Triumphant Season for Capt. Chase Lake and Team Supreme: 2023 Gulf Captain of the Year

Capt. Lake’s Journey to Success

2023 marks a year of unparalleled triumphs for Capt. Chase Lake and Team Supreme in the Gulf of Mexico, clinching the prestigious Furuno Gulf Coast Captain of the Year Division title.

Capt. Chase Lake, hailing from Destin, Florida, celebrated an extraordinary 2023 season in the Gulf of Mexico, achieving an unparalleled feat by winning every tournament in which the team placed. Reflecting on this remarkable year, Lake shares his journey that began in 1998, fishing the summers aboard the Mollie at just twelve years old. His first role as a first mate in 2003 under the guidance of Scott “The Fraz” Murie marked a pivotal point in his career. “He was truly my greatest mentor, teaching me the intricacies of managing a sportfish operation,” Lake recalls.

In 2007, Lake embarked on a new chapter, taking the helm of his own vessel. Today, he captains the Team Supreme, a state-of-the-art 2023 72-foot Viking, renowned for its exceptional capabilities. “The boat’s standout feature is its speed. With the ability to cruise at 38 knots and reach over 45 knots, it offers unparalleled agility in pursuing fish,” explains Lake. He also highlights the boat’s proficiency in attracting fish, a crucial factor in their tournament success. Before its delivery last winter, Lake meticulously equipped the Viking with advanced sonar and cutting-edge electronics, ensuring it was fully outfitted for the rigors and demands of competitive tournament fishing.

The Dynamic Team Supreme

Unity and Expertise Behind the Success

Capt. Lake then shifts focus to the backbone of his team, his two full-time mates, Seth Brennan and Hunter Smith. Both Brennan and Smith, hailing from Destin like Lake, bring an energetic and lethal precision to the team, particularly in the heat of competition. Lake praises Brennan’s exceptional skill in interpreting fish behavior, describing him as ‘one of the best at reading a bite that I have ever encountered.’ Complementing Brennan’s talents, Smith excels as a wire man and also stands out for his extraordinary rigging abilities.

Additionally, the team is bolstered by the expertise of Alex Krake, who handles the sonar operations and is the team’s primary angler. The 2023 season marked their first year of collaboration, a period that Lake acknowledges as significantly successful. He emphasizes the synergistic nature of their teamwork: ‘Each member has distinct roles that not only align with their individual skills but also harmoniously blend with the team’s overall strategy.’ This blend of individual expertise and collective effort has evidently been a key component of their remarkable achievements.

Highlight of the Season

The Blue Marlin Grand Championship: A Memorable Victory

Celebrating an outstanding season, Capt. Lake and Team Supreme distinguished themselves with several remarkable achievements. Among these, one particular tournament stands as a testament to their skill and determination. ‘The most memorable event for us was undoubtedly the Blue Marlin Grand Championship,’ Lake recalls. During this high-stakes competition, a notable performance unfolded on the second day when Alex Krake skillfully caught six blue marlin, a feat in itself, with the team managing to boat one of these majestic fish. However, this success was tinged with a sense of anticipation, as Lake reflects, ‘The one we boated lingered in my thoughts throughout the tournament.’

The suspense peaked on Saturday morning when they found themselves slightly trailing. Capt. Wilks Hammock of the Grocery Isle had an impressive tally of five blue marlins and a sailfish. ‘We were just a sailfish short, teetering on the edge of missing out on the coveted triple crown by the narrowest of margins,’ Lake describes the tension. This moment underscored the competitive spirit and the razor-thin margins that often define tournament fishing at its highest level.

Fishing Strategies and Teamwork Dynamics

Capt. Lake extends heartfelt gratitude towards the owners of Team Supreme, Allen and Lisa Krake from Slidell, Louisiana, acknowledging their pivotal role in the team’s success. The Krakes, who run the Supreme Automotive Group, are not just the namesakes of the vessel but also the driving force behind the team’s accomplishments. This synergy between ownership and the fishing team is a cornerstone of their success.

When discussing his approach to fishing strategy, Lake adopts a philosophy that combines hard work with innovative techniques. ‘The key is to consistently outwork the competition,’ Lake shares. ‘It’s about finding that unique edge, those techniques that give us an advantage.’ He also emphasizes the importance of collaborative thinking within the team. ‘It’s crucial to listen and incorporate the ideas of your crew,’ he says, pointing out that Seth and Hunter consistently contribute valuable insights. This collaborative approach is not just about strategy; it extends to maintaining high morale and ensuring that every team member feels valued and plays a role in their collective achievements.

Celebrating Team Supreme’s Remarkable Achievement

With such a strong team ethos and strategic acumen, it’s no wonder Team Supreme celebrated an extraordinary season in the Gulf. Congratulations to everyone on the team for their remarkable accomplishments and winning the 2023 Furuno Captain of the Year.

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