Ponca City, Okla., April 14, 2016 – Bluebird skies welcomed the crowd but not so much the anglers as day one of the 2016 Federation National Championship concluded on Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, Mo. Shifts in climate and conditions have stunted several anglers who were on fish in practice bringing some to the scales empty-handed and a majority hoping for better luck tomorrow. A mighty few were able to produce healthy four and five fish limits to lead it in their divisions.
Tomorrow will decide who advances to claim berths in the 2016 BFL All-American and stays to battle it out one more day for the crowns. Daniel Gray from the District of Columbia representing the Mid-Atlantic division pulled out on top with a limit of bass weighing 13lbs 13oz. Justin Parrott representing Illinois and the Northern division is close behind with a limit weighing 13lbs 1oz. Another Mid-Atlantic angler, Corey Cook from West Virginia had a limit weighing 12lbs 13oz. In a tie for fourth, was Pat Klausen from Nebraska and the Central division and Jason Benjamin from Kansas and also the Central division with 12lbs 7oz.
The top boater and co-angler from each of the seven TBF divisions will advance so right now they’re not only competing for the heaviest overall weight but also against their respective divisions. For full standings click here.
Our sponsor partners at FLW, Ranger Boats, Lowrance, MinnKota, Evinrude, Humminbird, Berkley, Cabela’s and Powerpole.continue to support the anglers this week as we head into day two of the championship on Table Rock Lake.
Coverage of the TBF National Championship will be broadcast in high-definition on the NBC Sports Network and streamed live on bassfederation.com at 3pm CT.
Daily photos and updates will also be posted on TBF’s Facebook page.
Ponca City, Okla., April 13, 2016 – The top two anglers from every TBF state federation traveled to compete in the week-long, winners take all event on Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, Mo. The event rolled out last night with a Registration banquet and this morning with the first official practice day as anglers test out the waters in brand new fully equipped, Ranger Boats.
TBF National Champion anglers will be crowned both on the boater and coangler sides as they fight for the 15 berths in two of the sport’s most coveted events, the Forrest Wood Cup and the BFL All-American.
The winning boater also will receive the $100,000 “Living the Dream” prize package to include a prize check, fully paid entry fees on the 2017 FLW Tour as a pro, travel expense stipends for each event and use of a “Living the Dream” wrapped Ranger boat for the year. The top co-angler will receive fully paid entry fees into the FLW Series division of choice.
