On Saturday, September 1st, approximately 200 anglers will arrive in the Walker area to practice and prepare for the Minnesota Bass Federation Nation Tournament of Champions on Leech Lake.

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 Woman Lake on September 5th. The weigh-in will be 3:00PM held out of Patrick’s Supper Club on the shores of Woman Lake. 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 Boys and Girls Clubs of Walker and Longville.

Events culminate with a two-day tournament on September 6th and 7th. Horseshoe Bay Resort 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 2008 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 Fox River/Winnebago Chain near Oshkosh, WI 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. Leech Lake is a renowned big bass fishery, which emphasizes the importance to return all the fish back to Leech Lake 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 Boys and Girls Clubs,” says Tournament Director Peter Perovich. “We really appreciate the support we get from Skeeter Boats, MinnKota, Fig Rig Rods, and Lowrance.” If you are interested in seeing Minnesota’s best anglers, Horseshoe Bay Resort is the place to be September 6th and 7th.

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.