- Scott Bonnema – Northern Division Champ
Sept. 9, 2011, Brainerd, Minn. – Three days of near perfect weather plus three days of near perfect fishing makes Minnesota Federation Angler, Scott Bonnema the 2011 TBF Northern Division Overall Champion, as well as the Cabela’s Angler Cash and Ranger Cup Bonus winner. Bonnema was in the lead every day of the tournament and finishes the tournament with 45lbs even.
“Fishing today was really good first thing this morning. I caught 4 or 5 good ones, and got to take a deep breath. I was fishing in 8-10 ft of cabbage, flippin a Terminator jig with a chigger x craws, black and brown jigs with a natural color crawfish. When they grabbed on, they held on to it. I used a brand new 2012 Terminator spinner bait from terminator, ¾ oz that I fished in 8’ of water with,” said Bonnema. With nearly every angler catching 5-fish limits every day, there wasn’t a lot of differences in weights. “I stayed with a pattern, practiced hard and found the deeper fish. I managed my fish well, I would get 2-3 good fish off each spot.” Bonnema will be headed back to the TBF National Championship as a boater. “I am really excited. At the last one, I was a co-angler. As a boater it’s a lot more interesting, I can control my own destiny. I’m really looking forward to it, should be good fishing wherever the Championship will be.” The partners Bonnema had great tournaments too. Two of his partners advance to the TBF National Championship as well, one as a boater. “I’d like to thank Rapala, Ranger Boats, Humminbird and Minnkota products.
Finishing in 2nd place in the overall standings, and advancing as a boater for the Wisconsin Federation is Brady Farrell of Ft. Atkinson, Wisc. He had a great tournament and finished with a 3-day total weight of 38 lbs 10 oz. “I had limits by 7am every morning and the bite held up all week,” Farrell said. “I was using a Brovarney bait swimjig, 5/16 oz, dunking it in the deep milfoil. In the morning, I was using a topwater bite, which I got a limit on.” This will be Farrell’s first time to qualify for the TBF National Championship. “I’m excited to qualify as a boater for the Nationals, it’s definitely an exciting opportunity. I’d like to thank Brovarney Baits, Ranger Boats, Mike’s Prop Shop and Mazanet Marina.”
Team Minnesota Champions
Aaron Ault of the Indiana Bass Federation would like to follow in the footsteps of a good friend of his, Allen Boyd of Salem, Ind. Boyd was crowned the 2011 TBF National Champion and Living the Dream Angler in Tennessee in April. Ault finished the tournament in third place overall and at the top of Indiana’s State Team, moving on as a boater. He finished the tournament strong with a 3-day weight of 38 lbs 9 oz. “I’m so excited to be representing the Indiana Bass Federation. Out of all the Indiana members, I’m going back two years later. Words can’t express how excited I am right now,” said Ault. Ault, who is a tool and die maker for General Motors would love to be the next one to win that ‘Living the Dream’ package and fish for a living on the FLW Tour.
In the state federation standings, Minnesota overtook Wisconsin’s lead yesterday, having a 3-day team total weight of 385-06. “I’m really proud of my state team for coming through. This is the first time Minnesota has ever won, and on our home turf of course,” Bonnema said. Finishing in 2nd place was Wisconsin with 380 lbs even; Indiana in 3rd with 378-10.
Twelve anglers who have advanced and will be competing in the 2012 TBF National Championship are:
Illinois |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Mc Intyre | 15/15 | 34-08 | Angler |
| Kent Oakley | 15/15 | 34-02 | Co-Angler |
Indiana |
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| Aaron Ault | 15/15 | 38-09 | Angler |
| David Lagle | 15/15 | 37-04 | Co-Angler |
Michigan |
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| Marc Snyder | 15/15 | 34-03 | Angler |
| Matt Gray | 15/15 | 34-03 | Co-Angler |
Minnesota |
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| Scott Bonnema | 15/15 | 45-00 | Angler |
| James Chapman | 15/15 | 37-07 | Co-Angler |
Ohio |
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| Mark Greco | 15/15 | 36-05 | Angler |
| Robert Cox | 15/15 | 35-12 | Co-Angler |
Wisconsin |
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| Brady Farrell | 15/15 | 38-10 | Angler |
| Tom Tischer | 15/15 | 37-15 | Co-Angler |
2012 TBF National Championship Contenders
The qualified anglers will be competing against the top anglers from 46 other state federations for the $100,000 ‘Living the Dream’ Prize package. The TBF Federation National Champion earns the TBF “Living The Dream” prize package to include; cash, fully paid entry fees to the FLW Walmart Tour as a tour pro, PLUS use of a custom Living The Dream wrapped Chevy Truck and wrapped Ranger Boat on tour for the year, PLUS a travel stipend for each event.
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