Continue reading »]]> Registration Opens March 1

Ponca City, Okla. – Feb. 17, 2012  High School anglers near and far will unite in Russellville, Arkansas and Lake Dardanelle State Park, July 15-21, 2012 for the pinnacle event of high school bass fishing, the 2012 High School Fishing World Finals. Registration opens online at highschoolfishing.org on March 1.

Last year, over 600 attendees made up of high school anglers, family members and sponsors enjoyed the opening ceremonies to kick off a week-long family vacation with tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship prizes on the line.

“Russellville is extremely excited to host this tournament for the third year, and looking forward to another group of young people that love to fish,” Russellville Tourism Director, Christie Graham, stated.  “Russellville hosts many tournaments each year, but enjoys getting to invest in young people’s lives that have a passion for the outdoor world of fishing. We are excited to see what growth this year will bring.”

High school teams are made up of any two high school anglers who have graduated the 8^th grade but have not yet started college and who have a 2.0 GPA.  All anglers must be Student Angler Federation members or join at the time of registration for only $25 a year. SAF membership comes with a full list of benefits, including no entry fees to any SAF event all year.  Any high school team meeting these requirements may register and attend, even if they are home schooled. Teams bring their own boats and their own coaches/boat captains.  Teams are required to have an adult coach/boat captain in their boat with them at all times. The coach who provides the boat must be a resident of the team’s home state/province or country, an immediate family member, or in very limited situations, a volunteer boat captain/coach may be provided by TBF*. (when/where available and only with advance arraignment) Anglers are not allowed to “hire” or “choose” a local coach and the tournament waters are off-limits, when designated, to all anglers and coaches so everyone starts fishing at the same time no matter where they live.

Events are scheduled all week starting with the first official practice day Sunday, July 15.  Tuesday evening is the coaches/boat captain’s appreciation jackpot on a neighboring body of water for the coaches to get their fishing “fix” as well!  Wednesday, July 18 is the official registration and opening ceremonies. Thursday, July 19 will bring the first official tournament day, with weigh-ins at Lake Dardanelle State Park, as teams from across North America will start their journey to become champions.  All weigh-ins will be taped for television and be streamed live on the internet.  All high school anglers will compete for the first two days.  Then, the field will be cut on Saturday. The final day of competition not only will see the top teams go head to head with complete run of the lake, but also the rest of the field will be invited to fish a one of a kind consolation round event. There is no entry fee and the complete payout structure is in the form of prizes and scholarships! The 2012 High School Fishing World Championship team will each walk away with the grand prize of a four year, $5,000 per year, renewable scholarship to Bethel University in McKenzie Tenn., in addition to other prizes and some serious hardware!

“The High School Fishing World Finals is the largest tournament of its kind; it’s a low cost, family fun vacation with a full week of activities,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, said.  “We’re excited to return to Russellville and Lake Dardanelle State Park, which provide a perfect setting for this event.  It’s centrally located right off I-40, a great fishery, and the cooperation we receive from our local partners is tremendous,” Gintert added.

“This event is more than just a tournament, it’s a great way to promote education through fishing,” TBF President, Robert Cartlidge, stated. “Our Student Anglers are required to have a 2.0 GPA and take a free test on angler ethics, boater safety and invasive species to participate.  This highlights the importance of education and being good stewards of our waterways, habits TBF want to instill in the future of our sport,” Cartlidge continued. “Our Student Angler Federation is growing in record numbers with teams forming all across the country, and this event offers everyone a chance to fish in a world class event in a fun, family atmosphere.”

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is the oldest and largest grassroots fishing organization in America. TBF is owned by those it serves and is dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF annually conducts over 20,000 fishing, youth, and conservation events and has provided the foundation for the bass fishing industry for over 40 years.

For more information about The Bass Federation, visit bassfederation.com or call 580-765-9031.

For full details and more information about the Student Angler Federation and this year’s High School World Finals, visit highschoolfishing.org or call 580-765-9031.

Continue reading »]]> Ponca City, Okla. (Feb 1, 2012) — The Bass Federation announced today the formation of an entirely new, groundbreaking, TEAM tournament trail covering all of North America, TBF’s Dream Team Tournament Rallies. Dream Team Rallies are all about giving anglers what they want, fun and fishing, and they all culminate at the 2013 TBF Dream Team National Championship Rally!

TBF Dream Team Rallies are designed to fill a void not only in the federation, but also the fishing industry to give anglers exactly what they’ve been craving.  Fun events close to home without lots of hassle, paperwork or overhead, all of your choosing; fish with who you want, when you want, where you want.  Rally events will boast integrity and reasonable entry fees to win BIG prizes.  Events backed by the power of the federation and a large national prize pool with a real chance to advance directly to big time “dream” vacation events with big time “dream” payouts!

“Tens of thousands of loyal federation members, like-minded grassroots anglers, and bass club folks that just want to fish, are at the front of the pack fighting for clean water and their home lakes, taking kids fishing, and buying products to keep this sport going. They have no desire to fish state qualifiers or go “Pro,”” TBF President, Robert Cartlidge, stated. “They are our backbone, driving our industry forward. There has never been a “one size fits all” program for them until now.  A TBF Dream Team Rally is tailored for what members want, adding great value to their membership,” Cartlidge continued.  “Traditionally, the focus has been on state teams, divisional championships, and advancing to the biggest events in professional fishing, like the BFL All-American and the Forrest Wood Cup. These are great benefits and still a very big part of what we do. They are dream opportunities in and of themselves. But, there are a lot of very good anglers out there with roots, ties and jobs preventing lots of travel who want to fish and have fun. So, we built a program custom tailored to these anglers with very little work for the club, little travel and low costs to advance, but very BIG rewards.”

A TBF Dream Team Rally is designed for the grassroots anglers, state federations and clubs of any kind; regular adult clubs, Tuesday night jack potters, over 55 clubs, Guys/Gals clubs, and college clubs, you name it.  As long as one team member is over 18 and both are TBF members or joins TBF at registration, the team is eligible.  No one is allowed to compete alone, two person teams only.  Any TBF State Federation or TBF club can sign up online at bassfederation.com starting Monday, Feb. 13, to host their own TBF Dream Team Rally event anytime in 2012.  Host and fish as many as you wish. Your tournament official and event participants will register with TBF online at bassfederation.com.  Both TBF and your club will promote the event.  TBF will sanction the event; provide insurance, handle all registrations, entry fees, paperwork, and issue prize checks and trophies for distribution at YOUR event! TBF will randomly draw events each month and assign polygraph tests unannounced at local events.

There is one set of TBF Dream Team Rally rules, a standard prize structure and advancement formula governing all sanctioned events. Everything is built and based on blocks of 25 teams. You must have 25 teams at your event to advance a team to the TBF Dream Team National Championship Rally; one (1) team advances for every 25th team registered. Three places are paid at the ramp for each 25 teams entered and each event has two big fish awards. TBF Dream Team Rally entry fees nationwide are only $200 per team for active TBF members.  Anglers who aren’t active members will join online at the time of registration. Qualified winning teams advance WITH travel, boat gas, and hotel stipends, plus their prize checks, directly to the 2013 TBF Dream Team National Championship Rally where the payout and prizes are BIG and DEEP into the field. That’s right, in addition to their prize check every advancing team is eligible for stipends to help cover their travel, boat gas and hotel to anywhere in the US the TBF Dream Team National Championship Rally is held! A “paid” fishing vacation to America’s top bass lakes!

Everyone pays the same amount to the pot, TBF handles all of the back-end details and overhead.  YOUR state or club not only gets to define the type of team event but also will earn a $5 stipend from each entry fee to help raise funds for your group. If the team from YOUR event advances to the Dream Team National Championship Rally and wins, your club wins a $1,000 bonus!  So, get your event scheduled.  YOU choose the date, pick the lake, pick your partners and start fishing!

TBF’s Dream Team National Championship Rally will rotate to and from the very best smallmouth and largemouth fisheries in the nation. Popular places you’ve always wanted to fish; lakes a 10lb largemouth, 5lb smallmouth or 5lb spotted bass are a real possibility. The TBF National DREAM TEAM will take home a DREAM RIG!  A fully-rigged Ranger Boat, with Evinrude outboard and Lowrance HDS electronics!  There will be “Dream” prizes awarded at the Championship Rally such as Cabela’s shopping sprees, Lowrance HDS 10’s with Structure Scans, and of course CASH and much more!

TBF’s Dream Team Rally is an extensive program with much more to offer; mostly it’s about fishing and fun.  For full details go to bassfederation.com, and click the Dream Team link.

About The Bass Federation, Inc.

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF is the largest and oldest, organized grassroots fishing organization. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year and have provided a foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years.  Visit bassfederation.com, www.highschoolfishing.org

TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS-REGISTER A TOURNAMENT

ENTER A DREAM TEAM TOURNAMENT

FAQs - FACT SHEET | DREAM TEAM RULES

Continue reading »]]> Kentucky Bass Federation
PO Box 599
Manitou, KY 42436
270-871-5422

The Board of directors met at the State Championship tournament and decided to make some changes to the KBF adult tournament format for the 2012 season.

Changes have been made in an attempt to make it easier and more fisherman friendly to our members. With the rising cost of living, expenses with traveling and lodging, we felt that we are not meeting the needs of all our members by giving everyone that wants the opportunity to fish to be able to do so without creating a financial hardship.

With that being said please lend us your patience as with any big change there will be bugs that we will have to work out along the way.

The new format will allow members to stay within their region and compete for the opportunity to advance to the State Championship tournament, or they can travel to other regions.

Each Region (1, 2, 3, and 4) will hold four divisional tournaments.

1. From each tournament the 1^st and 2^nd place finishers will get an automatic bid to the State Championship.
2. There will no longer be a wildcard; anyone who competes in four tournaments (in any one region or combination of regions) will automatically advance to the State Championship tournament.
3. The entry fees for both angler and co-angler has been reduced to Angler $75.00 and Co-Angler $50.00. This is a reduction of $100 for the angler and $80 for the co angler over 4 tournaments.
4. Registration for any of the tournaments will be at the ramp the morning of the tournament. There will no longer be a late fee.
5. Boat numbers will be assigned on a first come basis for both anglers and co anglers the morning of the tournament as you register.
6. 40% of the entry fees collected will be paid out at the tournament. Number of places paid out will depend on number of participants. The remaining percentage will be used to cover administrative costs and for the state team.
7. The National contenders and the State Champions from the previous year will receive and automatic bid to the state championship if they have entered in at least 2 tournaments for the year.
8. The directors from each region will determine their tournament dates and locations. So contact your director and let them know when and where you would like to fish.
9. A date for the state championship will be announced with the tournament schedule. The location of the tournament will be selected at the end of all the qualifiers. The region with the highest participating membership will have the option of choosing the state tournament location. If you want the option of choosing the state championship, get your members to come fish!

As I have said, there are several things that are in the process of change. Your cooperation, understanding and input will be greatly appreciated. It is our intentions to make it easier, more convenient and meet the needs of our members.

Thank you,

Donnie Cato, President

Kentucky Bass Federation

Continue reading »]]> Sportfishing community calls for the dismissal of unwarranted petition for a national ban on lead fishing tackle

Alexandria, VA – December 6, 2011 – On November 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was yet again petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and two other anti-fishing groups, requesting that the agency regulate the manufacture and sale of lead fishing tackle of certain sizes and uses under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If approved, such regulation could result in a de facto ban of lead sinkers, jigs and other popular types of fishing equipment.

This comes on the heels of a similar petition that the EPA dismissed in November 2010. The original petition also sought to ban lead hunting and shooting ammunition, which is exempted from regulation under TSCA. In dismissing the original petition, the EPA indicated that the “petitioners have not demonstrated that the requested rule is necessary to protect against an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, as required by the TSCA.”

“The sportfishing community is once again asking the EPA to rule on the side of scientific fish and wildlife population management and dismiss this unwarranted petition,” said American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Vice President Gordon Robertson. “Such regulations will have a significant, negative impact on recreational anglers and the sportfishing industry, yet the petitioners lack credible science to back such a far-reaching request. They claim lead is threatening loons across the nation, but several studies, including one by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have shown that loon populations are either stable or increasing throughout most of their range.”

“Despite the EPA’s clear ruling, the petitioners continue to attempt to push the ban,” said Robertson. “This further demonstrates the need for a legislative solution to this growing threat to recreational fishing. In response, the co-chairs of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus have introduced the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act, which would prevent an overreaching ban of lead fishing tackle. With anti-fishing organizations trying to over-regulate fishing using whatever means they can, legislation is needed to protect traditional fishing tackle and ammunition from unjustified bans that will harm the economy and reduce participation in outdoor activities.”

“Last year more than 43,000 anglers sent their objections to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson through KeepAmericaFishing™,” said Robertson. “ASA encourages members of the sportfishing industry and the angling public to contact the EPA in opposition to the petition and to urge their Members of Congress to support the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act. ASA will soon provide suggested comments on www.KeepAmericaFishing.org. The sportfishing industry applauds the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus for its leadership and for so powerfully addressing an issue that urgently needs a dose of common sense.”

Two of the three petitioners are currently engaged in a lawsuit against the EPA’s dismissal of the original petition to ban lead fishing tackle. “The petitioners are taking advantage of our federal government, ignoring the decision that the EPA made just a year ago and working around the ongoing litigation that they filed shortly after that decision,” said Robertson. “This is a gaming of the system and ASA urges the EPA to deny the most recent petition and asks all anglers to voice their support for the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act.”

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America’s 60 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through KeepAmericaFishing™, our angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

Continue reading »]]> Ponca City, Okla.,-Nov. 17, 2011 - In a proactive attempt to stave off the onslaught of Asian Carp the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will be conducting a trial netting program in Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.

Ron Brooks from the KDFWR addressed a crowd of 40 interested participants who attended the Kentucky Dam and Village Convention Center. He explained to the group Asian Carp are now in every tributary of the Mississippi River ranging as far north as North Dakota. The waters of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes are infested and the numbers are growing in record proportions.   

The netting process is being accomplished through what is referred to as active net sets. The carp are located in bays or backwater locations; so, the way the process works is the netters set the nets in a large circular design to surround the fish. Once surrounded, the nets are pulled and the fish are harvested. The nets are never left unattended.

The largest concern of most anglers is the bi-catch mortality. There are several key ingredients that help prevent this from occurring.  First, studies have shown the Asian Carp travel in very large pods moving in a constant search for plankton. Once plankton are found, Asian Carp move in and completely devour them all, usually, forcing almost all other species to move out. This process limits the amount of other species being caught. Another important piece of this process is volunteer observers. KDFWR’s observers are present every time netting takes place. These volunteers monitor the bi-catch and record whether the fish are returned to the water in good condition or if they perished in the process. The netting process is also closely regulated as to the times and areas that are opened to commercial fisherman.

Netting and harvesting began in Illinois.  Last year, a contract was signed to ship 30 million pounds of fish to China; a grant from the State of Illinois was given to Shaffer Industries to help facilitate the construction of a processing plant, which was key to the entire project. In order to get these fish to the Asian Market they must be caught, iced and transported to the processing plant within 24 hours. Then, they are flash frozen and loaded for shipment. The biggest obstacle the project must overcome is long distance from the Illinois processing plant to Kentucky Lake.

Several potential vendors interested in harvesting and processing these fish for other markets were present at the meetings.  One of these included an organization that uses a salt process for packing fish destined for South America and the Caribbean.

It’s evident the ability to develop a feasible market for these fish is vital to expand the harvest and control the spread of these nuisance fish.

The State of Kentucky is a step ahead by taking a proactive approach to develop a process to control these fish before it too late.

Interested in being a volunteer observer?  Contact Amy Glass at amy.glass@ky.gov or call 502-564-7109.

Continue reading »]]> October 22, 2011; Gilbertsville, KY – Marshall County Kentucky High School Fishing Club held it’s first ever Fall Open tournament for all active SAF clubs who wanted to participate. It was a great tournament with 36 total boats and schools in Kentucky and Illinois from Calloway County, Murray High School, Trigg County High school, Obion County, Mulenburg County, Anna/Johnsboros High School and Marshall County!! Great turnout from the community support at the weigh-in.

The results of the Marshall County High School Fall open are as follow:

1st place went to Calloway County : Jessie Vaught & Tyler Schanbacher with 11 lbs 2 oz

2nd place went to Marshall County : Evan Owen & Cameron Lynn with 9 lbs 10 oz

3rd place went to Marshall County : Aidan Cox and James Gibbs with 9 lbs and 1 oz

Big Bass went to Murphysboro High School, Murphysboro, Illinois: John Gueterslohi with a weight of 4 lbs and 14oz

Marshall County would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone that made this event possible. It was wonderful to see the support the community has show our High School Anglers. Thank you to all of the local business that donated prizes for the event: Fisherman’s Headquarters, Kentucky Lake Outdoors, Bass & Gas, Subway, Dominos, Inn by the Lake, Fishermans bait/tackle and boat repair, Ken’s TBC, Rapala lures, very sorry if we’ve have forgotten anyone). Special thanks to everyone who helped find boats for our student anglers: Ron Lappin, John Parks, Greg & Debbie Warner, Bill Donley, Rhonda & staff from Bass & Gas and special thanks for putting up with our many questions and requests.

Continue reading »]]> July 22, 2011 – The heat wave continued today here at Lake Dardanelle. The pool levels fluctuated a little here on the Arkansas River system and it seemed to help a lot of our high school teams today.

Yesterday’s second place team Cody and Trevor Jeffers of BCCC (Barnwell County Career Center) Youth Bass Team in Barnwell, SC, our only team from South Carolina, jumped into first today with just a few ounce lead. They caught another 5 bass limit that weighed 10 lbs 1 oz, making their two-day cumulative weight 24 lbs 3 oz. “If we won this tournament, this might be our only chance to go to college by getting this 4 year scholarship with Bethel University. It would mean a lot to us.”

Second place team is no stranger to the top 7 and is the only team to repeat. Arizona Bass Busters team of Thomas Chambers and Brandon Koon finished in second place overall last year and are going to do what it takes to make sure they take the Championship home this year. They weighed in the biggest sack of the tournament so far with 17 lbs 12 oz which jumped them from 28^th place clear up to the 2^nd slot. Yesterday they weighed in 3 fish that weighed 6 lbs 3 oz. Their 2-day combined weight is 23 lbs 15 oz, just 4 oz shy of taking over the lead today. “About noon we started throwing a crank bait and started catching them back to back. We caught most of our big fish off the same spot today and we left about an hour before so we can go right back to that spot again tomorrow. We plan on trying to catch a limit early, then upgrade if we need to off that same spot.”

Fishing in the final field tomorrow there are three members of two state’s SAF State Championships fishing. Meade County Kentucky’s state championship team member Stephen Compton is paired up with Curt Lindsey for this tournament. They are sitting in 3^rd place with 21 lbs 12 oz. Arkansas State Champions Kendall Goates and Cody Chessher of Dover High School Fishing Club are sitting in 4^th place with 21 lbs 12 oz as well.

Jeffers - BCCC Youth Bass Team

The top 7 has teams from South Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Arkansas and North Carolina. Fifth place team is Kristopher and Chelsey Queen of Bandys High School Trojans (NC). 6^th place, Devin Baxley and TJ Miller of Greenbrier, AR and 7^th Place is Cody Mecalo and Cody Seats of North Pulaski High School.

Tomorrow, the weights will be zeroed and the playing field will be leveled.  Weigh-in for the 7 finalists begins at 2:30pm. The top 7 teams will be awarded with scholarships, trophies, plaques and prizes that they can use when going to college such as TVs, laptops, dorm refrigerators as well as fishing equipment and gift cards.

Bethel University, in McKenzie, Tenn., near the shores of the famous Kentucky Barkley Lake has stepped forward in a huge way once again.  They’re offering a $4,000/year scholarship, renewable all four years to BOTH world championship team anglers for the second year!  That’s a $32,000 package just to start!  These anglers would get a top level education, as well as, spots on the Bethel University Collegiate Bass Fishing Team.  In addition, the HSFWF Champions will earn spots in the 2012 BoatUS/ACA Collegiate National Championship to compete against college fishing’s elite with use of a custom wrapped Ranger boat all week.

Full standings after day 2 are here.

A brand new event to the 2011 High School Fishing World Finals this year, a unique consolation tournament that is for all teams who did not make the top 7. Both anglers PLUS the boat captain can fish in this first ever one-of-a-kind tournament. Just a small catch, the boat captain MUST catch his first fish of the day on a rod and reel provided by TBF, then he may use any of his own equipment the rest of the day. Each team will have a chance to weigh-in one bass, BUT they can also weigh-in one of any other species of fish they can catch! There is no limit to how many different species they can weigh-in, but the team who brings in the MOST species will win the Cabela’s Consolation Grand Champion Team prize. The team who weighs in the heaviest of each species weighed-in will also win awards! Teams may use live bait to catch any fish EXCEPT the bass, which must be caught on artificial bait. Weigh-in for the consolation tournament begins at noon and will be live streamed on the Internet at http://highschoolfishing.ihigh.com as well as the finalist weigh-in to begin at 2:30pm CST.

Tomorrow, the secret judging panels will reveal the recipients of the special awards – School Spirit (awarded to a club), Marketing Award, Conservation Award, Sportsmanship Award and Going the Distance Awards. Those will be awarded immediately before the finalists weigh-in.

All teams and their families will be heading out this evening to Hog Wild Family Fun Center here in Russellville, AR for the Friday night FUN, DANCING, FOOD, GAMES and PRIZES! Lots of fun to be had and recognition of the top 7 finalists.

Tomorrow will be a day full activities out at Lake Dardanelle State Park, you won’t want to miss it. There will be a Ranger Boat simulator available, a tent with local vendors, snow cones and concession as well as a grand prize drawing that is available for everyone to enter. Must be present to win. This event is free and open to the public!

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF), is the oldest and largest, organized grassroots fishing, youth and conservation organization in America and the new home to the Future Fisherman’s Foundation (F3). TBF is owned by those it serves and is dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year, and have provided the foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years.

For more information about Student Anglers Federation, (SAF) or The Bass Federation, (TBF) visit highschoolfishing.org, or bassfederation.com or call 580.765.9031.

Continue reading »]]> Bethel University once again has four-year scholarship offers for both anglers on the 2011 High School Fishing World Finals Championship Team!

Ponca City, Okla. (June 14, 2011) – The Bass Federation announced today the 2011 High School Fishing World Finals will return to Russellville, Ark., on Lake Dardanelle, July 20-23, 2011.  Bethel University will once again offer four-year scholarships to both anglers on the High School Fishing World Finals championship team.  Last year’s inaugural event saw anglers from 17 U.S. States and this year the field is expected to grow substantially. TBF’s Student Angler Federation (SAF) and the rapidly expanding High School Fishing State Championships, which TBF and FLW Outdoors are holding in every state in 2011, are supporting this pinnacle event.  All SAF affiliated high school fishing club teams are eligible to register.  Tournament waters go off-limits for pre-practice to all competitors at 11:59pm Sunday night July 10 until the first official practice day Sunday, July 17. There’s plenty of time to sign up a new high school club or team; any team can sign up online without a late fee at highschoolfishing.org until online registration closes July 17.  Thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes are up for grabs, all with NO entry fee! Teams can sign up after that on site at the event with a $25.00 per angler late fee but advance registration is highly encouraged. Official rules and full details can be found at highschoolfishing.org

Russellville, Arkansas Tourism, Dardanelle State Park, and Arkansas Fish and Game rolled out the red carpet last year and have been preparing for this year’s event ever since. “Russellville is proud to be the host sponsor of the TBF High School Fishing World Finals for the second year,” Director of Tourism for Russellville, Christie Graham, stated.

Bethel University, in McKenzie, Tenn., near the shores of the famous Kentucky Barkley Lake stepped forward in a huge way.  They’re offering a $4,000/year scholarship, renewable all four years to BOTH world championship team anglers for the second year!  That’s a $32,000 package just to start!  These anglers would get a top level education, as well as, spots on the Bethel University Collegiate Bass Fishing Team.  In addition, the HSFWF Champions will earn spots in the 2012 BoatUS/ACA Collegiate National Championship to compete against college fishing’s elite with use of a custom wrapped Ranger boat all week.

The High School Fishing World Finals is one of the most unique fishing tournaments in the country. It combines not only tournament fishing but also fishing education as each angler is required to pass a written test on angler ethics, boater safety and invasive species. The results add bonus ounces, which can impact the final outcome.

“Last year’s inaugural event was awesome, beyond our expectations,” TBF President, Robert Cartlidge, said. “Our team is excited and prepared to handle as many teams that wish to come to Russellville. We also have a new and exciting wrinkle to this year’s event as we’ll host a consolation tournament for those who don’t make the top 7; another unique first unlike anything the industry’s ever seen. Our sponsors have stepped forward offering all kinds of prizes and contests for all the teams. Combine that with TBF’s education-oriented prize packages to get a trip certainly worthwhile for the entire family the week of July 18-23 in Russellville, Arkansas.”

The 2010 champions from Meade County High School in Kentucky walked away with $32,000 in college scholarship offers PLUS prizes. This year’s event will have even more of the same funding and bigger prizes while echoing SAF’s theory of promoting educating through fishing.  TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, stated, “If you think last year was great, show up and see what we have in store this year; we’re rolling out even more opportunities for our high school anglers with more announcements soon to come.  We’ll also be streaming the live weigh-ins to the world from Dardanelle State Park.  Just another reason high school anglers everywhere should find a partner and a boat captain and go online to sign up now at highschoolfishing.org.  Come and compete in Russellville, Ark.; it’s a low-cost, fun family vacation you’ll never forget and you could earn the college education of a lifetime!”

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF), is the oldest and largest, organized grassroots fishing, youth and conservation organization in America and the new home to the Future Fisherman’s Foundation (F3). TBF is owned by those it serves and is dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year, and have provided the foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years.

For more information about Student Anglers Federation, (SAF) or The Bass Federation, (TBF) visit highschoolfishing.org, or bassfederation.com or call 580.765.9031

For more information on the Future Fisherman Foundation, (F3) visit futurefisherman.org or call 330.993.0014

Continue reading »]]> The final day of the 2011 Southern Division Championship crowned Gregory Hoskinson, “Hosko” and the Kentucky State Team 2011 Southern Division Champions on Green River, in Campbellsville, Ky.  14 anglers, the top boater and co-angler from each of the seven states representing the Southern Division, claimed spots at the 2012 Federation National Championship.  It was an exciting day as these champion anglers stepped that much closer to the dream of a lifetime advancing to the national contest.  There they’ll fish for the “Living the Dream” prize package to include fishing as an FLW Pro for a year with use of a wrapped Ranger boat and Chevrolet truck, as well as, thousands in cash and prizes.

Hoskinson, “Hosko” from Louisville, Ky., stole the show from day one bringing in an 18lb 1ounce bag with a 6lb 12ounce lunker to steal the top spot.  Hosko continued to fish hard for Kentucky and the final day was worth it all as both he and the Kentucky State team anglers were named 2011 Southern Division Champions.  Hosko caught a limit of bass today weighing 11lb 12ounces making his tournament total 43lbs.  Preston Clark was right on his heels just ounces away in second with 42lb 8ounces.  A 8ounce dead fish penalty on day two made all the difference for Clark as only 8ounces separate him and Hosko.

2011 Southern Division Championship Slideshow

In the end, despite all the changing waters, consistency paid off for Hosko. “The first day catching those two big fish is what won it for me,” Hosko said.  “I just went back to fishing shallow like I’ve fished the last two days; it really paid off.”  Several other anglers have been moving out to deeper water fishing the bluffs as the water levels continued to fall.  “I’ve been catching them flipping Earnest Langley jigs in the bushes.  I knew that just keepers weren’t going to do it today and I had just been catching keepers.  So, I went back to where I started and through a buzz bait all day long.”  Yesterday, Hosko had a limit of keepers by 8:30am, today his partner had three keepers while Hosko still had no keepers just a bunch of short fish.   “Then, I caught one about 5lbs; that one really helped me, it made up for it all.”  After snatching up a 5 pounder, Hosko returned to the creek where he found his two lunkers on day one.  “I went way back in the creek, but missed them.  I came back out and started junk fishing to cull out enough to pull out the win.”  Hosko earned a spot at last year’s Federation National Championship and is eager to return.  “I knew it was going to be close today.  This win definitely means the most; it’s not the biggest money win, but it’s definitely the one that has meant the most to me.”

Kentucky TBF State Team Division Champions were determined to pull out a home team victory this week, commanding the lead on day one to solidify that lead today.  Kentucky caught a total of 169fish for 344lb 9ounces to be named 2011 Southern Division Champions.

The 14 State Champion anglers advancing to the 2012 Federation National Championship are as follows: (boater, co-angler) 1st Place KY: Gregory Hoskinson; Barry W Ward, 2^nd Place AL: Robbie Robinson; Rusty Burroughs, 3^rd Place GA: Brandon Glass; Steven Phillips, 4^th Place TN: Jeff Hill; Wesley D. Taylor, 5^th Place FL: Preston Clark; Mark Lundgren, 6^th Place NC: H Desmond Jones; Brent Kendall, & 7^th Place SC: Robert Rikard; Rich Gerken.

Full Results

National Championship Contenders

Final Overall Standings

Final State Team Member Standings

Final State Team Standings

Continue reading »]]> The water continues to drop as day two of the 2011 Southern Division Championship on Green River Lake, Campbellsville, Ky., came to a close making tomorrow’s final day weigh-in anything but predictable.  Some anglers who wacked ‘em yesterday fell short, as others rose to the challenge and fought to stay in contention.  The Kentucky State team led by Gregory Hoskinson, “Hosko” did exactly that; they fished hard to keep the lead today with the Alabama State team just pounds away.  Tomorrow, these state team champion anglers will go one last round for all the guts and glory as the final day of the 2011 Southern Division Championship will crown this year’s Division Champions.

Gregory Hoskinson, “Hosko” from Louisville, Ky., brought in another solid limit of bass to help the Kentucky State team, which weighed 13lb 3ounces making his two day total 31lb 4ounces.  “I just went out and did the same thing I did yesterday and caught a limit by about 8:30am,” Hosko said.  “But, it was a small limit so I went out trying to catch the big ones; I got one bite about 4lbs, but not ones like yesterday.”  On day one, Hosko had two big bites that propelled him into the lead and helped cushion that lead today, one of which was a 6lb 15ounce beauty.  “On my way back in I hit some other stuff and ended up culling out two fish, without those my bag would have only been around 9lbs.”  With the water still dropping, Hosko is a bit uncertain how to approach the final day.  “I’m not sure what I’m going to do; I’m just going to go out there and have fun.  There are a few good guys behind me and with just a two pound lead; I’ve got my work cut out for me.  I’m just really hoping our Kentucky boys can pull out the win tomorrow.”

Second in the individual standings is Robbie Robinson from Mobile, Ala.  Robinson slid up from the third place spot with a five bass limit today weighing 14lb 12ounces, making his two day total 29lb.  Yesterday, Robinson was almost positive he could find another limit of bass; he certainly did.  Consistency is key in fishing and if Robinson can pull another 14lbs tomorrow he just might be the angler to watch.

Making a huge leap from 21^st place to snatch the third place spot is Preston Clark, from Palatka, Fl.  Clark caught a limit of bass today weighing 16lb 10ounces making his two day tournament total 27lb 10ounces.  “I’ve been looking not for where they were at, but for where they were going,” Clark said.  “I spent two days with a Hummingbird Side Scan marking brush piles and underwater points.  Then, I had the feeling the fish were going to move out of the bushes; I think today was the day they started and it really paid off.”

In the state team standings, Kentucky is still leading.  They caught 56 fish today weighing 113lb 2ounces making their two day tournament total 113 fish for 240lb 1ounce.  Alabama is looking to close the gap; they weighed in 57 fish for 112lb 1ounce and a tournament total of 232lb 6ounces.  Georgia is currently in third with 98lb 12ounces today and a two day total of 208lb 13ounces.  In fourth, is Florida with a tournament total of 185lb 15ounces.  North Carolina is in fifth with 184lb 10ounces.  In sixth and seventh, is Tennessee with 184lb 6ounces and South Carolina with 182lb 14ounces.