Minneapolis – August 28, 2008 – Minnesota’s best amateur bass anglers set to tackle the Mississippi River
On Saturday, August 30th, approximately 200 anglers will arrive in the Wabasha, MN area to practice and prepare for the Minnesota Bass Federation Nation Tournament of Champions on the Mississippi River; Pools 4 & 5.
These 200 anglers have qualified from their local clubs from all over the state. 41 clubs will send teams and individual representatives to the Tournament of Champions (TOC). In addition to the TOC, an alternate’s tournament will be held on Pool 5a on September 3rd. The weigh-in will be 3:00PM held out of Minnesota City Boat Harbor on the banks of the river. High finishers will advance to the TOC
Wednesday night is the banquet and pairings meeting that concludes with a raffle; with all proceeds supporting a local charity. This year’s charity is the Food Shelf of Wabasha.
Events culminate with a two-day tournament on September 4th and 5th. Ike’s Park in downtown Wabasha will host weigh-ins for the event starting at 3:00 PM on Thursday and Friday.
Anglers come from all over the state for many reasons; foremost is the camaraderie of fellow anglers and secondly to qualify for the 2009 Bass Federation Northern Divisional. The top 12 anglers from the TOC will advance next year to fish against 7 other State Teams from Wisconsin, Indiana, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio on Lake St. Claire near Detroit, MN in late summer 2008. At stake there is a chance to fish in the Bass Federation Nation National Championship and take one step closer to a Bassmasters’ Classic berth.
Fish care is an important part of protecting the resource, so for the third consecutive year, the TOC will be utilizing an in-water weigh-in system that reduces stress on the fish. The Mississippi is a renowned largemouth and smallmouth bass fishery, which emphasizes the importance to return all the fish back to the river in good condition to be caught again for everyone.
“The great thing about the Minnesota Federation Nation State Championship is that we get a chance to give back to the community. Our sponsors have really stepped up big for our raffle and the local Food Shelf,” says Tournament Director Peter Perovich. “We really appreciate the support we get from Skeeter Boats, MinnKota, Vicious Fishing Line, and Lowrance.” If you are interested in seeing Minnesota’s best anglers, Ike’s Park is the place to be September 4th and 5th.
For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release visit www.mnbfn.org
About Minnesota Bass Federation:
The Minnesota BASS Federation is committed to promoting fishing for all ages and skill levels. We offer our assistance to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve fishing opportunities, habitat, water quality and preservation of public access to Minnesota’s waterways. The Fed works with state and local government, lake associations and other outdoor organizations to protect our fishing heritage. Through our youth initiatives, it provides education and on the water experiences to foster youth involvement and sustained interest in the sport.
Contact:
Rich Lindgren, Marketing Director
rlindgren (at) mnbfn.org
Or
Peter Perovich, Tournament Director
Minnesota Bass Federation Nation
pperovich (at) mnbfn.org
http://www.mnbfn.org
