President's Corner
The Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Federation Nation held its annual membership
banquet on December 10, 2011.
The attendees welcomed 1991 Bassmaster Classic Champion and
Oklahoma Native Ken Cook, Vanishing Paradise and National Wildlife
Federation representative Andy McDaniel and B.A.S.S. Federation
Director Don Cochran.
Ken Cook started the evening’s
festivities. Mr. Cook
spoke about the importance of all fishermen’s role in introducing
new people to the sport we all enjoy.
He chronicled his career and how it all started in the
B.A.S.S. Federation. Mr.
Cook described how the foundation and lessons he learned in the
Federation were tantamount in having successful career.
The lessons on learning how to catch fish, developing
relationships with sponsors and promoting not only sponsors but
tournament fishing as a whole
Andy McDaniel raised many eyebrows in the room when he delivered his
conservation message.
Andy brought to light how fast the land and marshes are disappearing
on the Louisiana coast.
He also explained several adverse impacts of the loss. Fortunately,
there are ideas and plans to address the erosion problems.
Andy asked the OBFN to partner with the Vanishing Paradise
movement in order to have a stronger voice in their plight to stop
the damage and protect the environment.
The joining of forces to protect our
rights and the environment is the underlying message we all need to
hear. The partnering of organizations bridge all locations and what
their main focus may be.
Despite each organizations uniqueness or membership and the
differences in the species they focus on, we all have a common goal.
Whether it is the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, Ducks
Unlimited, Trout unlimited or any other outdoor organization, we all
have a vested interest in protecting our rights and future
generations rights of access to enjoy the sports we love.
Don Corkran echoed the messages of
the Ken and Andy. He
spoke about the legislative process and how important it is in
protecting access to fishable waters. He also spoke about the
importance each and every Federation member has in being an
Ambassador for our sport.
Whether deserving or not bass fisherman are frowned upon in some circles. Some home and marina owners believe we are a nuisance, they and in some cases truthfully say we damage their property by waking their docks, hitting their boats with lures or snagging boat covers with hooks.
Don stated when it comes to
repairing or developing relationships with the property and marina
owners we have to be at the forefront.
At times bass fishermen have not been the most amiable group
when dealing with those who don't have the same passion for fishing
as we do. In those cases
Don stated, “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us!”
Our duty is to educate and portray a
positive image for the Federation Nation and bass fishing as a
whole. It all starts with positive communication.
We need to be polite and friendly when we encounter
individuals who oppose our sport or access to our sport.
The evening ended with raffle
prizes. Thanks to many
sponsors, this year included more items than ever before.
Quantum supplied rods and reels, Gene Larew and Culprit
provided soft baits, Brandon Mosley owner of Mosley Rod Works
donated a custom built crank bait rod, Ryan Saum, from Snap-On Tools
provided an ice chest and pullovers, Mercury and Yamaha provided
numerous shirts and hats, Hydro Wave donated a coupon for a
discounted Hydro Wave Unit, Pradco Lures provided hard baits, local
tackle dealer Lucky Lure presented two gift certificates and
Lowrance Electronics donated several items as well.
Please help support all of the companies who support the
Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Federation Nation.
Without their support we would not be able to do the things
we do.
Next year’s banquet will held on
December 8, 2012. Take
the message Ken and Don spoke about introducing new people to the
sport a little further and bring a non OBFN member to next year’s
banquet.
I wish everyone a very Merry
Christmas and hope you all have a happy holiday season.
I look forward to seeing you all again. Check the website
frequently for updates on federation news. Most importantly,
remember to keep all of our servicemen and woman in your prayers
during the holiday season.
Keith
Blackstone, President
Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Federation Nation
Bartlesville Top Six Team - First Place
Keystone Bassmasters Top Six - Second Place
Middle Oklahoma Bassmasters Top Six - Third Place
2011 Oklahoma State Team
The Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Federation Nation held
its first Divisional Qualifying Tournament (DQT) for the 2012 season
at Lake Keystone on October 29th and 30th.
Over forty anglers unloaded their boats
all vying for a spot on the 2012 Oklahoma State Team.
Lake Keystone welcomed the anglers with
a late fall cold front, temperatures at take take-off hovered around
32 degrees with fog.
The fog lifted revealing blue bird
skies and tough fishing conditions.
Despite the conditions Billy Lemon brought in
the largest stringer of the day weighing in at 14.09.
Lemmon’s stringer was one fish shy of
the allowed five fish limit.
He also brought in big bass for the day
a nice 6.65 pounder.
Lemmon revealed he spent most of the
day throwing top water baits on main lake rock.
Lemon also finished near the top of the
leader board on day two as well.
He struggled a little more on Sunday as
his bite changed.
Lemon stated his local knowledge of
Keystone played a major role in his success.
Mike Anthamatten stood alone at the top leader
board when the scales closed on day two.
He brought in a five fish limit
weighing 13.64.
The day two winner used a variety of
Slayer Tackle jigs to catch his limit.
Anthamatten proved you can’t keep a
good man down overcoming the tough weather conditions as well as
boat problems during practice.
Mike relied on his good friend Johnny
Burke after his motor developed a problem.
The top five in the season points after the
Keystone event is lead by Billy Lemmon, 2nd Mike
Anthamatten, 3rd Dale Hightower, 4th Bobby
Myers and 5th Lee Sanders.
All five anglers put together two
strong days.
The Lake Keystone event also marked the
unveiling of the new Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Federation Nation’s weigh-in
trailer.
The trailer provided the tournament
staff led by Mike Myers, Tournament Director an awesome platform to
conduct the weigh-in and partner pairings.
Myers, a perennial State Member,
provided the use of the trailer for the OBFN.
Myers Bodyworks, Inc graphic design
team, led by Amber Myers, designed and laid out all of the OBFN’s
sponsor banners and decals on the trailer.
Several OBFN members spent time installing
cabinets, sinks and accessories in preparation for the Keystone DQT.
Kenny Butts, Randy Heavin and Richard
Minyard deserve a round of applause and huge THANK YOU for their
dedication and support.
The second DQT is scheduled to be held on Lake
Texoma in March of 2012, however, if Mother Nature doesn’t provide
some rain between now and then the Corps of Engineers will not issue
a permit.
In the event lake levels at Texoma do
not rise the second tournament will be moved to Sardis Lake, with
the final event taking place on Ft. Gibson in April.
