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. Continue reading

Sept. 8, 2011, Brainerd, MN – Day two of the 2011 TBF Northern Division Championship, presented by Cabela’s was a mirror-weather of yesterday. Nearly all competing anglers brought in limits today, and the trend will probably continue into the final day. Tomorrow wraps up the Northern Division and 12 anglers will be qualified for the 2012 TBF National Championship.

Scott Bonnema of the Minnesota Federation has maintained his lead and consistency, by bringing in 15 lbs 7 oz, just 4 oz less than yesterday’s bag. His 2-day weight is 31-2, with a good 4 lb lead on a lake with so many fish that weigh nearly the same. The big bites are hard to come by right now. “Normally this time of year we have had a good cold snap and the water temperatures are lower, making the fishing a little better. The daily weights would probably average out to about 17-18 lbs instead of the 10-12 lbs like we are seeing now. There are many 4-5 lbers out here on this lake, but they’ve got a finicky bite,” said Bonnema, who is from Zimmerman, Minn. “I’ve been throwing some topwater baits and caught a lot of mine today on jigs and tubes. I had a couple of better fish today.” Continue reading

Sept. 7, 2011, Brainerd, MN – The winds were calm and the race is tight after the first day of the 2011 TBF Northern Division Championship, presented by Cabela’s at Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minn. The fish are there, 70 limits were caught today (out of 72 anglers), but bigger fish appear to be harder to find.

That is not so much the case for Minnesota’s Scott Bonnema of Zimmerman, MN. He is leading the tournament in overall standings with 15 lbs 11 oz. “I caught a lot of fish all day long, culled around 13-14 lbs,” said Bonnema. “The fish are in a transition, moving shallower. There are a lot of fish here, but the bigger ones are harder to come by, a lot of 2 pounders. I only fished 3 spots today and will hit some other spots tomorrow. I hope the lead holds, 13-15 lbs per day will put you in good shape.” Continue reading