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Lamiglas Becomes MNBFN Sponsor

The Minnesota BASS Federation Nation and Lamiglas Rods ink a historic sponsorship. Lamiglas Rods are now the Official Rod of the Minnesota BASS Federation Nation.

Lamiglas rods is a leader in innovative fishing rods for every possible type of fishing application. With their roots in the rivers, lakes, streams and saltwater of the Pacific Northwest Lamiglas has evolved over the years into one of the largest fishing rod manufacturers.

Lamiglas produces high modulus graphite fishing rods as well as higher performing fiber blends, such as Lamiglas' proprietary Tri-Flex Graphite designs. With more than 424 models of rods in their main catalog and some 290 blanks there is a rod to match your fishing needs. Spinning rods, casting rods, trolling rods, surf rods, fly rods...Lamiglas covers them all.

For discount pricing and order information, email Paul Perovich, MNBFN Marketing Director

Minnesota BASS Federation Nation Takes Over Camp Confidence Tournament

Minnesota BASS Federation Nation takes over the Camp Confidence Midwest Pro Team Bass Tournament. This tournament will be held on Gull and Whitefish Lakes on June 25-26. The Minnesota Federation will be running this former "Skeeter Boat Tournament" for the first time. Pre-tournament meeting will be held at Moonlight Bay on Whitefish Lake on June 24, starting at 2:30 pm. Friday, June 25th tournament headquarters will be at Ernie's on Gull Lake while Saturday, June 26th will be at Moonlight Bay on Whitefish Lake.

For more information download the tournament application or contact Paul Perovich.

Water Sustainability Framework

The Legislature has asked the University of Minnesota to develop a 25 year Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework. Your comments, questions, and ideas will become part of shaping this framework. So please consider attending one of these listening sessions. You can impact how the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Act funding is spent. If anglers aren't at these types of sessions talking about fishing and aquatic habitat, our tax dollars will end up being spent on other projects.
Mickey Goetting
Conservation Director & Webmaster
mgoetting@mnbfn.org

From http://wrc.umn.edu/spotlightlisteningsessions/index.htm:
Minnesotans will have the chance to voice their opinion in person on how the state should invest resources to protect clean water at statewide public meetings beginning Jan. 19, 2010 coordinated by the University of Minnesota's Water Resources Center.

The meetings, called "listening sessions," will be facilitated by staff from the Water Resources Center and Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and are a chance for people to voice their opinions on a range of water-related issues from boating and water recreation, to priorities for cleaning up polluted lakes and streams.

City	Date	Location
St. Cloud	Jan. 19	Holiday Inn and Suites 75 37th Ave. S.
Chaska	Jan. 21	University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Snyder Auditorium 3675 Arboretum Dr.
Crookston	Feb. 3	University of Minnesota, Crookston Youngquist Auditorium 2900 University Dr.
Baxter/Brainerd	Feb. 4	Northland Arboretum 14520 Conservation Drive
Duluth	Feb. 10	Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Building 525 Lake Ave. S. 4th Floor, Large Conference Room
Rochester	Feb. 11	Holiday Inn South 1630 S. Broadway
Marshall	Feb. 16	Best Western Marshall Inn 1500 E. College Dr.
West St. Paul	Feb. 18	Thompson Park Center-Dakota Lodge 1200 Stassen Lane

From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. each meeting will focus on concerns of professionals associated with local government units, soil and water conservation and watershed districts and other water professionals. Citizens, community leaders and elected and appointed officials will have a chance to share their concerns from 4 to 6 p.m.

The effort is part of the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework, a project spearheaded by the Water Resources Center which was charged by the 2009 Minnesota State Legislature to develop a set of recommendations to protect and preserve Minnesota's lakes, streams, rivers and ground waters for the 21st century. The project's final report due to the 2011 legislature, will integrate citizens' values and concerns and serve as a roadmap, with timelines and benchmarks for the investment of an estimated $86 million a year earmarked for the protection of water as a result of Minnesota's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Act.

All Minnesotans are encouraged to take the project's "Minnesotans and Their Water" online survey at wrc.umn.edu/ where they can also sign up to receive monthly updates on the project's progress.

The statewide meetings are co-sponsored by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. The Water Resources Center is affiliated with the university's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension.

2009 Minnesota Bass Federation Nation Tournament of Champions

Grand Rapids, MN
September 14, 2009
On Saturday, September 5th 2009, approximately 150 anglers arrived in the Grand Rapids, MN area to practice and prepare for the Minnesota Bass Federation Nation Tournament of Champions (TOC) on Pokegama Lake and the upper most stretches of the Mississippi River. These 150 anglers have qualified from their local clubs from all over the state. 41 clubs sent teams and individual representatives to the Tournament of Champions (TOC). In addition to the TOC, an alternates’ tournament was held on Big Bass Lake on September 9th. The weigh-in was held out of Hidden Haven Resort on Big Bass Lake and the top 4 finishers advanced to the TOC.

Anglers come from all over the state for many reasons; foremost is the camaraderie of fellow anglers and secondly to qualify for the 2010 Bass Federation Northern Divisional. The top 12 anglers from the TOC will advance next year to fish against 7 other State Teams from Wisconsin, Indiana, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio on Lake Michigan in late summer 2010. At stake there is a chance to fish in the Bass Federation Nation National Championship and become one step closer to a Bassmasters’ Classic berth.

The Wednesday's night banquet was held at the Sawmill Inn and raised approximately $3000 for local charities: Second Harvest Food Bank and the Grand Rapids 4-H club.

”The great thing about the Minnesota Federation Nation State Championship is that we get a chance to give back to the community. Our sponsors have really stepped up big for our raffle and the local charities.” says Tournament Director Peter Perovich. “We really appreciate the support we get from Skeeter Boats, MinnKota, Gemini Sports Marketing, and Lowrance.”

Events culminated with a two-day tournament on September 10th and 11th with weigh-ins hosted by Zorbaz on the Lake. Day one began with a 3-hour fog delay, but that didn't prevent Rick Pelletier from weighing in a 17-pound bag of smallmouth bass to lead the field. On day 2 Bob Perkins reeled in the big bag of the day, 19.55 pounds, to leap to 6th place overall. Rick Pelletier also held off Brent Haimes to claim first place with a culmulative weight of 34.62 pounds.

View photos
View results: Alternates TOC Day 1 Individual TOC Day 2 Individual TOC Final Individual TOC Final Club

Northern Divisional

Little Bay de Noc, Escanaba, MI
August 13, 2009
Randy Wieczorek The Bays de Noc are noted throughout the state for their excellent walleye fishing but that isn’t all the fruitful waters of the bays yield for anglers. Northern pike, perch, whitefish, burbot, bluegill, bass and splake are also to be found in addition to the walleye. In the spring, smallmouth bass are abundant among the shoals and dropoffs in both bays, but especially in Big Bay de Noc. Many anglers enjoy the challenge of seeking smallmouths in the shallow waters around the edges of the bays, particularly near rock outcroppings and weed beds.

There are eight states in the division, and the top angler from each state team moves on to the BASS Federation Nation National Championship to be held in October on Florida's Harris Chain of Lakes.

Randy Wieczorek, Buffalo City, Wisconsin, finishes in 2nd place with 15 bass for 50-10 pounds.

Dean Capra, Blaine, Minnesota, finishes in 4th with 15 bass for 48-08 pounds.
MN junior champions
ESPN - final story
ESPN - final results
ESPN photo gallery

ESPN story - Day 1
ESPN results - Day 1

ESPN story - Day 2
ESPN results - Day 2

2009 Skeeter SX190 Sold!

Dave Huttner, Sportsmen Bassmasters, had the winning bid of $18,000 for the 2009 Skeeter SX190 dual console / Yamaha 150HP boat package, which is valued over $24,000! View Auction Details

Granite City’s Connor Wendt and Bassin-Boy’s Joe Ponessa Dominate at Lake Waconia and Are Crowned 2009 Junior Champions

The 26th of June arrived with low clouds and patches of fog, but the forecast had a promise of clear skies and temperatures in the mid 90’s. Boat checks started at 6 a.m. and by the 7 a.m. ease off, the clouds and fog had given way to clear skies and a rapidly rising thermometer. State Tournament Director Peter Perovich, made the first call of the tournament and reduced fishing time by one hour. Check in would be at 2 p.m. instead of the 3 p.m. pre-briefed time.

“I felt that with the temperature’s heading for the mid-90’s and the humidity that was forecasted, we needed to not only protect the kids, but also be concerned about the fish” Perovich explained, adding that starting the weigh-in one hour earlier seemed to be the smart thing to do . As it turned out, Perovich’s call could not have been more fortuitous as temperatures soared into the high 90’s and fish care became the primary issue for boat captains
Read full story and results

Skeeter Launches New Federation Nation Retail Program Reasons to Join Your Local Federation Nation Chapter are Even Greater

April 14, 2009
Kilgore, Texas
As the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, Skeeter’s management team knew this was an excellent opportunity to put its product in front of the most avid fishermen in the world – the BASS Federation Nation. Knowing that this group has high expectations from anything and everything “bass fishing,” Skeeter is proud to introduce an exciting new retail program for 2009 - the Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program – exclusively for Federation Nation members.

“The BASS Federation Nation is the heart and soul of our great sport of bass fishing,” says Jeff Stone, Senior Vice President/General Manager of Skeeter. “The Federation Nation provides a solid foundation that will support both the competitive and recreational aspects of the sport well into the future. Skeeter is proud to support the Federation Nation, and we are confident that this new retail program will expose Federation Nation members to Skeeter’s stellar line-up of bass boats,” Stone added.

The Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program provides cash-back rebates for in-stock and ordered Skeeter/Yamaha packages until March 2, 2010, extends Skeeter’s ‘Real Money’ tournament incentive program by offering up to $3,000 for a sanctioned tournament win and adds a two year Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) contract on qualified Skeeter/Yamaha boat packages. BASS Federation Nation members will also be interested about Skeeter’s $50,000 cash incentive for a victory at the 2009 Federation Nation Championship, and $100,000 cash incentive for a Bassmaster Classic victory. “Don’t think for a second that a Federation Nation member can’t keep up with the superstars at the Bassmaster Classic,” says Skeeter’s National Sales Manager, Ben Jarrett. “During this year’s Classic, Skeeter/Federation Nation member Bryan Schmidt finished the Classic in 6th place, and even spent time in the ‘hot seat’ as the leader of the Classic on the final day of competition,” says Jarrett.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its ‘Real Money’ incentive program, and a top-notch dealer network. For more information about the Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program, check with your Chapter, drop-by your local authorized Skeeter dealer, or visit www.skeeterboats.com.

Thank You From the MNBFN Tournament Director

September 12, 2008
With the 2008 Tournament of Champions on the books, we give all the thank you’s to our sponsors for helping and others for the job they do to make the tournament run. I give my greatest thanks to those people who really do help make it run, without them we would not be able to even have a Tournament of this size. This thanks is for the alternates and volunteer workers:

Kathy Ludenia and Joan Lindgren for taking care of the scoreboard and weigh slips. Kathy and Joan have been giving their time to the MNBFN for years. Joan also got up early in the morning to help shuttle the anglers back from the parking area to the ramp.

Mary Nordlund & Stephanie Burcusa for helping organize the angler profiles and making sure our clip board people got them in the right order.

Steve Soukup for doing a great emcee job again.

And of course to all the alternate anglers who unfortunately I could not send to the TOC, even though they all deserve to go. Tyler Cysiewski, Bass Wranglers, Mike Juskiewicz, Golden Hook Bassmasters, Jason Elmes, Gopher Bassmasters, Bill Neuman, West Central Bassmasters our master plumbers,, Chris Klinkhammer, Granite City Bassmasters, Dan Norling, Lakes Area Bassmasters, Tracy Quandahl, Upper Iowa Bassmasters, Jay Swanson, Prior Lake Hook Setters, Don Klees, Bass Seekers, Roger Diesen, Happy Hookers Bassmasters, Larry Magel, West Metro Bassmasters, and Travis Krogh, River Rats Bassmasters, Loren Jannet, Team Ambassador.

Dale Richardson, Paul Perovich, Mickey Goetting, and Paul Becka for helping with the registration Wednesday night.

A very special thanks to Tim Allen, Zumbro Valley Bassmasters our host club, for being my right hand man on the deck. Tim was there 100% of the time (as you could probably tell by his 5-day old beard) when I needed him to run areas, put me in the right direction for things we needed, the list goes on.

And finally last but far from least, Mark Gomez, who took time out of his week to come down to Wabasha and be our weigh master. Mark was an incredible amount of help behind the scenes all week with me and Tim.

To the host club Zumbro Valley Bassmasters and all their members.
So thank you to all our alternate workers and volunteers for your hard work.
Peter Perovich
Minnesota BASS Federation Nation
Tournament Director

Randy Wieczorek Edges Out Andy Nitchals to Become the Minnesota Bass Federation Nation State Champion 2008

September 5, 2008
Wabasha, MN
Minnesota’s best amateur bass anglers tackled the sprawling waters of the Mississippi River for the Minnesota B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Tournament of Champions. Day one went like clockwork; all the anglers were on the water by 8:00 a.m. The perfect weather proved to be an advantage as the many bags of both largemouth and smallmouth bass brought to the scales prove the Mississippi River is a diverse and fertile bass fishery.
Read full story and results

$1 Million Grand Prize Goes to Stay-at-Home Minnesota Dad

August 21, 2008
Michael Thompson of St. Michael, MN wins first $1 million payout in the history of fantasy sports. Also Jeff Nelson of New Brighton, MN wins a$10,000 Walmart Gift Card
View FLW Outdoors article
View FLW Outdoors video

Minnesota Finishes 2nd at Northern Divisional

With 3 of the top 7 anglers from Minnesota, Minnesota finished second behind Wisconsin in team standings. Rick Billings, Zumbro Valley Bassmasters finished first on the Minnesota team and will advance to theFederation Nation National Championship scheduled for Kansas' Milford Lake in November.
Minnesota Divisional Team

Standing: Ryan Brant, Nick Gross, Bob Sanquist, Joe Barnett, Bill Ludenia, Rick Billings, Chris Jung, Rick Hemaseth
Kneeling: Chuck Steinbauer, Jeremy Crawford, Rich Lindgren, Chad Kastenbauer

View Bassmaster story and results

Minnesota BASS Federation Crowns Two New Junior State Champions Lindgren and Reed Dominate at the 2008 Junior Tournament of Champions

June 27, 2008
Serpent Lake, Crosby, MN

Lucas Lindgren of Gopher Jr. Bassmasters and Keenan Reed of the Bassinators dominated this year’s class at the Minnesota Junior Tournament of Champions. Lindgren brought in a mixed limit of smallmouth and jargemouth weighing 11.81 lbs to win the overall “Top Hook Award” along with the senior division.

Keenan Reed worked a jig and a 4” black worm all day to win the junior division with a very convincing 10.19 lbs. Reed also showed he could keep up with the older class with a very impressive fifth place in the overall completion.
View full story and standings

Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks

Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks - a special program to benefit BASS Federation Nation members and their states programs. Bonus Bucks is bass fishing’s only tow-vehicle contingency program, and it provides the opportunity for anglers to earn extra cash for pulling their boat with the best tow-vehicles on the road, the Toyota Tundra & Sequoia.

Benefits for Federation Nation Anglers:

Free Toyota Trucks clothing package to each angler registered for the program.
$500 to each registered state team member. (Current state team members, who qualified in 2007, and are registered for program are also eligible for this bonus.)
$1,000 to each registered State Qualifier to fish the National Championship.
$5,000 to the highest placing registered angler at the National Championship - November 3-8, Milford Lake, Junction City, KS.
$2,500 to the second highest placing registered angler at the National Championship - November 3-8, Milford Lake, Junction City, KS.

Matching Funds for Federation Nation State Programs:

These funds are paid direct to state programs, based on above mentioned individual angler performances.

$250 to each state for each registered state seam member.
$500 to each state for registered state qualifier to fish the National Championship.
$2,500 to the state whose angler is the highest placing registered angler at the National Championship - November 3-8, Milford Lake, Junction City, KS.
$1,250 to the state whose angler is the second highest placing registered angler at the National Championship - November 3-8, Milford Lake, Junction City, KS.

To learn more about this exciting contingency program contact us:
Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks Program
bonusbucks@dynamicsponsorships.com
Kendell Callaway or Lance Peck
(918) 742-6424

Classic Update

Listen to Brent after the final practice day: http://www.catch-n.com/audio/bh2.mp3

Read BassFan's interview of Brent Haimes and other Classic Federation Nation qualifiers

Brent's day 1 weight:
5 bass 8-7 38th place
Brent's day 2 weight:
2 bass 3-3 45th place

View real time leaderboard

OPTIMA Batteries Joins BASS as Sponsor

February 7, 2008
Celebration, Florida
OPTIMA Batteries, The Ultimate Power Source, and BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, announced Tuesday that Milwaukee, Wis.,-based OPTIMA has joined BASS as a supporting sponsor of the organization and its prestigious tournament structure. View Bassmaster Press Release

Skeeter Products, Inc., Signs with BASS

January 22, 2008
Celebration, Florida
Skeeter Products, Inc., manufacturer of Skeeter brand high performance boats, and BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, announced Tuesday that Kilgore, Texas-based Skeeter has joined BASS as an Official Boat sponsor of the organization and its prestigious tournament structure.

As part of the agreement, Skeeter becomes a premier sponsor of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens and the Women's Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.

Skeeter will also sponsor the six BASS Federation Nation Divisionals and Federation Nation Championship, with additional commitment to BASS' youth initiatives: the Bassmaster CastingKids Championship and the Junior Bassmaster World Championship.

"This is a great way for Skeeter to kick off its 60th anniversary as both Skeeter and BASS share a rich heritage in the bass fishing industry," said Jeff Stone, senior vice president and general manager of Skeeter. "It is only fitting that we combine our passion for the sport to embrace and further enhance the success and growth of tournament fishing."

Skeeter will have a presence at Bassmaster Elite Series events and the Bassmaster Classic. Additionally, Skeeter will be the presenting sponsor of the BASS Federation Nation Club World Championship.

The agreement also includes a large presence across BASS' considerable multi media platforms, including ESPN2 Outdoors programming, www.Bassmaster.com and www.ESPNOutdoors.com.

Both organizations are celebrating significant milestones. In 2008, Skeeter turns 60 while BASS is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

"We are delighted to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BASS with Skeeter Boats as an official boat sponsor," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager of BASS. "We know their reputation in the industry and applaud their devotion to growing the sport of bass fishing."

Yamaha Motor Corporation Signs with BASS

January 22, 2008
Celebration, Florida
Yamaha Motor Corporation and BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, announced Tuesday that Kennesaw, Ga.-based Yamaha has joined BASS as an Official Engine sponsor of the organization and its prestigious tournament structure.

As part of the agreement, Yamaha becomes a premier sponsor of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens and the Women's Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.

Yamaha will also sponsor the six BASS Federation Nation Divisionals and Federation Nation Championship, with additional commitment to BASS' youth initiatives: the Bassmaster CastingKids Championship and the Junior Bassmaster World Championship.

"By becoming a sponsor of BASS, Yamaha promotes its brand and supports boating and fishing, which are activities we truly believe in," said Ben Speciale, vice president, operations and planning for Yamaha Marine Group. "Reliability and innovation are at the core of the Yamaha brand and the demands of competition have taught us how to make our outboards even better."

Yamaha will have a presence at Bassmaster Elite Series events and the Bassmaster Classic. Additionally, Yamaha will be the title sponsor of the BASS Federation Nation Club World Championship events.

The agreement also includes a large presence across BASS' considerable multi media platforms including ESPN2 Outdoors programming, www.Bassmaster.com and www.ESPNOutdoors.com.

"We applaud Yamaha's loyalty to its anglers and devotion to growing the sport," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager of BASS.

2007-2008 Federation Nation Championship

November 9, 2007
Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee FL

Zumbro Valley Bassmasters' Brent Haimes finishes 7th place overall and 1st in the Northern division. Brent now qualifies to fish the 2008 Bassmasters Classic at Lake Harwell (South Carolina)--Congratulations Brent!

    Angler                 Hometown               D No./lbs-oz  Total $$$
1.  Jeff Freeman           Max Meadows, Va. (VA)  M 15  27-11  $49,575.00
2.  Jamie Laiche           Gonzales, La. (LA)     C 15  24-10  $10,000.00
3.  Chris Loftus           Bloomfield, N.Y. (NY)  E 15  23-08   $5,000.00
4.  Darin Doll             York, Pa. (PA)         M 15  23-01   $2,500.00
5.  Mike Baskett           Salem, Ore. (OR)       W 14  20-12   $2,000.00
6.  Sheron Brown           Shirley, Mass. (MA)    E 11  19-04   $1,500.00
7.  Brent Haimes           Mazeppa, Minn. (MN)    N 12  19-01   $1,500.00
8.  Shane Long             Sarcoxie, Mo. (MO)     C  8  18-12   $1,500.00
9.  Doug Thompson          Mabelvale, Ark. (AR)   C 14  17-10   $1,000.00
10. Richard Watson         Plattekloof, South Afr S 14  17-03   $1,000.00
11. Leslie Kennedy         Fort Worth, Texas (TX) C  9  16-13   $1,000.00
12. Pat Klausen            Lincoln, Neb. (NE)     C 13  16-10     $900.00
13. Justin Rowse           O'Neill, Neb. (SD)     N 12  15-12     $750.00
13. Mark Pierce            Clarksville, Tenn. (TN S 11  15-12     $750.00
15. Michael Prindle        Tallahassee, Fla. (GA) S  9  14-13     $600.00
16. Nobel Willits          Altamonte Springs, Fla S 12  14-10     $500.00
17. Brent Shores           Boise, Idaho (ID)      W  9  13-05     $500.00
18. Mike Keel              Auburn, Ala. (AL)      S 11  12-11     $500.00
19. Steve Smith            Johnstown, Ohio (OH)   N  6  12-07     $500.00
20. David McKinney         Cullooen, W.Va. (WV)   M  8  12-05     $500.00

    NORTHERN DIVISION
    Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
  1 Brent Haimes         Mazeppa, Minn. (MN)        12  19-01   $1,500.00
  2 Justin Rowse         O'Neill, Neb. (SD)         12  15-12     $750.00
  3 Steve Smith          Johnstown, Ohio (OH)        6  12-07     $500.00
  4 Nicola Panareo       Portogrvaro, Italy (ITA)    9  10-13     $500.00
  5 Ron Fabiszak         S Bend, Ind. (IN)           7   9-01     $500.00
  6 James Sullivan       Strunberry Point, Iowa (I   7   9-00     $500.00
  7 Don Fowler           Cadillac, Mich. (MI)        6   6-06     $500.00
  8 Jason Stangel        Two Rivers, Wisc. (WI)      4   5-02     $500.00
  9 Larry Coleman        St Anne, Ill. (IL)          3   1-15     $500.00

View ESPN story and final standings

Borrow a Fishing Rod Program and Casting Kids

June 15, 2007
Minneapolis, MN
In a cooperative sponsorship between the Northwestern Bassmasters, Shakespeare Fishing Rods, Ultimate Rent-All and RV, Cooper's Technology Group and Northland Fishing Tackle, kids can check out a Shakespeare rod and reel combo and a Northland tackle pack to use for free! Just like a library book, you can check out the rod and reel combos and tackle to use for free!
View flyer for more information

Loss of a Member and Great Friend: Ed Bogan

June 05, 2007
Minneapolis, MN
Last Saturday, the Minnesota BASS Federation Nation lost a long-time member and a great friend. Ed Bogan died shortly after being swept overboard by a rogue wave while pre-fishing for our TOC on Leech Lake.

A member of Northern Black Bass, Ed served a term as Youth Director of the Federation. He has always volunteered to help with Casting Kids events and always stepped up to volunteer on committees when needed. He was an extremely friendly, sincere, and outgoing person who always had a good word to say about everyone. Everyone in the Fed will miss Ed Bogan.

Ed's funeral will be held on Saturday, June 9. Viewing is at 11:00 a.m., with the service at 12 noon at the Emmanuel Tabernacle, 2501 E. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55406.

Memorial donations may be made to:
The Edward C. Bogan Memorial Fund
c/o US Bank
4100 West 50th St.
Edina, MN 55424

We typically don't think of our sport as particularly dangerous or risky. Let Ed's death be a stark warning that every day on the water is a gift to be treated with utmost care and concern. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ed's wife Melody, his children, family and friends.
Respectfully,
Paul Becka
President
Minnesota B.A.S.S. Federation Nation

Coon Lake Cleanup

April 01, 2007
East Bethel, MN

On the shores of Coon Lake (Anoka county), for the fourth year in a row, the Bassinators fill a pickup truck full of garbage from a local county park.

Bassinators is a youth fishing club located in the Twin Cities Metro area. Bassinators provides an education for those ranging from 8 to 18 years of age. These young men and women learn angling skills, but also other intangibles such as boating safety, conservation and preservation of the environment. "As anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, we also like to pass on the tradition of responsible stewardship of our natural resources" says Bassinators Adult Director Jeff Gilmer. "Our annual lake clean-up project is a great example. We select a lake and spend a day cleaning the area. During the day, we have a picnic, and hand out gifts from our sponsors. It is a fun way for everyone to spend a spring afternoon."

Bassinators is sponsored by the Stellar Bass Club which is a Minnesota Federation Nation club. Each year the kids get to fish with local pros on local lakes five times, then participate in the Minnesota State Championship where they can advance to the BASS Junior Bassmasters World Championship (JWBC). The JWBC gives these youth anglers an opportunity to fish with BASS pros like Kevin Van Dam and Skeet Reese.

To find out more about youth angling opportunities or adult volunteer openings with the Bassinators of the Twin Cities visit youroutdoordestination.com.

Minnesota Bass Anglers Crowned Top Federation for 2006

February 7, 2007
Minneapolis, MN

The Minnesota B.A.S.S. Federation Nation was named Federation of the Year at the recent B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship held in Gadsden, Alabama. The prestigious annual award goes to the state organization that best puts together a well-rounded program involving conservation, youth and community service.

"This is really a great award and we are honored to receive it", said Federation President Paul Becka. "Our goal was always just to run the group as professionally as possible in a politically difficult year, but it is also nice to get recognition for our youth and conservation activities."

The Minnesota B.A.S.S. Federation Nation is compromised of 400+ amateur bass anglers of all ages and genders from Minnesota and bordering states. Besides fishing competitively, its members participate in a variety of activities that benefit the outdoors.

Federation Regional Director John Murphy, "It was quite an honor to accept this award on the behalf of all my fellow members." Murphy represented Minnesota in Gadsden.

The Minnesota Federation hopes to leverage this award and publicity into augmenting efforts that are already in place focused on growing membership. Membership is the key to being able to do more and bigger projects.
View ESPN/B.A.S.S. article

Minnesota Federation Recognizes 30 year member: Roger Diesen

Minnesota Federation President, Paul Becka, recognized Roger Diesen for 30 years of membership. In his thirty years, Roger has enjoyed the people he has met and the friendships he developed. Roger stressed the importance of volunteering and contributing to youth projects.

On one occasion, Roger was one of several Federation members who helped take two bus loads of kids for a Forest Lake fishing event. The kid fishing with Roger won a bike in a raffle at the end of the day and gave Roger a tear filled hug and said "I have never had a bike before. This is the best day of my life.



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