Minneapolis – September 5, 2006 – Upper Midwest’s best amateur bass anglers set to tackle the Alexandria Chain

96 anglers will arrive in the Alexandria, MN area on September 10th to practice and prepare for the ESPN Federation Nation Northern Divisional Tournament. The actual competition occurs over a three day period of September 13-15.  Weigh-ins for the event will be hosted by Bug-A-Boo Bay Restaurant on Lake Le Homme Dieu starting at 3:00PM on each day. 

12 angler teams will represent Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and Ohio. Anglers qualified in competition within their respective state federations. At stake in this tournament is a chance to fish in the Bass Federation Nation National Championship and one step closer to a coveted Bassmasters Classic berth.  The top angler from each state will qualify for the ESPN Bass Federation Nation Championships to be held in January on Neely Henry Lake in Alabama.

“The Alexandria Chain is a diverse body of water with a very high population of fish,” says MN Federation Nation president Paul Becka, “The competitors should catch plenty of limits. Finding the quality fish is what will separate the top finishers from the rest of the field.”

In addition to individual efforts, there is a team competition as well.  Each 12 man team’s total fish catch is tallied and matched against the other states.  The top state team is awarded trophies and prizes. 

”I think the Minnesota team is poised to have a very good finish this year. All 12 of our guys qualified on the Alexandria Chain last September,” says MN Team Member Rich Lindgren. “There would be nothing better then winning this event as a team on our home waters.”  If you are interested in seeing Minnesota’s best anglers compete against other states, Bug-A-Boo Bay is the place to be September 13-15th.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, visit www.mnbf.org.
Lodging and Tournament Headquarter is the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, MN

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.

Contact:
Rich Lindgren, Marketing Director
Or

Dale Richardson, Tournament Director
Minnesota Bass Federation Nation
http://www.mnbf.org

Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Blog

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I will be fishing the MN Federation TOC next week, but it sounds like there is internet access at the resort, so I hope to update on practice and patterns as they develop.

Minneapolis – August 28, 2006 – Minnesota’s best amateur bass anglers set to tackle Gull Lake for the Minnesota Bass Federation Nation Tournament of Champions.

On Saturday, September 2^nd, approximately 200 anglers will arrive in the Brainerd & Nisswa area to practice and prepare for the event.  Events culminate with a two day tournament on September 7^th & 8^th.  Weigh-ins for the event will be hosted by Ernie’s on Gull starting at 3:00PM Thursday and Friday. 

These 200 anglers have qualified from their local clubs from all over the state.  There is a total of 41 clubs sending teams and representatives to the Tournament of Champions (TOC).  The tournament is hosted and supported by the local area Baxter Bass Club.  In addition to the TOC, there is also an alternate’s tournament on Lake Alexander near Cushing, MN to be held on September 7^th, the weigh-in will be 3:00PM held out of Blue Port Restaurant on the shores of Lake Alexander.

Wednesday night is the banquet and pairings meeting which concludes with a raffle with all proceeds supporting a local charity.  This year’s charity is Wilderness Inquiry, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on getting people from all walks of life to personally experience the natural world. We believe there is nothing like being there to fully appreciate the environment and the people we share it with.

Anglers come from all over the state for many reasons; foremost is the camaraderie of fellow anglers and secondly to qualify for the 2007 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, & Ohio on Lake Erie at Sandusky, OH in September, 2007.  At stake there is a chance to fish in the Bass Federation Nation National Championship and one step closer to a Bassmasters Classic Berth.

Fish care is an important part of protecting our resource, so for the second consecutive year, the TOC will be utilizing an in-water weigh-in system that reduces stress on the fish, which is important as the goal is to return all the fish back to Gull 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 Wilderness Inquiry,” says Tournament Director Dale Richardson. “We really appreciate the support we get from Minn-kota, MG Lures, and Mojo Rods.” If you are interested in seeing Minnesota’s best anglers, Ernie’s on Gull Lake is the place to be September 8^th & 9th.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release visit www.mnbf.org

Have a Great Labor Day Weekend All!
Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Blog

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Hey All,

One more posting today, before I head to the lake.  The Bassmasters Weekend Series here in MN this summer, still has openings.  You can fish your way to the Bassmasters Classic!   There is also a higher need for non-boaters (co-anglers), so if you are interested check it out @ Bassmaster.com  It is a great way to participate in tournaments and learn a ton by fishing as a non-boater.

Plus there are some incentives discounts for Federation Members & B.A.S.S. Life Members, you get $20 off the enty fee per tournament.  Click here for schedule and I hope to see you at the first tournament – Le Homme Deu Chain.

Tight Lines,
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com

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