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2010 Minnesota Junior TOC
Brainerd, Minnesota
June 29, 2010
On Lake Edward, the 27th of June arrived with clouds and a forecast of a chance of rain following by clearing and wind. The Junior Bassmasters were loaded into their boats, the official starter Jeff Gilmer from Stellar Bassmasters lined up thtree flights, and at 7 a.m. 52 of Minnesota’s best junior bass anglers set off and the 2010 Minnesota Junior Tournament of Champions was under way.
The weather proved to make bass tight lipped during the day as the 52 anglers brought their bags of bass to the tournament headquarters, Cozy Cove Resort.
The next stop for Minnesota’s Junior Champions will be Escanaba, Michigan for the Northern Divisional, where they will compete with the adults as part of the state team. They will fish alongside the adults on the last day of the tournament and their weights will be included with the adults in determining which state will be crowned Divisional Champion.
If either of the Minnesota Champions wins their age group at the Northern Divisional, they will be off to the World Championship where they will fish against the other five divisional champions from across the country and have a chance to win a $5000 college scholarship.
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standings
Passing of John Schlee
The Minnesota BASS Federation has lost a member and dear friend, John H Schlee, who passed away suddenly last Friday. John was 70 years old and a long time member of Loon State, along with two of his children: John and Paula.
View
obituary, funeral arrangements, or guestbook
On behalf of the Minnesota BASS Federation, our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.
Minnesota Junior Bassmasters Promote Awareness
A conservation project of the Minnesota Junior Bassmasters program is helping promote awareness of new smallmouth regulations on the Mississippi River. View Bassmasters story »
Sold: Skeeter ZX200 Boat Auction
Gene Tourville (WI) wins the Minnesota B.A.S.S. Federation certificate for a 2010 Skeeter ZX200 boat and Yamaha 200 Vmax.
Bass Pro Shops Becomes Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens
BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, today announced that Bass Pro Shops, the world’s leading supplier of outdoor gear, will build on the marketing alliance formed last year by assuming title sponsorship of the Bassmaster Opens in 2010-2011. With the agreement, final-day weigh-ins of select Bassmaster Open events will be held at Bass Pro Shops stores.
As part of the multiple-year collaboration, Bass Pro Shops will also have a presence at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic and all 2010-2011 Bassmaster Open and Bassmaster Elite Series events. The relationship will allow each industry-leading company to integrate both brands across their respective platforms.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the premier bass fishing organization in America and the benefits it brings to our loyal customers,” said Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops founder.
The agreement also calls for joint marketing programs, including the continued opportunity for BASS members to earn Bass Pro rewards points. Additionally, Bass Pro Shops will serve as the official apparel provider of the Bassmaster Elite Series marshal program and conduct Bassmaster University seminars at Bass Pro Shops various retail events.
As the official apparel provider, Bass Pro will provide Marshals with apparel and a $25 gift card for all participants. The Marshal program provides BASS members the opportunity to ride along with Elite Series pros for a full-day of tournament fishing from the best seat in the house.
“We recognize and appreciate the significant brand power that Bass Pro Shops has in the industry,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. “Fishing fans will continue to benefit from this growing relationship.”
Bass Pro Shops is associated with a number of Bassmaster Elite Series anglers including Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo , Mich. , and Rick Clunn of Ava , Mo. , each former winners of both the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and the Bassmaster Classic.
8th Annual Youth Lure Drive
When cabin fever sets in and you find yourself sorting through the boat, the garage and basement this winter, please set aside some extra fishing items to donate to the 8th Annual Bassinators Youth Lure Drive. Last year your help resulted in a record 659 items given!
Donations can be mailed to:
Bassinators
690 8th Ave NW
New Brighton MN 55112
OR Call Jeffrey Nelson 651-636-6084 to schedule a pickup
OR Bring to the Fed meeting at Medina March 6th, 2010
All donations to the Bassinators Youth Lure Drive are distributed to the various Federation youth clubs in Minnesota. These youth clubs use the donations as rewards/prizes at banquets, tournaments, lake cleanups, casting events, etc.
Over 2300 lures, reels, rods, hats, etc. have been donated over the past seven years! It is an honor to be part of and have friends in a group so generous to our sport's future. This year reels and tackle boxes are needed most, but all type donations are appreciated.
A special thanks to the following sponsors that have strongly supported our efforts over the past years...
In-Fisherman
MG Lures
Northland Tackle
Stellar Bass Club
youroutdoordestination.com
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
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
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.
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
$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.
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
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
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
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.
