Category Archives: Youth Fishing

Youth Fishing

MN’s Best Jr. Bass Anglers to Take the Water


BASS Federation Nation – Minnesota
Minnesota’s Bass Federation Nation Youth Tournament of Champions Set For June 30th

(Minneapolis, MN)… Minnesota’s best junior bass anglers are set to compete on Lake Washington near Mankato, MN, the site of the Minnesota Bass Federation Nation’s Youth Tournament of Champions.

The Minnesota’s Bass Federation Nation Youth Tournament of Champions (TOC) is an event where competitors qualify from youth clubs all over the state to vie for top honors and a birth to the B.A.S.S. Junior World Championships (JWC). On June 30th, 2006, two young anglers will punch their ticket to the Junior World Championships to be held in February on Lake Logan Martin in Alabama. Along with the earning a birth in the JWC, each winner receives plaques and product packages from every sponsor.

The tournament headquarters and weigh-in site will be Westwood Marina and Grill on the shores of Lake Washington. Weigh-in and awards ceremony will begin at 2:00pm. This is the 5th year that Minnesota will crown Junior State champions. Forest Lake was the site of Minnesota?s inaugural youth championship in 2002. This is the second time it will be held on Lake Washington.

The 53 contenders in this event are split into two age groups, 11-14 and 15-18. They fish two anglers in a boat captained by an adult federation member. The contestants qualified from their respective junior clubs. Minnesota has seven Junior Bassmasters clubs ranging from as far south as Fairmont and as far north as Bemidji.

Several state champions from previous years are trying to repeat and make a return visit to the Bassmasters Junior World Championship (JWC). Last year’s State Champion, Don Brennhofer, in the 15-18 age group, is from nearby Belle Plaine, MN. He is anxious to return to the JWC. This is no easy task, as several other strong youth anglers have the same goal. Dave Saterbak, Maple Grove, who represented Minnesota at the JWC in 2005 in the 11-14 age group, is now moving to the 15-18 group and has his mind set on winning again.

“The great thing about the Minnesota Junior State Championship is that none of the kids walk away empty handed. Our junior sponsors have really stepped up big for the kids,” says Youth Director Todd Saterbak. “We really appreciate the support we get from Berkley, MG Lures, All-Terrain Tackle and Mojo Rods.” If you are interested in seeing Minnesota’s best young anglers, Lake Washington is the place to be Friday, June 30th.  Find more info @ www.MNBF.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 & preservation of public access to Minnesota?s waterways. We work with state and local government, lake associations and other outdoor organizations to protect our fishing heritage. Through our youth initiatives, we provide education and on the water experiences to foster youth involvement and sustained interest in our sport.  www.MNBF.org

Get out there and check out the weigh in this Friday!

Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com

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Conservation, Youth Fishing

Fins and Feathers Rally for Dedicated Funding, Wetlands & Cleanwater

Hey Minnesota Outdoors People!  If you have not heard about the Duck Rally at our Capitol this Saturday – April 22nd, you have now.  This is a very important event to support legislation for dedicated funding for conservation projects here in our great state.  Check Out the Website – http://www.wetlandsrally.org/

 

There are many fun events going on down there.  Duck calling contests, local radio personalities….

 

This is a great and fun way to get involved and support a very worthwhile cause.  If you are like most sportsmen, you are not much for sitting down and taking the time to phone or write to your representatives.  This is a great way to show your support by getting yourself and your buddies down to the capitol this weekend.  The weather looks like its going to be great, so grab your duck call and your cammo and garner attention from the legislators to get this bill done!

P.S.  Gopher Bassmasters is holding a CastingKids Contest at Gander Mountain in Lakeville as well.  10am-1pm – www.gopherbass.com

Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com


General, Youth Fishing

Get kids hooked on Fishing, NOT DRUGS!

Woo Daves said it best, “you will rarely ever find a kid in juvenile detention or in jail that has a hunting or fishing license in his pocket.”  Seems like kind of an odd statement, but the more I think about, the more truth I find in his words.

 

I consider myself to be a good example, I grew up with a fishing pole in my hand, I never remember not loving to fish and I have spent a fare amount of time hunting growing up as well.  Sure I have made my mistakes, but no real brushes with the law of any magnitude.  I thank my father for giving me the opportunity to learn and love the great outdoors.  That’s probably why my friends were always so much better at video games than I was.  I am not sure how well those video game skills serve them these days anyways J  My father never forced me to go fishing, but always extended the opportunities, I am not sure I ever said “No.”

 

The great thing about today is that there are more & more great opportunities fro young kids to become involved in fishing.  Bass fishing organizations have established programs like CastingKids & Jr. Bass Clubs that make it easy and inexpensive for kids to get involved.

 

CastingKids events are completely free and happen all year long all over the country.  You can find schedules online.  CastingKids is a free casting clinic and contest that teaches kids (ages 7-14) different casting techniques and then allows them to compete fro prizes and scholarships.

 

There are more and more Jr. Bass Clubs popping up all over the United States, these clubs introduce kids to the fun of competitive fishing as well as teaching them about everything from lure selection to seasonal patterns of fishing.  I only wish there were these types of clubs when I was young.  I ad to wait until I was 16 to join an adult club & most of the guys I fished against were in their 40’s.  Most events happen during the summer when kids are out of school and have the time to participate.  Kids fish with adult bass club members out of their boat.

 

So do your children a favor and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.  It could be an hour of fishing at the local fishing pier or a CastingKids event at the mall one weekend; there are lots of ways to test the water.  They may never turn out to be as passionate about the sport as I am, but I doubt they will regret the experiences or the opportunity to learn more about the great outdoors.  

See another “Take a kid fishing” article
Also Checkout Gopher Jr. Bassmasters

Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com