Around the TBF Youth Newsletter – October 2009

As you have no doubt recognized these are tough times for the entire recreational industry and fishing is no exception!
 
With many of the major players in our sport experiencing significant cutbacks we (The TBF Youth Program) cannot sit back and wait for some magic funding to appear to keep our programs growing.Now is the time to take action and learn to control our own destiny!
 
And we have just the program to do it.
 
Our new TBF Eyewear program is coming your way and the sky’s the limit when it comes to your potential to earn money for your junior clubs. If you didn’t see the press release last week this is probably the best potential source of funding that we have ever put together and the best part is we aren’t dependent on a sponsor to provide anything for us!
 
Here is how it works.
 
Every Junior Club in the country has the ability to sell an outdoor line of eyewear that was created by one of our own anglers, Gary Nesty of the Indiana Bass Federation. There are three lines of glasses to sell, the first is a line of ANSI approved shooting glasses that can also be used by anyone who is required to wear safety glasses to work or use them on the construction site or the farm. They come with both an amber lens and a gray lens and everything is contained in a very nice logo carrying case.
 
The second line is our Polarized Sunglass line that has something for everyone including a nice line of glasses for the ladies and cool camo frames for the outdoorsman. 
 
The third line is our Collegiate Sunglass line and these glasses are in the same category as high tech eyewear from Oakley and others at a fraction of the cost. These lenses can also be fitted for prescriptions and also come with their own carrying case.
 
The great thing about this program is that the profit that each club has the potential to make is unusually high for a fundraiser! Clubs can earn from $5.00 to $13.00 per pair in profit on each pair of glasses sold. And let’s face it everyone wears sunglasses or protective eyewear at some point in time so it’s a product that everyone can use.
 
We have started holding divisional conference calls with our state youth directors to go over the specific details so please check with your state YD or President about getting involved in this program or contact me at mark@bassfederation.com.
 
We can control our own destiny with the success of this program and all it takes is a little effort on the part of all of us to make it successful!
 
Until next time, don’t forget to take a kid fishing today!       Mark Gintert

2009 Southern Division Day 1

As day one of the 2009 TBF Southern Division Championship began in Lexington, South Carolina, Lake Murray was scorching hot. For many of the anglers, however, we would be talking about the sun and not the fishing. The top twelve anglers from each state in the Southern Division battled the heat in hopes of bringing in big bass. Some succeeded in that, managing to bring in enough weight to grab hold of the top spots in their respective states.

As always one angler will some how rise above the pack. Taking the number one spot today, is Norman Mullinax from Wilmington, NC who had a limit of bass weighing 15lb 8oz. Also, Norman caught today’s big bass, which weighed 6lbs, using a frog lure. “It was pretty slow today,” Norman said. “We got on them early, and then it got tough real quick. I plan on doing about the same thing tomorrow, using the same spots. But, if they’re not there I’m going to have some problems.” Less than a pound behind him, fighting for tournament lead, is Adam Williamson from Ridgeway, SC who had a total weight of 14lb 3oz, Adam anchored the South Carolina Team to its day 1 overall lead he also plans on trying the same thing tomorrow. “I’ve got a milk run, there were plenty of fish there today, so as long as they don’t leave, you should see some great fish from me this week,” Adam said. He also had great things to say about his partner. “I had a great partner today in Jesse Ivy from Georgia. We had a blast, and lots of laughs.” Landing in third place, is Jay Keith from Camden, SC with a limit of bass weighing 13lb 11oz. Right on his tail is Herman Vining, the President of the South Carolina TBF Federation, our host state for this event. Unlike the others, Herman plans to run more spots tomorrow. “I caught my big bite this morning, but when the sun came out it got tougher,” Herman said. As you can see from the standings there are several South Carolina angers near the top. With the weigh in half over it actually was looking pretty bleak for the host state. However, before the day was finished the home state anglers proved we are on their turf.

The South Carolina state team brought in a total of 49 bass, which weighed 97lb 4oz. their late surge gave them a margin of nearly ten pounds over the second place Alabama Bass Federation, who also caught 49 bass, which weighed 87lb 5oz. The Georgia Bass Federation sits in third with a total weight of 78lb 8oz. Close behind them in fourth is the Tennessee Bass Federation with a total weight of 75lb 1oz.

Updating with TBF and FLW Outdoors is now easier than EVER!

 “No Hassle” and as easy as 1,2,3!

Club Presidents and Secretaries get registered with our online system if you are not already, it will make your life much easier!

TBF members spoke and TBF has listened. One-Stop Renewals for BOTH TBF and FLW Outdoors; It’s Simple and Loaded with Benefits!!.

“It Pays To Belong To TBF!”As most of you are aware, every state federation, by vote of the state presidents’ council, agreed to maintain as close to 100% DUAL TBF and FLW Outdoors membership as possible. All the FLW Outdoors members who are NOT TBF members, are paying $35 FLW Outdoors membership, while TBF members have paid $25. On Jan. 1, 2010, the limited time offer expires and FLW Outdoors dues will equalize at $35 for all. TBF national dues will of course stay the same at $15.

Many have asked for a way to update BOTH their TBF and FLW Outdoors dues at once. Now you can with no more hassle, or multiple membership renewals. Finally, one-stop renewing for both TBF & FLW Outdoors membership through your home club and the TBF Online Roster Management System!

For regular TBF Members, all future FLW memberships will be updated through your club online. When clubs submit each member’s $15 National TBF dues, they’ll update FLW membership on the same invoice. (Unless you’re a TBF Premium member…See #2 below) Simple and no more worries! This means, if you are a TBF member, FLW Outdoors will not accept payment for your FLW dues. It MUST be paid through your TBF club.

TBF Regular 1-year membership

Step 1. Your club administrator will log into our system, (for login info. call, 580.765.9031), and click on the “Membership Update” tab, then click on the “Dues Estimate” button. This generates a word document with ALL members on your club roster, active or not, and gives you a line item invoice of how much they owe in dues and if they are choosing a paper or electronicdownloadable FLW Outdoors magazine! Simple and easy! Print it out and take it to your next club meeting to collect the correct amount!

Step 2. After collecting dues, log back into the system and generate an INVOICE. There is a drop down where you select which form of magazine each member wants as well. Once you’ve done it you’ll see how easy it is. If you need help just give us a call. Next, submit a matching check with the invoice to the address on the invoice, which your state federation has already set up.

Step3. Enjoy a year’s worth of worry free, hassle free, fishing knowing you are updated, your dues are paid, your insurance is in full force, your preferred magazine is on its way and your member benefits are in place!

Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQ’s)

I called FLW Outdoors and they said I had to join through TBF? YES, FLW Outdoors will not sell a membership to a TBF member, (with a few exceptions) their system “talks” to our system and identifies TBF members as such. All TBF members now update through our online system, through their club roster.

What if I’m already paid up and active with FLW Outdoors for multiple years or maybe I’m one of the few FLW life members? Our system will not charge you dues until the year they expire.

My FLW Outdoors membership doesn’t expire until April 1, 2010 do I have to pay for a full year? NO, our system will pro-rate what is left of your 2010 FLW Outdoors membership and only charge you for the months up to Dec 31, 2010, until you are on a calendar year like everyone else.

I used to be able to buy a 2 or 3 year “discounted” FLW Outdoors membership? Can we still do that? No, FLW Outdoors no longer sells a DISCOUNTED 2 or 3 year membership.

If you have a problem, call the national office at 580.765.9031

2. TBF Premium membership

TBF has made 2, 3 & 5 year, value-added memberships (NOT discounted memberships) the members have requested. TBF Premium members include BOTH the $15 TBF dues and the full $35 FLW Outdoors for every year of the premium membership, as well as, many more benefits. The basic premises of premium level membership are the benefits attached, if used, will actually save time and money! TBF is willing to guarantee that or your money back. You can enjoy deep discounts in the new TBF Online Store (opening Nov. 1) and numerous vendors using the ‘AccessMember’ card. Also, premium members won’t have to renew every year! SAVE money guaranteed! Check it out at www.bassfederation.com; click the Premium Membership link.

Now that dual membership is as easy as joining your club, here is another CHOICE for you.

What do you do with all your old FLW Outdoors Magazines? Are you like most of us and simply put them in a stack to collect dust? Or maybe you throw them in the trash after they’ve been read or keep them in a box, just in case? Maybe you donate them to a group home or a youth program for others to enjoy. Or maybe you’d like to “store” them for later but don’t have the place or space. Well, beginning in 2010, you have another option.

– Printed or Electronic!

It’s your choice. The system will DEFAULT to PRINTED. If you want to keep a printed copy, that’s fine! You have your own reason why that’s good for you. Just make sure your club administrator knows so he/she can mark it when updating your roster. But,…for the rest; here are a few advantages of having it delivered right to your computer!

Get news faster…and worldwide! Now you don’t have to wait on snail mail to get your magazine. You’ll get the exact same thing by email, instantly!

GO GREEN! NO more magazines in the corner collecting dust after only one reading! Conservation is one of TBF’s core values. You can get the same info, but without the paper. Save paper, save trees! Green is “In.” Now your old issues don’t have to end up in landfills or collect dust on your tables! But, they are saved safely on your computer!

Easy Access – FLW Outdoor’s electronic version will be available on FLWOutdoors.com 24/7. Also, you can save the *pdf file to your computer, take it anywhere on a laptop, print out a page you want to save, and look back at old issues any time. Also, you don’t have to tear your house upside down, or worry someone threw it away!

What this means for club presidents/secretaries – When updating your roster, there’s an option to choose for each member. IT WILL DEFAULT TO PRINTED. If you choose Electronic for a member, they must have an email address in our system. FLW will be notified by TBF which they request, and will send FLW Outdoor’s Magazine the way they want it!

If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at 580.765.9031 or tbf@bassfederation.com

Wounded Warrior Bass Fishing Experience

On Sunday, September 27, 2009, volunteers from several regional bass fishing clubs conducted the Wounded Warrior Bass Fishing Experience on the Chickahominy River.

Warrior Sgt E5 Thomas Johnson w/ Chip McDonough (Rgn 8)

Warrior Sgt E5 Thomas Johnson w/ Chip McDonough (Rgn 8)

This event was held for a very special group of military service men and women assigned to the Army Wounded Warrior Program at Fort Eustis. This program specializes in assisting the severely wounded, injured and ill

Soldiers who are recovering from an injury or illness resulting from their service in the Global War on Terrorism.

Each participant was treated to a day on the river guided by a seasoned Region 8, Virginia Bass TBF Chapter Federation Angler and was followed by a picnic and social at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

Although the day started in a driving rain, spirits were not the least bit dampened. By mid-morning with the weather clearing the fishing improved and several Warriors boated their first largemouth bass. The days fishing activity ended with a bass fishing tournament style weigh-in for each Warriors largest fish of the day.

Sergeant Keith Beatty, hometown – Beaver Falls PA, joyfully received the Big Fish Award for his 3.75 pound largemouth bass. Virginia Bass TBF Chapter Federation members and local bass fishing club volunteers provide thousands of hours of their time each year to host youth, handicap and conservation activities throughout the state.

Warrior- Sgt E5 Keith Beatty receives Big Fish Award from Rgn 8 event coordinator John Flicek

Warrior- Sgt E5 Keith Beatty receives Big Fish Award from Rgn 8 event coordinator John Flicek

This event was made possible through the efforts of volunteers from the 5-Rivers BassMasters, Eastern Virginia Bass Anglers, NASA-Langley Bassmasters, Nottoway River Bass Masters, Peninsula Bass Anglers, Tidewater Bass Anglers and the following sponsors that provided either goods or services in support of this event: The Wright Bait Company, James City County Parks and Recreation,Target, The Bass Federation(TBF), FLW Outdoors, Hooker Bait and Tackle, Strike King Lures, Bass Pro Shop, The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Pepsi, Green Top Sporting Goods, and Trophy World Inc. of Newport News.

As Americans, we all greatly appreciate the service and sacrifices of our military service personnel. It was our pleasure to serve those who serve us so well.