Day Two of the Northern Division Championship Wraps up on the Ohio River

It’s been tough fishing on the Ohio River this week as state teams from TBF’s Northern Division compete for the 2013 division champion titles and slots in the 2014 Federation National Championship.  The race remains tight across the board as anglers struggle to land big bites.  The weights are so close only three pounds separated first through twentieth going into day two.

Climbing from 16th and 17th in the individual standings yesterday, are Dave Cermak from Hebron, Ind., and Jason Myers from Bridgeport, Ohio.

Cermak had a five bass limit weighing 6lbs 13ounces to clutch the top spot.  “There wasn’t much current today and I was fishing totally different water than I did yesterday,” Cermak said.  “It was a whole different deal; fishing different structure that was key.”

Cermak is a non-boater, which means the boater decides on the water and he fishes from the back of the boat.  “I had two great boaters, and I have two patterns going, so hopefully one of them will work tomorrow.” 

Cermak traveled up Saturday for pre-fishing but had a rough few days leading into the tournament. “I threw everything at them.  Then, I started to figure things out; I’ve stuck with it and it’s been working.” 

It wasn’t until the final day of pre-fishing he started to put things together.

They’re just hitting one certain bait and I seem to have the right color and weight combination; I’m just doing something different than everyone else but with the same bait.” 

Jason Myers sits in second just four ounces shy of first.  He had a five bass limit weighing 6lbs 13ounces to make his tournament total 12lbs 8ounces.  “I’ll run the same pattern tomorrow as I have the last two days,” Myers said.  “This is my home water.  For this time of year, we’re actually doing pretty well out there.”

Myers is also following the hydraulic prediction and says the water is fairly stable now, which should improve the bite or at least keep it the same. 

Home “lake” advantage could come in to play this week as other anglers have struggled to figure out the river Myer’s calls home.  “I think if I can bring in a limit and do exactly what I’ve done the last two days, I’m going to be right there in contention.”

The advantage of living close to tournament waters not always plays out.  But, this week Myer’s and the Ohio state team are looking to lock it up. 

The Ohio state team is leading in the state team standings with 111lbs 1ounce.  The Indiana state team is close in second with 105lbs 12ounces.  Tomorrow, the Northern division showdown will conclude as the 2013 division champion titles are claimed.

South Dakota Makes First Appearance as the Northern Division Showdown Begins

TBF’s Northern Division state federations traveled to the Ohio River this week to kick-off the 2013 Northern Division Championship presented by Cabela’s, the Ohio Bass Federation and the Wheeling Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.  The Northern division, which once had six states, welcomed the newly founded South Dakota Bass Federation in its first appearance at the championship event.

TBF state federations qualify twelve anglers to compete on their state teams at this no-entry fee event.  After three tournament days, the top two anglers from each state earn spots in the 2014 Federation National Championship.  The 2013 Northern Division Champions will also be crowned in both the individual and overall state team standings.

Full story and results to follow.

FLW/TBF High School World Championship–My Experience As a Boat Captain

Taken from Cass Caldwell’s Blog

One of the best things to happen to our sport in recent years was the creation of competitive bass fishing at the high school and collegiate levels. This move has really energized our sport, especially amongst our younger generation who will take the torch from us before we know it, and today I learned that they are definitely up for the challenge.

I had the honor and privilege of being a boat captain for the FLW/TBF High School World Championship of Bass Fishing on majestic Caddo Lake.  If you have never been on Caddo you are missing a real treat.  It is one of the most scenic and unique lakes you will find, but its bass fishing can be either feast or famine.  Continue reading

New Jersey, Wisconsin Duo Sweep Final Day of the 2013 Junior World Championship

Jonathan Ladner and fishing partner today, Luke Loewe, were on the money.  The pair swept thethe winners field to be crowned 2013 Junior World Champions.  Ladner took the title in the 15-18 age group and Loewe in the 11-14.  

TBF Junior State Champions traveled from across the US for the 2013 Junior World Championship, presented by FLW.  Several were hitting big in practice but by day one the bite vanished.   Today, twelve division champions hoped for a chance on Caddo Lake in Bossier City, La.  But, it was yesterday’s third place anglers, boat three, that put it all together.

Ladner from Thorofare, N.J., caught three bass weighing 5lbs 15ounces.   Ladner is the state champion of the New Jersey Bass Federation, and after yesterday’s finish, holds the Mid-Atlantic Division title. 

Ladner fish“I caught two on a frog and one on a Cinco,” Ladner said.  “The sun came up, the fish went deep and we couldn’t catch anything.” 

Ladner said most of their big fish were caught on a morning bite, save one that made all the difference. 

“About five minutes before we were heading back I was going to give up,” Ladner continued.  “I had one last cast.  They were looking at the map when I pulled up and set the hook; I had 4lbs 13ounces on there.” 

His last minute catch put him over the top for the win.   “I learned just don’t give up, keep fishing.  Fish every minute without being late, and keep your head up.”

This is Ladners third attempt at the national title with a third place finish the first year and a blank the second.  “It means everything to me to finally win it.  For months, I’ve been dead nervous.  I mean the nerves are flying down here.  It’s all a big adventure really; I love doing it.”

DSC_4827Loewe from Ripon, Wisc., caught two bass weighing 5lbs 1ounce.  Loewe is both the state andLoewe Winner division champion for the Wisconsin Bass Federation and the Northern division. 

“It’s the first time I’ve ever seen this type of fishing; I just had to learn and adapt,” Loewe said.  “After a tough day Friday, I went out and had more knowledge of the lake.  I caught one small one early, but it felt good because it was my first keeper.” 

For most anglers, both the unfamiliarity of structures like cyprus trees and lily pads, and the new experience of fishing Caddo Lake, made adjusting key this week.     

“I had some challenges.  I lost some real good fish because I had light line.  Up North that’s what we use,” Loewe continued.  “So, line adjustment was key for me.  I also learned how to fish cyprus trees; I’ve never even seen those before.”

DSC_4969Loewe started tournament fishing after his dad started a youth club last year.  Since then, he’s become a state and division champion, and now he’s won his first national event.  Loewe accredits much of his success to his huge support system.  “I just want to thank those guys for coming the 13 ½ hours. I want to thank my dad for teaching me to fish, my boat captain, all my sponsors and thank God for blessing me with being able to catch a couple fish.”

Ladner and Loewe, were a fantastic duo today but claimed they were more like a trio.  They gave their boat captain a lot of praise for setting the mood on the water.  “If you are in a good mood you are going to catch fish,” Ladner said.  “She kept us in a good mood all day.” 

“That’s the most fun I think I’ve ever had fishing,” Loewe chimed in.

“I told them as long as you’re fishing, always have fun,” their boat captain, “Ms. Penny,” said.  “When you stop having fun, it’s time to stop fishing.”