Chad Poteat: First Honoree in NPFL- Circle of Honor

An extraordinary moment with an extraordinary man at the Championship Banquet.

Story by Ken Duke; photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons 

Occasionally, people are extraordinary.

Through grit, determination, perseverance, resilience, and sheer force of will, they find a way to prevail under circumstances that would crush most of us.

In 2025, NPFL professional angler Chad Poteat, 52, of Mount Airy, North Carolina showed the world that he is one of those extraordinary people. Early this year, Poteat was diagnosed with an aggressive form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS” or “Lou Gehrig’s disease”). It’s a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons control voluntary muscles, like the ones that enable us to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe. With ALS, they gradually weaken, atrophy, and lose their ability to function. Over time, paralysis develops, but cognitive abilities usually remain intact.

It’s a cruel, relentless disease that takes an inevitable toll. That toll has been magnified in the case of Chad Poteat in 2025. In August, his 21-year-old daughter passed away. His 96-year-old mother died less than a month later.

To withstand such loss—even in great health—is a challenge. To do it with a debilitating disease seems unthinkable.

Poteat and his wife Alaine did it.

MillerTech expands sponsorship of Major League Fishing, named presenting sponsor of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit

Larger and Deeper Payouts for New Season

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing, the world’s largest tournament fishing organization, announced today that MillerTech Energy has renewed its sponsorship agreement with the organization and expanded their agreement into a multi-year partnership that now encompasses all MLF circuits, including being named the presenting sponsor of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit. The new multi-year deal strengthens MillerTech’s status as an Official Sponsor of MLF while continuing several high-profile assets across the league’s premier events and enhancing Pro Circuit payouts.

As part of the agreement, the Pro Circuit will now be titled the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Energy. MillerTech’s presence will also extend across the MLF Bass Pro Tour, REDCREST, Heavy Hitters and Team Series, highlighted by the popular “MillerTech Time Clock” feature during live broadcasts. The company will also maintain its footprint at the annual REDCREST Outdoor Sports Expo and expand digital, broadcast and social media activations throughout the season.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Major League Fishing and excited to expand into the presenting sponsorship of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit,” said Lester Miller, owner of MillerTech Energy. “Our company was built on performance, reliability and customer service, and those values align perfectly with the passion and dedication of MLF anglers and fans.”