Championship Titles, Thousands in Scholarships & Prizes Mark Premier Event Full Of Industry “Firsts”

2010 High School Fishing World Finals

Don’t You Wish We Had This When You Were In School?

July 7, 2010 – Russellville, Ark. – High School students from across the U.S. are gearing up for what is destined to become THE High School fishing event in the industry. The 2010 SAF High School Fishing World Finals at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville, Ark. Anglers from nearly 20 states from coast to coast and along the Canadian border registered to attend along with families and boat captains. These young men and women will compete for life changing scholarships, prizes, school pride and the right to be called the first High School Fishing World Champions.

“The Bass Federation, (TBF) has been the foundation of youth fishing for more than 40 years; we’re very proud that today, because of the hard work and leadership of our members and partners, we’re still on the leading edge of youth fishing. We’re honored to conduct the first High School Fishing World Finals through the Student Anglers Federation,” TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, stated. “High school fishing is one of the fastest growing sports and we believe this event will further support a growth trend in every state, as it has in Illinois, where it’s now an official varsity sport.”

TBF has teamed up with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and Russellville tourism to make this inaugural event a success. There will be an outdoor show on Sat, July 24 lakeside at Dardanelle State Park to include Ranger/Evinrude test rides, Pro fishing seminars, and games/prizes. Also, college fishing teams will be on hand with information regarding what the local colleges have to offer. The show will boast national and local sponsors and vendors and it’s free to the public.

This is a family-centered team event, with two angler teams representing their respective high school’s Student Angler Federation club; there’s no limit on teams and it’s not too late to enter. However, anglers must have completed the 8th grade but not have entered into freshmen year of college.

This event is unlike anything the fishing industry has ever seen and dotted with industry “firsts.” Each team will be allowed a five fish limit per day and the field will be cut to the top seven teams on the final day, which is nothing new. However, this event was built with unlimited growth possibilities to handle 500 or even 1000 team in years to come and it designed to be the premier event in High School Fishing. A anticipated week in summer for family vacation and tons of fishing, scholarships, prizes and merchandise, along with the honors of being titled World Champions for both the anglers and their schools. An education component requires two quizzes, one on boater safety/ethics and one on conservation invasive species. Based on test scores, anglers can earn up to three bonus ounces per test to be added to their total weight. (2 tests/angler can add 12ounces/team max). One of the tie-breakers, should it be needed, will be the teams combined cumulative grade point average. Starting in 2011, a minimum GPA will be required.

The winning team will be offered a prize unprecedented in the sport. A $4,000 scholarship, renewable for 4 years and a spot on the Collegiate Bass Fishing Team will be offered to both team members of the winning team from the Bethel University Wildcats in McKenzie, Tenn. That’s over $32,000 in scholarships offered to the winning team. “As the first college in America to offer scholarships for bass fishing, Bethel University, is very proud to join TBF in an ongoing commitment to promote both high school and College Bass Fishing. Bethel University has received overwhelming national publicity for its efforts with this new program and we look forward to a long relationship with TBF in this endeavor,” Bethel University’s Head Bass Fishing Coach, Gary Mason, stated. “High school fishermen are a great part of the future of the sport and we’re very proud to be involved with TBF and the High School Fishing World Finals. Bethel University would like to say congratulations to all of the high school fishermen across the country that will be competing in this extraordinary event.”

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF), is the oldest and largest, organized grassroots fishing organization in America and proudly partners in fishing with FLW Outdoors. TBF is 100% member owned. We are “Owned by those it serves and dedicated to the sport of fishing”. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year, and have provided the foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years.

For more information about The Bass Federation or the Student Angler Federation, visit www.BassFederation.com or www.HighSchoolFishing.org or call the TBF National Office 580.765.9031.

GAINESVILLE, GA. TO HOST WORLD’S TOP JUNIOR ANGLERS

Gainesville, Ga., (July 5, 2010) – The Bass Federation announced today the 2010 National Guard Junior World Championship will be held on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Ga., August 5-8, in conjunction with the most prestigious event in tournament fishing, the Forrest Wood Cup. The 2010 NGJWC will feature 82 youth anglers from 41 states fishing for over $30,000 in scholarships and prizes. Two junior champions from each state, one in each age bracket, 11-14 and 15-18, will vie for the championship titles. This year’s contest will make history, as the junior anglers will be launching every morning from Laurel Park right behind the biggest names in the industry that are fishing the Forrest Wood Cup.

“The 2010 NGJWC is shaping up to be another exciting event; never before has this happened in any major youth tournament,” National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, said. “For the first time our junior anglers will fish part of the same lake with the greatest anglers in the world, the FLW Tour Pros. It’s going to provide tons of exposure for our TBF junior anglers, especially at launch each morning. I’m sure all of our young stars will have the time of their lives!”

Daily weigh-ins will be held at Laurel Park Amphitheater and will stream out on the internet. Friday night anglers will be treated to one of the most talked about traditions of the NGJWC, the National Guard Pizza Party. A night full of games, entertainment, and sponsor prizes all served up by the National Guard pro team.

Every boat will have one junior angler from each age group plus a boat captain who will assist the junior anglers, but will not fish. The two junior anglers will share control of the boat for the day, competing in their respective age groups. The full field of junior anglers will compete Fri., Aug. 6. Then, only the top angler in each age bracket from each TBF division will move on. Weights will be zeroed Sat. Aug. 7 as the remaining 14 anglers continue competition. In each age bracket, every angler who advances to Saturday’s competition will receive a sponsor package and a scholarship; the scholarship amounts, on top of the sponsor packages, are as follows: 1st-$5,000; 2nd-$2,750; 3rd-$1,350; 4th-$1,350; 5th-$800; 6th-$600; 7th-$500.

The Gainesville community is reflecting the same excitement, welcoming our coming with tremendous support. “The City of Gainesville is extremely proud to host this prestigious junior world championship,” Tracy Whitmire, the Convention and Facilities Sales Manager of Gainesville Tourism and Trade stated. “Hosting so many families from across the country will provide incredible exposure for our city and we expect to see these families for years to come. The junior anglers will have an experience of a life time fishing with the Pro’s of the Forrest Wood Cup and enjoying the beautiful city of Gainesville, where we are known for our world class hospitality.”

Qualifying for the 2010 TBF National Guard Junior World Championship is quite a feat, as most competed for a year to advance through each states qualifying structure. So, these anglers have worked long and hard to reach this level and are the best junior anglers in the world. No doubt, as young anglers from across the country are making plans to travel and compete out of Gainesville, Ga., the excitement certainly heating up.

11-14 Age Group

McKinley Mosley Toxey, Alabama

Shane Edgar Glendale, Arizona

Clay Shatley Hot Springs, Arkansas

Justin Malpass Clyde, California

Griffin Johnston Centennial, Colorado

Michael Toohey Shelton, Connecticut

Devon Braun Camden, Delaware

David Darby East Palatka, Florida

Regan Green Macon, Georgia

Alex Schneidermann Buhl, Idaho

Ryan Spencer Tolono, Illinois

Kyle Mahorney Greenwood, Indiana

Justin Niccum Independence, Missouri

Ryan Dowell Brandenburg, Kentucky

James Kimbrough Bossier City, Louisiana

Kaitlyn Deering Portland, Maine

Jacob Hollingshead Manchester, Maryland

Maxwell Danese Franklin, Massachusetts

Daniel Sprague Hastings, Michigan

Tarin Lehn Alexandria, Minnesota

Ty Jobe Olive Branch, Mississippi

Andrew Honigman Harrisonville, Missouri

Taylor Stanley Lincoln, Nebraska

Francisca Mendive Elko, Nevada

Ari Rosenzweig Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Alec Morrison Peru, New York

Triston Owens Marion, North Carolina

Benjamin Guegold Westerville, Ohio

Matthew Hasenfratz Ponca City, Oklahoma

Desmond McVay Eugene, Oregon

Brent Engleman Milton, Pennsylvania

Conor Rana Bradford, Rhode Island

Joshua Knowlton Sumter, South Carolina

John Garrett Union City, Tennessee

Austin Ellis Kingsland, Texas

Corey Quintana Roy, Utah

Adrian Forbes Fairfield, Vermont

Zachary Francis Abingdon, Virginia

Richard Davey Kennewick, Washington

Alex Goff Clendenin, West Virginia

Steven Sellnow Watertown, Wisconsin

15-18 Age Group

Skeeter Benford Phil Campbell, Alabama

Ryan Petersen Phoenix, Arizona

Dustin Holmes Amity, Arkansas

Matthew English Canyon Lake, California

Connor Santos Colorado Springs, Colorado

Brandon Annunziata North Haven, Connecticut

Kurt Mitchell Milford, Delaware

Michael Maskevich Jr. Tallahassee, Florida

Robert (Taylor) Minick Valdosta, Georgia

Asa Schneidermann Buhl, Idaho

Bradley Burton Champaign, Illinois

Greg Zellers Winamac, Indiana

Chandler Young Independence, Missouri

Jared Raymer Brandenburg, Kentucky

Cameron Mattison Bossier City, Louisiana

Nicholas Deering Portland, Maine

John Duarte Baltimore, Maryland

Robert Ramasci Wakefield, Massachusetts

Alexander Cataldo Fenton, Michigan

Matt Schneider Maple Lake, Minnesota

Lane Kemper Olive Branch, Mississippi

Drake Young Lincoln, Missouri

Corey Miller Lincoln, Nebraska

Josh Paxton Spring Creek, Nevada

Niklas Goebel Wst Milford, New Jersey

Brett Carnright Plattsburgh, New York

Cody Stegall Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina

Eddie Levin Westerville, Ohio

Jacob Beam Ponca City, Oklahoma

Nicholas Chin Gresham, Oregon

Austin Oberdorf Milton, Pennsylvania

Dillon Falardeau Slatersville, Rhode Island

Shane Cantley Elgin, South Carolina

Brier Daniel Collinwood, Tennessee

Tanner Worley Bedford, Texas

Corey Higgins Lehi, Utah

Taylor Bahr Randolph, Vermont

Nicholas Bodsford Richmond, Virginia

Nikolas Autrey Chewelah, Washington

Zach Whitten Oceana, West Virginia

Kyler Chelminiak Hales Corners, Wisconsin

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF), is the oldest and largest, organized grassroots fishing organization in America. TBF is owned by those it serves and is dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year, and have provided the foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 40 years.

For more information about The Bass Federation, visit bassfederation.com, or call 580.765.9031.

For more information about Student Anglers Federation, visit highschoolfishing.org, or call 580.765.9031

2010 NGJWC Rundown

Wow it’s that time again already for the National Guard Junior World Championship!

Here is a rundown of the events for the week August 5-8, 2010.

First of all, the lake goes off limits on Sunday, August 1st at midnight.

Anglers need to be in town on Thursday afternoon, August 5th, no later than 4:00pm for our Registration and Dinner Rules Briefing at the Georgia Mountain Center, which is just down the street from the event hotels.

Friday will be our first day of competition with all anglers competing within their division. We will leave the hotel at 5:30 am sharp and we will travel out to Laurel Park, where we will launch immediately after the FLW pro’s take off for action in the Forrest Wood Cup.

Our estimated launch time will be around 7:15 am, with a return time scheduled for around 1:00 pm in the afternoon. We will have a lakeside weigh-in at the Laurel Park Amphitheatre when the anglers return. That day we will determine the top anglers in each of the seven divisions, within each age group 11-14 & 15-18. Fourteen (14) anglers will qualify to fish the next day. Later that evening, we will host our annual National Guard Pizza Party at the Georgia Mountain Center. It’s sure to be a wild and fun time, so bring your party hat!

On Saturday morning, our Division Champions in each age group will compete for the Championship trophy and scholarships. The launch again will be immediately following the FLW Pro’s from the same location at Laurel Park.

For those who don’t make the championship round, we will hold our annual angler seminars at the Georgia Mountain Center, where they also will pick up their trophies and get their pictures taken. The entire group will meet back out at Laurel Park later that afternoon for our Championship Weigh-in.

Once the weigh-in completes and winners are determined, we will all head for the Gwinnett Arena where we will get all of our anglers up on the FLW stage for introductions and the presentation of our champions. This is usually just before a free concert and the FLW Championship weigh-in.

Sunday, families have their choice of visiting the FLW Fun Zone and Outdoor show and then watching another FLW Championship weigh-in or your family can head back for home with a ton of memories from another Championship event.

That’s the week in a nutshell; we look forward to seeing all of you in Gainesville, Georgia on August 5th. For any questions regarding the NGJWC, please feel free to contact us at the TBF National Office at 580.765.9031 or Mark Gintert at 330.993.0014.

Matt King of KS Makes Huge Leap, Wins 2010 Central Division Overall

June 18, 2010; Truman Lake, MO – Matt King of Olathe, Kansas came from being down by nearly 10 lbs from yesterday’s overall leader, Kerry Milner, to win the individual overall division champions title in the 2010 Central Division Championship Tournament Presented by Evinrude E-TEC.

King weighed in a monster sack of 21 lbs 4 oz today and was the largest stringer of the entire tournament, by far. What a comeback! The only one close to that weight was his draw partner today, Don Heiser of MO, who caught 16 lbs 5 oz. in the same boat.

King earned himself another trip to the TBF Federation Championship. “I changed it up a little bit and felt like I burned my fish the first 2 days. Today, I went out and fished the areas on this lake that I generally fish in the late spring and early summer, where fish should be this time of year,” King said. He was fishing the ledges in about 15-25’ of water and caught most of his fish on a Carolina Rig using a Brush Hog and a 6” lizard.

Kerry Milner, the day 1 and 2 leader looked pretty solid going into the final day with his 10 lb lead going into the final day. He had a late draw in the flights today and by the time he got to his favorite spots, they were already covered. That didn’t stop him, he still managed to bring in 3 fish for 8 lbs 4 oz, which was enough to secure his spot as the top angler from Arkansas in the TBF National Championship next spring. Milner, who owns a lawn care business says, “This is my first qualifier and I am definitely looking forward to it. I’m looking to go full-time fishing.” The TBF ‘Living the Dream’ package is looking pretty good to him right now!

Another first-time TBF National Championship qualifier is Missouri’s Bobby Carleton, who finished the tournament in 8th place overall with 25 lbs 1 oz. He started off slow the first day, but came back and secured his spot in the National Championship as the top Missouri contender. He caught his limit today on a Carolina Rig, Super Hog – Watermelon Candy. Carleton says “I went back to the spot where I caught 3 fish yesterday and didn’t realize how good the spot was” He had 4 keepers by 8am, as did his non-boater.

Oklahoma’s Jody Linder will be preparing himself for his second trip to a Federation National Championship next year. He was pretty consistent over the 3 days. “I was flipping willow trees using a baby brush hog”. He caught 5 lbs 3 oz today. Even though he didn’t bring in as much as he had the first 2 days, it was enough to win his state. Jody says, “I move around a lot and fast, which means I cover twice as many trees as other anglers.” His other team members had a little bit tougher tournament this time and weren’t able to hang on to some keepers. “This was a great tournament for me, I never lost a fish. It was just my time, my turn, that’s the way fishing works”.

As for the team results, Arkansas came out on top with a 3 day total weight of 205 lbs 5 oz, an 8 lb 10 oz lead over the 2nd place host team of Missouri. Kansas finished in 3rd.

Other than the 3 mentioned above, thirteen more TBF members will be moving on to the 2011 TBF National Championship, where they will fish for their share of cash and prizes. For the qualifying anglers, the ultimate prize package of any TBF Member is the $100,000 ‘Living the Dream’ package. The top angler from each state qualifies as the boater and the second place angler form each state as the Co-Angler. Those qualifying from the eight central division states:

Arkansas

Angler: Kerry Milner

Co-Angler: Donnie Cobb

Kansas

Angler: Matt King

Co-Angler: Casey Scanlon

Louisiana

Angler: Billy Graves

Co-Angler: Steve Cagle

Missouri

Angler: Bobby Carleton

Co-Angler: Eddie Wolfe

Mississippi

Angler: Sam Husley

Co-Angler: Brandon Bolton

Nebraska

Angler: Robert Hime

Co-Angler: Doug Borer

Oklahoma

Angler: Jody Linder

Co-Angler: MIKE ZACKARY

Texas

Angler: James Biggs

Co-Angler: Dennis Hastings

Full results can be found on our tournament results page HERE