K&E Stopper Pro Staff Ray Tiffany Makes USA Ice Team Cut

K&E Stopper pro staff member Ray Tiffany takes 5th place in Wisconsin ice fishing tournament competition to qualify for the 2012 USA Ice Team

Thirty-two ice anglers, some the best in the nation, some the best in the world, met up the weekend of March 10th, 2012 in northwestern Wisconsin for a serious face off. The goal, to make it to the end of the 3 day trials and be part of the final 10 ice anglers and qualify for the USA Ice Team!

“I lucked out with a first place standing over all after day one’s heats”, said Ray. “Come day two, it all fell apart, and so did I!”

Dropping from 1st place to 12th place over night had some drastic effects on both the emotional, and mental game of this seasoned water walker, but support was not far away and came in the form of the other half of the Hard Water Maniacs, Ray’s professional circuit teammate and fiance, Mandolyn MacHaffie.

“Ray was a mess,” says Mandy! “I had to calm him down and tell him what I felt in my heart. That he belongs out there with the best in the world. I knew he could do it! He only had to clear his mind, and do what he does!”

That is exactly what he did! Raymond brought his “A” game to the final heat, a 3 hour fish off for total weight. He not only finished in first place in his zone for the final heat, he moved back up in the ranks and was placed 5th over all to clench a spot on the U.S.A. Ice Team.

“I can’t even explain how much of an honor it is to support our country and be a part of this team.” Raymond says with tears in his eyes. “I wanted it so bad! Now I am focused on gold and ready to show my teeth at the World Championship! Our team is strong! Some of the best anglers out there! I have no words to express the feeling of being a part of those ranks.” The USA Ice Team will compete in the World Ice Fishing Championship in February, 2013 in Wausau, Wisconsin.