Ponca City, Okla., April 15, 2016 – Day two of the 2016 Federation National Championship was all about suspense as anglers watched every bag from their division cross the stage in hopes their weights would be enough to advance. Seven Division Champions both on the boater and co-angler sides earned slots at the 2016 BFL All-American and one last chance to battle it out tomorrow to see who will be this year’s national champions.
Leading for the Central division and overall is Joseph Webster from Mississippi with another limit of bass and a tournament total of 28lbs 12oz. Webster has been sight fishing all week and it’s certainly paid off. “This week has been steady for me; the biggest change are the bigger ones seem to be coming and the smaller fish seem to be falling out,” Webster said.
This is Websters first time to qualify for the BFL All-American and advance to the final show. “Planning on doing the same thing tomorrow; we’ll just see how it goes.”
The race has been tight in the Mid-Atlantic division. Yesterday’s leader, Daniel Gray, wound up third overall but was edged out by just five ounces by Mid-Atlantic angler, Corey Cook, from West Virginia who’s tournament total was 28lbs 7oz to earn him a slot on the final day.
In fourth overall and advancing for the Northwest division is Aaron Echternkamp from Washington. This is Echternkamp’s fifth time to qualify for the national event, so not only is he seasoned when it comes to the final round but he’s also due for a championship title.
Tomorrow, one victorious boater will win the $100,00 “Living the Dream” prize package to include a prize check, fully paid entry fees on the 2017 FLW Tour as a pro, travel expense stipends for each event and use of a wrapped Ranger boat for the year. The top co-angler will also receive fully paid entry fees into the FLW Series division of choice. As history proves, anything can and will happen as the final day of the 2016 Federation National Championship concludes on Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, Mo.
For full results click HERE.
