Realtree Fishing Pro Dustin Connell Wins REDCREST 2021

In his very first MLF tournament, Realtree Fishing Pro Dustin Connell won the season's biggest event - the REDCREST 2021.

We added Dustin to our Realtree Fishing Team late last year after hearing so many good things about his dedication to the sport and its growth, said Realtree Fishing Brand Manager Scott Hughes. Dustin is also an avid hunter, so he's obviously a great addition to the team. Seeing him win this incredibly tough tournament is a real thrill for all of us at Realtree.

Connell finished strong on the last day of the tournament, concentrating his efforts on submerged brush on the south end of Alabama's Lake Eufaula and catching a winning total of 12 fish weighing 36 pounds, 15 ounces. That total also netted Connell the championship check in his name for $300,000.

Obviously I'm thrilled to win this huge tournament, said Connell. It was a nail-biter for sure. I had some super tough competition, not the least of which being fellow Realtree Fishing Pro Jacob Wheeler, who won on Eufaula the last time he competed here. He can stack up fish fast, so even though he finished third, he was always in the back of my head.