DISTRICT 22 CROWNS FIRST NATIONAL SEMI-FINAL CHAMPS

Nevada and Utah Advance Anglers to Nationals

winning-non-boater-clif-gThe Nevada Bass Federation played host to the first TBF National Semifinal contest for District 22 October 29-30 on Lake Mead in Henderson, Nevada.  The new TBF National Semi-Finals program pits top grassroots anglers from each state in a “close to home” weekend event with neighboring states for significant cash prizes and advancements.

A total of $5,640 with 157% payback in cash and prizes, National Semi-Final qualifying jerseys, trophies, champion titles and slots in the national championship were awarded in the boater and co-angler divisions.  The top two boaters and co-anglers in the 12 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 Evinrude).

After day one, brutal was the word being tossed around as only one limit was brought to the scales.  Dave Hudson of Nevada led the boaters with that limit weighing 8.11 pounds.  Ellison Hubbard, also from Nevada, led the co-anglers with two fish weighing 5.10 pounds.  The remainder of the field struggled under very tough conditions.

day-2-launchDay two saw improved conditions but they wouldn’t last long as wind speeds climbed to over 30mph.  The bite suffered again, and Justin Hicks of Utah brought in the only limit weighing 6.5 pounds for a tournament total of 9.89 pounds.

The race came down to ounces, as day one leader, Hudson, held off Hicks for the overall win on the boater’s side.  He caught two fish for 2.71 pounds, but his solid lead on day one made his tournament total 10.82 pounds for the win.

Hudson received a $1,170 paycheck and will advance to the 2017 Federation National Championship.  Hicks will also advance as the highest finishing boater to represent Utah and received $630 cash prize for his second overall finish.

On the co-angler side, Clif Gallagher, from Utah brought a pair of fish across the stage weighing 2.41 pounds for a total of 5.53 pounds.  Gallagher would secure the win over day one leader, Hubbard, who had 5.10 total pounds. He received a $585 paycheck and will advance to nationals as the winning co-angler.

team-utahThe Utah Bass Federation made the final sweep taking home bragging rights and the first District 22 State Pride Award with 21.05 total pounds.  The award is determined by adding the weights of the top four boaters and co-anglers from each state, which are selected prior to the event.

In District 22, top TBF anglers competed for the chance to advance to the 2017 Federation National Championship and to win enough cash to travel to the spring event.  Anglers qualify for the semi-finals in one of two ways.  Active state clubs in good standing can send their top two anglers directly to the semi-final event, in addition, the top 10% of state event participation or a minimum of 12 anglers per state qualify, whichever is greater.

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.  In the new NSF rules, a co-angler can also move up as a boater if his/her weight totals more than the state boater’s weight.

The new event format went well thanks to the Nevada Bass Federation who ran the event and all their support from TBF’s sponsors; FLW, Ranger, Cabela’s, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Evinrude, Berkley and Power Pole.

FULL RESULTS

PAYOUT

 

TBF NATIONAL SEMI-FINAL’S CONTINUE WITH DISTRICT 13

Delaware, Maryland and Nations Capitol Advance Anglers to Nationals

mandes-boater-ranger-cupThe Delaware Bass Federation played host to the first TBF National Semifinal contest for District 13 October 22-23 on the Nanticoke River System in Laurel, De.  The new TBF National Semi-Finals program pits top grassroots anglers from each state in a “close to home” weekend event with neighboring states for significant cash prizes and advancements.

A total of $13,320 with 123% payback in cash and prizes, National Semi-Final qualifying jerseys, trophies, champion titles and slots in the national championship were awarded in the boater and co-angler divisions.  The top seven boaters and co-anglers in the 36 boat field divvied up $8,100 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 Evinrude).

mandes-boater-ranger-cup1

The tournament launched from Phillips landing on Broad Creek. Due to high winds, the Wicomico River waters were off-limits on day one.  But, that didn’t stop anglers from finding solid limits.  There were 167 largemouth bass weighing a total of 307.52 pounds caught.  On day two, another 139 bass weighing 239.1 pounds were brought to the scales.  Regardless of conditions, the Nanticoke River System gave up more than a boat load.

After two days of competition, Jeff Mandes, from Delaware bested the boater field with 22.88 pounds.  Mandes received a $2,270 paycheck, a slot in the 2017 Federation National Championship and the $500 Ranger Cup award for being the highest finishing Ranger Cup qualified angler.

redden-co-angler-championThe race on the boater’s side was so tight, Roger Shirkey, Sr., also from Delaware narrowly missed the top spot with a two day total of 22.23 pounds.  Shirkey did receive a $1,150 cash prize for his two days of work.

On the co-angler side, Steve Redden, from Delaware led it on day one with 10.32 pounds.  But, he never felt comfortable with his four pound lead; instead he fished hard on day two to win the co-angler champion title with a two day total of 18.66 pounds.  Redden will advance and he also received a $1,135 cash prize.

martin-and-youngAlso advancing to the national contest are Maryland’s highest finishing boater and co-angler, Richard Martin, Jr., with 19.5 pounds and Dean Young with 16.14 pounds.  Representing National Capitol, will be Nations President, Peter Yanni, with 18.16 pounds and Russell Lohr with 16.69 pounds.

The Delaware Bass Federation narrowly won the first District 13 State Pride Award with 117.5 total pounds right in front of Nations Capitol with 115.19 pounds and Maryland with 90.78 pounds.  The award is determined by adding the weights of the top four boaters and co-anglers from each state, which are selected prior to the event.

Iyanni-and-lohrn District 13, top TBF anglers competed for the chance to advance to the 2017 Federation National Championship and to win enough cash to travel to the spring event.  Anglers qualify for the semi-finals in one of two ways.  Active state clubs in good standing can send their top two anglers directly to the semi-final event, in addition, the top 10% of state event participation or a minimum of 12 anglers per state qualify, whichever is greater.

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.  In the new NSF rules, a co-angler can also move up as a boater if his/her weight totals more than the state boater’s weight.

The new event format went well thanks to the Delaware Bass Federation who ran the event and all their support from TBF’s sponsors; FLW, Ranger, Cabela’s, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Evinrude, Berkley and Power Pole.

PAYOUT

FULL RESULTS

RICHEST TBF NATIONAL SEMI-FINAL PAYOUT YET IN DISTRICT 10 ON THE OHIO RIVER

Indiana and Illinois Advance Anglers to Nationals

14853146_10154160162918925_1865129524277164890_oThe Indiana Bass Federation played host to the first TBF National Semi-Final contest for District 10, October 22-23 on the Ohio River in Tell City, Ind.  The new National Semi-Finals program pits top grassroots anglers from each state in a “close to home” weekend event with neighboring states for significant cash prizes and advancements.

A NSF record of $29,320 with 114% payback in cash and prizes, National Semi-Final qualifying jerseys, trophies, champion titles and slots in the national championship were awarded in the boater and co-angler divisions.  The top 17 boaters and co-anglers in the 86 boat field divvied up a whopping $19,350 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 Evinrude).

Tough fishing conditions on the Ohio River made for light weights on both days.  The first big cold front moved in during practice, but it brought sunny skies.  Also, an hour and twenty-five minute fog delay on day one didn’t help either.    But, even though anglers struggled and only one limit was brought to the scales, there were some nice fish weighed in.

14615731_10154160163173925_4769507059701770486_oIn the end, local angler and 2011 TBF National Champion and “Living the Dream” angler, Allen Boyd, out fished the field to claim the champion title on the boater side.  Boyd received the richest NSF payout yet with his $4,440 paycheck, in addition to, the $500 Ranger Cup award for being the highest finishing Ranger Cup qualified angler.  Boyd will also advance to nationals for another shot at the $100,000 “Living the Dream” prize package.  His two day total was 9.15 pounds proving that when fishing’s tough across the board a winning pattern is still a winning pattern, and in Boyd’s case, one worth almost $5,000.

Based on Indiana’s numbers/participation in the event, they get to advance the top two boaters and co-anglers to nationals. In second place on the boater side was local angler, Dale Fess, with a total weight of 9.4 pounds.  A few years ago, Fess narrowly missed qualifying for nationals when he left his fish in the livewell; he thought he’d never get another opportunity after such a gut-wrenching mistake. But, he’ll get the opportunity this time, as well as, $2,220 cash prize for his second place finish.

Also advancing on the boater side, was the highest finishing Illinois angler, Tim Rider, with 4.13 pounds.  Rider came in 11th overall and received a $320 cash prize.

On the co-angler side, Derrick Pendleton from Indiana caught one fish each day for the win and a tournament total of 7.8 pounds.  On day two, he caught tournament big bass, which weighed 4.15 pounds.  Pendleton will advance to nationals and also received a $2,220 cash prize for his two days of work.

In second and also advancing to nationals, was Jeremy Antrup from Indiana with 6 pounds.  He received a $1,110 paycheck for his second place finish.

The highest finishing co-angler from Illinois was Sam Mackey with 3.14 pounds.  Mackey came in fifth overall and received $270 for his finish, in addition to, a slot at nationals.

The Indiana Bass Federation made the final sweep taking home bragging rights and the first District 10 State Pride Award with 22.5 total pounds.  The award is determined by adding the weights of the top four boaters and co-anglers from each state, which are selected prior to the event.

In District 10, top TBF anglers competed for the chance to advance to the 2017 Federation National Championship and to win enough cash to travel to the spring event.  Anglers qualify for the semi-finals in one of two ways.  Active state clubs in good standing can send their top two anglers directly to the semi-final event, in addition, the top 10% of state event participation or a minimum of 12 anglers per state qualify, whichever is greater.

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.  In the new NSF rules, a co-angler can also move up as a boater if his/her weight totals more than the state boater’s weight.

The new event format went well thanks to the Indiana Bass Federation who ran the event and all their support from TBF’s sponsors; FLW, Ranger, Cabela’s, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Evinrude, Berkley and Power Pole.  The Indiana and Illinois TBF anglers would also like to thank the Perry County Tourism board for the banquet dinner and use of the 4-H building to host the pre-tournament meeting.

Although the fishing was tough, the weather was great and good time was had by most.  Next year, District 10 will head to Illinois.  Illinois anglers are excited to host and are ready for some payback; both teams said they were excited about the 2017 contest.

PAYOUT

FULL RESULTS

TBF NATIONAL SEMI-FINALS CONTINUE WITH DISTRICT 15 SHOWDOWN ON CONNECTICUT RIVER

Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island Advance Anglers to Nationals

14690937_10154128673838925_1795726995577871917_nThe Connecticut TBF played host to the first TBF National Semifinal contest for District 15 October 8-9 on the Connecticut River in Rhode Island.  The new TBF National Semi-Finals program pits top grassroots anglers from each state in a “close to home” weekend event with neighboring states for significant cash prizes and advancements.

A total of $10,760 with 128% payback in cash and prizes, National Semi-Final qualifying jerseys, trophies, champion titles and slots in the national championship were awarded in the boater and co-angler divisions.  The top five boaters and co-anglers in the 28 boat field divvied up $6,300 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 Evinrude).

Day one started on a foggy note, but the weather would clear leaving sunny skies.  Several anglers brought healthy bags to the scales.  But, on day two the weather shut the bite down with cloudy, rainy skies.  Although anglers struggled to find limits, the champions found enough weight to prevail.

After two days of competition, Alex Wetherell from Connecticut bested the boater field with 26.43 pounds.  He weighed in a 12.88 pound bag on day one to set the winning pace.  Wetherell received a $1,900 paycheck and a slot in the 2017 Federation National Championship.

In second and third overall, were Connecticut anglers, Dino Moutogiannis, with 15.13 pounds and, Ken Bugden, with 14.23 pounds.  Moutogiannis received a $960 paycheck and Bugden received $640.

Richard Congero from New Jersey had a tournament total of 14.09 pounds for fourth place overall.  Congero will advance to nationals as the highest finishing boater representing New Jersey; he also received a $400 cash prize.  Jacob Marcantonio was the highest finishing boater from Rhode Island with 10.44 pounds; he’ll advance to nationals representing his state.

14642500_10154128673613925_3006098107036320528_nDarren Pincus from New Jersey finished in sixth overall with 13.04 pounds.  Pincus received the $500 Ranger Cup award for being the highest finishing Ranger Cup qualified angler.

On the co-angler side, Joseph Casale, from New Jersey would prove consistency is key.  He weighed in 5.93 pounds on day one to sit in third.  On day two, anglers struggled to bring in weight while he brought in another solid bag weighing 5.29 pounds to make his winning total 11.52 pounds.  Casale would take the co-angler title, advance to nationals representing New Jersey and also receive a $950 cash prize for his two days of work.

Steven Martins from Connecticut came in second overall on the co-angler side with 9.98 pounds.  He received a $470 paycheck and will also advance to nationals representing his state.  Brittany Johnson was the highest finishing co-angler representing Rhode Island with 9.68 pounds.  She received a $200 cash prize for her fourth overall finish and will advance to nationals representing her state.

The New Jersey Bass Federation made the final sweep taking home bragging rights and the first District 15 State Pride Award with 60.52 total pounds.  The award is determined by adding the weights of the top four boaters and co-anglers from each state, which are selected prior to the event.

In District 15, top TBF anglers competed for the chance to advance to the 2017 Federation National Championship and to win enough cash to travel to the spring event.  Anglers qualify for the semi-finals in one of two ways.  Active state clubs in good standing can send their top two anglers directly to the semi-final event, in addition, the top 10% of state event participation or a minimum of 12 anglers per state qualify, whichever is greater.

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.  In the new NSF rules, a co-angler can also move up as a boater if his/her weight totals more than the state boater’s weight.

The new event format went well thanks to the Connecticut Bass Federation who ran the event and all their support from TBF’s sponsors; FLW, Ranger, Cabela’s, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Evinrude, Berkley and Power Pole.  Also, thanks to New Jersey and Rhode Island Bass Federation anglers for their help in making the event enjoyable for all.

PAYOUT

FULL RESULTS