakes. Rongstad was awarded a 1652 SC Deluxe boat package from G3 Boats, including a Yamaha F50 outboard and Trail Guard trailer. Additionally, he received a $250 Cabela’s gift certificate.

Rongstad entered the sweepstakes online after seeing a Web banner about the promotion. He had completely forgotten that he entered and was “extremely surprised” when he got the news that he won.

A lifelong boater and angler and charter member of the North American Fishing Club (NAFC), Rongstad said, “I was looking at the Web site and happened to see an Anglers’ Legacy banner.” He read about the program and the promise to take someone new fishing and thought, “Well, I can do that!” Rongstad, who teaches third and fourth grade, hosts an annual spring fishing workshop for his students that includes a day on the water for hands-on experience.

Coached by his father and grandfather, Rongstad says he doesn’t ever remember not fishing. The new boat will replace his current 1981 fishing boat that has served him well, but “needs a lot of work, maintenance and upkeep.”

Where to on his first boating and fishing outing? “My very first day on the water will be my wife and I,” he added. “We enjoy the Saint Croix River and many lakes in the Twin Cities area.”

To learn how you can host an Anglers’ Legacy Pledge drive or sweepstakes, e-mail RBFF Vice President of Industry Growth Initiatives or call her at (703) 778-5163.

For more information about NAFC and how you can become a member, visit FishingClub.com.