Nevada and Utah Advance Anglers to National Event
The Utah Bass Federation hosted take 2017 TBF National Semifinal District 22 event August 26-27 on Deer Creek Reservoir near Salt Lake City in beautiful Provo Canyon. Anglers were welcomed with warm temperatures and sunny weather throughout the weekend. Twenty-four anglers representing Nevada and Utah set out to claim state bragging rights, deep payouts, trophies, Ranger Cup and Evinrude contingencies plus coveted spots in the 2018 Federation National Championship.
The National Semi-Final 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.
A total of $5,640 with 157% payback was awarded in cash and prizes. The top two boaters and co-anglers in the 24 boat field divvied up $2,700 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, Wade Headrick from Utah bested the boater field with a two day total of 14.24 pounds. Headrick was crowned District 22’s NSF Champion boater and received a $1,170 paycheck. He also earned the $500 Ranger Cup award being the highest finishing Ranger Cup qualified angler.
The NSF co-angler champion was Gabe Aroca also from Utah. Aroca had a tournament total of 8.14 pounds for a total cash payout of $585. Both Utah anglers will advance to the 2018 Federation National Championship.
DeeJay Evans was the top Nevada boater and finished second overall with 11.73 pounds; he will advance to the national championship representing his state. Nevada’s Paul Aznerez finished right behind Aroca on the co-angler side with 6.78 pounds. Aznerez will also represent Nevada at the national championship event.
The Utah Bass Federation made the final sweep taking home bragging rights and the District 22 State Pride Award. The award is determined by adding the weights of the top four boaters and co-anglers selected prior to the event from each state.
The event went well thanks to the Utah Bass Federation that ran the event and all the support from TBF’s sponsors; FLW, Ranger, Cabela’s, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Evinrude, Berkley and Power Pole.
