May Newsletter
Tennessee Bass Federation
It is a great time to be involved in the Tennessee Bass Federation. We have so many reasons to be positive about the future of our organization, but the most important reason is the growth in our numbers of young anglers. For way too many years the number of people buying a fishing license has continued to drop. The TWRA and many other groups have tried to come up with ways to increase the license sales, but the results were mixed at best. I feel like we have finally turned the corner as a federation when we talk about our youth programs. We have increased the number of Tennessee Bass Federation Junior Clubs and we have the new school program off the ground. In just a few years, we will be looking at the schools across Tennessee having a fishing team just like they do with basketball and football. We hope the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) recognizes fishing as a sanctioned sport with a true state champion in both teams and individuals. This can only be positive in the recruitment of fishermen for the future. We need to “pass it on.”
Junior State Championship: New Johnsonville, Tennessee and Kentucky Lake will play host to the Tennessee Bass Federation Junior State Tournament this year. Each Tennessee Bass Federation Junior Club has the ability to send a six person team to compete this year. Registration will be held on Dupont Corporation property at the JERRA Building at New Johnsonville on Friday, June 4 with the tournament on Saturday, June 5. Details of the tournament and registration can be found on the Tennessee Bass Federation website (www.tnbass.com). You may also contact Bruce Greig, Tennessee Bass Federation State Youth Director for more information. Bruce’s contact information can be found at www.tnbass.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (Youth)
How do I join a TBF junior club?
The key to this is finding a club in your area. You can contact TBF National Youth Director Mark Gintert at
TBF National Youth Director
Mark Gintert
mark@bassfederation.com
330-993-0014
Or
Tennessee Bass Federation Youth Director
Bruce Grieg
bruce.greig@vanderbilt.edu.
Home: 615-661-4633
Cell: 615-351-5964
What if there is no TBF junior club in my area?
We can help you find the closest adult club to contact about junior opportunities or, start your own TBF Student Anglers Federation student club through your school. Just contact us and we will help you get started!
Does TBF provide our TBF junior club with insurance?
Yes. TBF provides, as a membership benefit, the same insurance coverage for a junior clubs and junior members as we do for an adult clubs and adult members. The policy includes one million dollars of general liability coverage, $10,000.00 of participant AD&D cover as well as excess medical coverage.
When are the membership dues and club rosters due?
They are due at the same time as the adult clubs. (December 31 of each year) Getting these in on time is very important to us so that we can give you full benefit of your membership.
How much are the TBF junior dues?
Currently the basic TBF youth dues are only $5.00. The individual states may add a small state fee in addition to this amount. Your club will likely have a small club fee as well. TBF also has a youth premium membership for $25.00 that includes all the TBF benefits PLUS a 1 year membership to FLW Outdoors and the magazine as well as a gift pack full of goodies to help you catch more fish!
What is the TBF Student Anglers Federation in school national education program?
This is an educational program designed to introduce students to fishing and to show students the ever increasing career and educational opportunities through fishing. It also shows students how the basic elements of their education are used by tournament anglers every day out on the water and how you can use fishing and having fun to sharpen those basic skills that will help you later in life no matter what your career choice.
How can I get the TBF Student Anglers Federation program in my school?
This relatively new program is designed to get students in schools across the country excited about fishing through our classroom DVD. In this program we encourage students in the Jr. High and High School age groups to get involved by forming school fishing clubs. Our program also adds purpose to their education by giving them real life examples how education items like math, science, and language arts are used by anglers out on the water every day. Combine that with a discussion on the ever increasing career opportunities that are being created by the sport and it gives students another great option for their after school time.
FLW on TV
The "FLW Outdoors" television program is broadcast to more than 75 million Versus Country and WFN (World Fishing Network) subscribers in the United States and Canada.
"FLW Outdoors" is also broadcast to more than 429 million households in Europe, Africa and Asia through a distribution agreement with Matchroom Sport, making it the most widely distributed fishing program in the world.
The program airs Sundays at 12:30 pm Eastern time.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fishing Lakes
The 18 lakes managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are open year-round for fishing and outdoor recreation. Designed and regulated especially for family fishing, these lakes prohibit alcoholic beverages, houseboats, inboard motors, water skiing, personal watercraft, and swimming. Most lakes have wheelchair accessible fishing piers, easy access to bank fishing, boat rentals, launching ramps, and picnic areas. Some lake offer conveniences such as bait, tackle, snacks and drinks. These lakes are managed to provide fishing opportunities while producing the best quality fishing possible at a minimal cost.
Ten of the lakes are located in West Tennessee and range from 87 acres to 560 acres in size. The newest and largest lake, Gibson County Lake, was impounded in September 1999 and opened to the public April 1, 2003. This lake also has a recreational zone which allows waterskiing, personal watercraft, and swimming. The remaining eight lakes are located in Middle Tennessee and range from 12 acres to 325 acres in size.
One of the 4 lakes at Williamsport (Whippoorwill) is for youth-adult fishing only and an embayment of Laurel Hill Lake is designated for youth-only fishing. In addition to these, there are a couple of ponds totaling approximately 15 acres designated as youth fishing ponds. These ponds are located on the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA in White County. For more information about these ponds call the Region 3 TWRA office at 1-800-262-6704.
If the family wants to get away from it all, then consider one of these 18 Family Fishing Lakes to pursue your thoughts, and relinquish your worries to the tug of bluegill, bass, or catfish. You might find something you've lost while enjoying an activity which is basic, simple and just plain fun and relaxing.
Mexico’s Lake Mateos Bass Fishing Lodge Special Offer
Enjoy dramatic savings with our get 2 free days of fishing when you buy our 6 day package at $2,299.00. Or, get 4 days for the price of a 3 day package at $1,499.00. We have openings and want to fill them!
Don’t have the extra days to spend on the water? Call me for $200 to $400 savings on all packages for select dates.
Duncan Bags
Whether it’s the clear view tackle bags, zippered weigh bags, mesh bags, or the rod carry bag, Duncan Bags has the best products available. All of these products are top notch and many of our federation members have either purchased them or won them as prizes at our TBF Tournaments. Please visit their website at www.fishingworld.com/DuncanEnterprises/.
Charlie’s Kitchen:
Mustard Slaw
1 head of cabbage 1 bell pepper 1 Ig onion 1 c. vinegar 1 tsp. turmeric 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. salt 1 c. sugar
Chop cabbage, pepper and onion. Heat vinegar, turmeric, dry mustard, salt and sugar until boiling. Pour over chopped vegetables. Mix together. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container. Can be kept for 2-3 weeks
