Alabama and Mississippi Advance Anglers to National Event
The Mississippi Bass Federation hosted the 2017 TBF National Semifinal District 4 event October 14-15 on Biloxi Back Bay in D’lberville, Miss. Anglers were met with warm temperatures, but high pressure kept the tide in, which made for a tough bite. Thirty-five boats launched from the D’Iberville Marina to seek out the champion titles and coveted spots in the 2018 Federation National Championship plus bragging rights, deeper payouts, trophies and Ranger Cup and Evinrude contingencies.
A total of $12,995 with 123% payback was awarded in cash and prizes. The top two boaters and co-anglers in the 35 boat field divvied up $7,875 in total cash payback, not including the $500 Ranger Cup award and the $1,000 Evinrude E-tec award for the winning boater (if he/she runs a 2012 or newer Etec Evinrude).
The new format pays back 100% of the entry fees, 75% to the top 20% of the field, 10% to the state federations and 15% to the TBF Federation National Championship.
After two days of competition, Mississippi boater, Wayne Parish, bested the boater field to be named the 2017 National Semi-Final Champion boater. Parish had five fish limits both days for 6.95 pounds and 7.55 pounds to make his tournament total 14.50 pounds. Parish received a $2,250 payday for his win. He will also represent Mississippi at the national event for the second year in a row.
The National Semi-Final Champion co-angler was, David Salter, from Alabama who caught five fish both days for 10.64 total pounds. Salter earned $1,125 for his win and will advance to nationals representing the state of Alabama.
Other NSF anglers advancing to the 2018 Federation National Championship are top Alabama boater, Larry Franks Jr., and top Mississippi co-angler, Justin McKee.
Mississippi TBF President, Edwin Gregory, also earned the $500 Ranger Cup award for being the highest finishing Ranger Cup qualified angler.
The Alabama Bass Federation maintains bragging rights for back to back District 4 State Pride Awards with 43.40 pounds. The award is determined by adding the weights of the top four boaters and co-anglers from each state selected prior to the event.
The National Semi-Finals format rolled out last year replacing the divisional events and state team line-ups. TBF anglers can now advance to a close-to-home NSF event in one of two ways. Active state clubs can advance their top two anglers, in addition, the top 10% of state event participation or a minimum of 12 anglers per state qualify, whichever is greater. The new format has been highly successful with state participation and membership up across the nation.
The hosting state of Mississippi provided Facebook Live coverage during the entire event for anglers, families, and friends. Thanks to the TBF of Mississippi, the City of D’Iberville, as well as, TBF’s Sponsors: FLW, Ranger, Cabela’s, Lowrance, MinnKota, Humminbird, Evinrude, Berkley and Power Pole.
Boaters
Wayne Parish (MS) 14.50 *National Qualifier for MS*
Mark Gwin (MS) 13.28
Edwin Gregory (MS) 12.39 *Ranger Cup Winner*
Timmy Ming (MS) 11.86
Danny Carter (MS) 11.73
Larry Franks Jr (AL) 11.41 *National Qualifier for AL*
James A Moore (AL) 10.80
Co-Anglers
David Salter (AL) 10.64 *National Qualifier for AL*
Justin McKee (MS) 7.73 *National Qualifier for MS*
David Reiland (MS) 7.45
Bruce Knippers (MS) 7.31
Jake Childers (AL) 7.29
Marks Wilkinson (MS) 6.59
Larry Davis (MS) 6.48
FULL RESULTS
