Derek Dominates Michigan Slugfest!

Thursday September 11, 2008

Michigan’s Derek Cummings jumped into the overall northern division lead today, propelled by his 23-11 bag of St. Clair smallmouth, Cummings took over the top spot form his team mate and day 1 leader Mark Modrak. He finished the day with a combined two day total of 44-1. One more day to go.

Modrak, is far from “out of it” as he sits in the number two slot with 39-3.

Rounding out the top six in the individual standings is; Minnesota’s Bob Perkins, 38-15

In third, Indiana’s Todd Kuhn at 37-13, fourth, Indiana’s Britt Davidson in fifth with 37-6 and Ohio’s Jeff Melsop in sixth with 36-1.

As it should, it all comes down to tomorrow’s final day in the individual standings to see who will be crowned the northern division champion and win the Castrol Maximum Performer cash bonus. The race for the top two spots on each state team and a berth in the March 2009 TBF Federation National Championship, presented by the National Guard, on Missouri’s Bull Shoals lake is also very tight.

On the state team standings it may appear that the reigning champs from Indiana will be giving up the Divisional Cup to Michigan, as the Michigan team increased their team lead today to over 50 pounds, finishing the day with a team weight of 308-6, Indiana does sit in second at 251-3. Anything can and usually does happen but it looks like the race is for the third place money. Third is currently held by Ohio with 209-4, Wisconsin is in fourth with 194-0, and Illinois sits in fifth with 187-5. Minnesota holds the sixth spot at 164-12.

For details about how the anglers are catching their fish read the story on our partner’s website at flwoutdoors.com Click here

For full, individual and team standings, Click here

Day 3 final weigh in begins at 3:00pm EST at Selfridge DNR ramp next to the main gate of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. It is free to the public.

TBF wants to say a special word of prayer for all those families affected by the 9-11 terrorist attack on the US seven years ago today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

We will never forget.

Michigan Modrak Leads!

Michigan’s Mike Modrak, from China Township, MI, weighed-in a impressive sack of smallmouth today that tipped the scales at 22-4 to take the day 1 lead in the TBF Northern Division Championship. Modrak’s sack not only anchored his state team and placed Michigan solidly into the lead over the other northern division states that are competing in the St. ClairDetroit river contest, it also contained the days big bass, a 6-3 giant.

Modrak, a local Ranger boat rep who qualifed through the Michigan TBF Federation for the event, staked out a solid day bag but he was very aware that a 23 pound bag could come in at anytime to unseat him. It did not happen today. Closest angler to him was Wisconsin’s Nickolas Smyers who brought 21-11 to the scales.

There were 5 bags over 20 pounds that crossed the scales today with only 7 anglers in the field not able to post a weight today. All fish were released alive back into the lake.

State Team standings shaped up like this:

Michigan is leading with 160-6, which is nearly a 35 pound over second place Indiana and the reigning Division champs. 35 pounds sounds like a lot but late in the weighin Michigan held a 60 pound lead and Indiana was able to close the gap……two more days to go.

Sitting in third palce is the team from Ohio at 102-13, fourth is Wisconsin with 98-9. Minnesota and Illinois are fifth and six with 94-14 and 89-12 respectively.

For a full story by our partners website at flwoutdoors.com Click here

For complete standings Click here.

Day 2 weigh in begins tomorrow, Thursday, at the Selfridge DNR ramp. It is free to the public.

College bass anglers to compete in largest-ever national championship

More than 200 student anglers to convene on Lake Lewisville next week

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Sept. 8, 2008) – The field is set for the 2008 BoatU.S.National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship (NCBFC), with 106 two-person teams representing 57 schools from 23 states registered to participate. The full-field enrollment makes it the largest college bass tournament ever held.

Presented by Careco Multimedia and Fox College Sports, the three-day tournament takes place on Lake Lewisville, Texas (near Dallas), Sept. 18-20. The stage is unlike any other in collegiate sports because regardless of school size, each team competes against one another on equal terms in head-to-head competition.

Among the mix are traditional college-sport Division I powerhouses from the Big 12, SEC, Pac-10, Big East and more, but there are also many small schools that don’t have big time athletic programs. A team from North Carolina State won the inaugural event in 2006. Last year it was a Texas A&M team. However, it was the University of Montevallo (Alabama) that won a large regional event earlier in the year over schools like Auburn, Ole Miss and Georgia.

“This is fishing and bass don’t really care about who’s on the other end of the line,” said Wade Middleton, tournament director and a longtime television fishing show host. “That’s the beauty of this sport and why the field can be so diverse and every team has a chance at winning. Many of our participants excelled at other sports in high school but couldn’t or didn’t want to compete at the college level. In fishing, just about any student who wants to can get involved,” he said.

From last year’s winning Texas A&M team, Justin Rackley had aspirations of a pro baseball career before an injury ended the dream. Now he’s known on campus for his bass fishing success and has his sights set on a pro fishing career.

Montevallo’s Clent Davis has always been focused on fishing. “I grew up fishing, love the sport and am thrilled to have this opportunity to fish on our school’s team,” he said. “We like the fact that we can go right up against the big guys and know we can beat them. Right now our team members are recruiting new students to carry on what we’ve started.”

Also unlike other college sports, bass fishing teams can be male, female or co-ed. In some instances, it has been the girls responsible for starting their school’s fishing program. That was certainly the case with Tiffany Spencer from the University of Texas-Arlington and Kat Cammack from the Metropolitan State College of Denver (Colo.). Both ladies were instrumental in getting fishing clubs started and their teams entered into the championship.

For teams to be eligible to compete in the championship they must be officially recognized school fishing programs. During NCBFC competition, each team is responsible for full operation of their boats. Only artificial lures are allowed and each team is allowed to weigh-in five bass, measuring at least 14 inches in length for largemouth and 12 inches for spotted bass, each day. Team standings are based on cumulative total weights each day. After the second day of competition, only the top five teams advance to the third and final day. The finalists compete from equally rigged Ranger Z-21 bass boats with Yamaha outboards, MotorGuide trolling motors and Garmin electronics.

All teams are fishing for the more than $35,000 in scholarships and prizes, but in the true sense of college rivalries most say the real honor comes in carrying the national championship award back home to their schools. “Trevor (Knight) and I lifting the trophy over our heads last year was an unbelievable experience that I’ll never forget,” said Texas A&M’s Rackley. “It’s something I’d like to do again this year.” Rackley has a chance to repeat as he does return, but with a new partner as Knight graduated since last year’s win.

The championship will be featured along with several other collegiate regional bass fishing events as part of the 13-episode NCBFC television series produced by Careco Multimedia in conjunction with Fox College Sports that begins airing in early October on Fox College Sports and affiliated networks.

The 2008 NCBFC is made possible by a long listing of leading companies, including BoatU.S., BoatU.S. Angler, Ranger Boats, Cabela’s, American Rodsmiths, Anglers’ Legacy, Abu Garcia, Aviva Fishin’ Buddy, Berkley, Costa Del Mar, EPIC Sports Video Cam, Falcon FTO tackle organizers, Fenwick, Frogg Toggs, Garmin, Gemini Sport Marketing, Lago Vista Lodge, Gene Larew Lures, MotorGuide, PowerPole, Rapala’s Fishing Frenzy, Sebile, Sperry Top-Sider, TruckVault, Witz Sportcases, Yamaha, City of Lewisville, Sneaky Pete’s Marina and Fox College Sports.

For more information about the 2008 NCBFC, visit www.collegiatebasschampionship.com.

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2008 BoatU.S. Championship Teams

Posted at www.collegiatebasschampionship.com/Schools.htm.

ALABAMA

Auburn University – Adam Murphree/Clay Messer

Auburn University – Richard Peek/Paul Davis

Auburn University – Sam Rochell/Dennis Parker

Faulkner University – John Galloway/Justin Barnes

Faulkner University – Kyle Tindol/Michael Eubanks

Troy University – Craig Karrh/Tyler Weaver

University of Alabama – Foster Bradley/Brent Frederick

University of Alabama – Ben Weldon/Warren Hoffman

University of Alabama – Daniel Statum/Jeff Aul

University of Alabama-Birmingham – Tim Waits/Braxton Setzer

University of Montevallo – Clent Davis/Chuck Holderfield

University of Montevallo – Dustin Gray/Josh Lamar

University of South Alabama – Jonathan Pope/Joshua Pope

University of South Alabama – Tyler Pitts/Matt Gardner

ARIZONA

Arizona State – Mitch Kistner/Craig Carroll

Arizona State – Brent Perkins/Michael Eyler

Arizona State – Chris Yee/Whitney Cummins

ARKANSAS

Arkansas Tech – Wesley Lambert/Trevor Graddy

Arkansas Tech – Eric Shatford/Matthew Goddard

University of Arkansas – Jerid Jones/Chris Jackson

University of Arkansas – Kazuki Kitajima/Bodie Drake

University of Arkansas – Matt Graves/Jay Berry

COLORADO

Metropolitan State College of Denver – Adam McHenry/Kat Cammack

FLORIDA

University of Central Florida – Brent Compton/Joe Forker

University of Central Florida – Scott Noce/Patrick Mangold

Webber International University – Duane Bowman/Harris Hartley

Webber International University – Marty Wilson/Alicia Mohler

GEORGIA

Georgia College & State University – Matt Henry/Zach Olson

INDIANA

Ball State University – Tyler Steward/Ryan Meinart

Ball State University – Jed Puckett/Brent Paull

Indiana University – Eric Boger/Tyler Zschiedrich

Purdue University – Jacob Spencer/Chris Bookout

Purdue University – Aaron McAlexander/Ben Wood

Purdue University – Chad Dunham/

ILLINOIS

Southern Illinois University – Richard Dunham/Tyler Ailor

Southern Illinois University – Bryan Partak/Colby Thompson

IOWA

University of Iowa – Josh Heine/Matt Taylor

University of Iowa – Tyler Mehrl/Bob Downey

KANSAS

Kansas State – Casey Smith/Jared Brooks

Kansas State – Ben Fuchs/Aaron Barney

KENTUCKY

Eastern Kentucky University – Andrew Luxon/Richard Cobb

Eastern Kentucky University – Ryan Oller/Christopher Davis

Eastern Kentucky University – Tyler Moberly/James Wathen

Murray State University – Daniel Langton/Cory Carr

Murray State University – Drew Snider/Treston Smith

University of Kentucky – Todd Hodges/Aaron Young

University of Louisville – Travis Andres/Cody Greenwell

Western Kentucky University – Adam Hock/Matt Baker

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State University-Shreveport – Zachary Caudle/Harmon Carson

Louisiana State University-Shreveport – Patrick Morton/Will Moore

Louisiana Tech University – Aaron Rogillio/Jordan Wiggins

Louisiana Tech University – Brock Brunson/Brandon Holmes

Northwestern State University – Zachary Gaghard/Paul Rini

Northwestern State University – Nathan Fields/Jonathan Bennett

Northwestern State University – Jeff Rich/Aaron Sistrunk

University of Louisiana-Lafayette – Cody McCrary/Neil Arnaud

MISSOURI

Drury University – Drew Sanford/Drew Simon

Drury University – Alex Sahliyeh/Derek Brown

Southeast Missouri State University – Adam Zielinski/Alex Skelton

Southeast Missouri State University – Taylor Gorton/Mike Rains

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi State University – Bradley Sartain/Harry Halliwell

Mississippi State University – Cal Clark/Wes Gibson

University of Mississippi – Chad Hollan/Richard Orr

NEBRASKA

University of Nebraska – Tony Cimino/Seth Zentner

University of Nebraska – Shane Strope/Drew Friedrich

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina State University – Will White/Kyle Hodgin

North Carolina State University – Joshua Hooks/Chad Bazen

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma State University – James Elam/Kris McDonald

Oklahoma State University – Daniel Davis/Orie Chambers

University of Oklahoma – Chip Porche’/Matt Pangrac

University of Oklahoma – Jordon Nichols/Justin Hurd

OREGON

University of Oregon – Carter Troughton/Ross Richards

University of Oregon – Chris Parks/Joe Cote

PENNSYLVANIA

Penn State – Jason Haney/Derrick Hughes

TENNESSEE

Freed – Hardeman University – John Lawson/Nathan Pirtle

University of Tennessee – Nicholas Tate/Chris Tate

University of Tennessee-Martin – Matthew Tubbs/Kevin Shorey

University of Tennessee-Martin – Michael Keatts/Matthew Jones

TEXAS

Baylor University – Jay Holland/Christopher Gass

Baylor University – Andrew McAdams/Ryan Thompson

Lamar University – Joshua Maddox/Matt Morrison

Sam Houston State – Joshua Rush/Bubba Gough

Sam Houston State – Bill Weekly/Trey Rapsilver

Stephen F. Austin State University – Kendall Wleczyk/Cale Schrock

Stephen F. Austin State University – Ryan Watkins/Andrew Upshaw

Tarleton State University – Chris Michels/Tanner Morgan

Tarleton State University – Cole Koenig/Kyle Barfield

Tarleton State University – John Anderson/Kent Andries

Texas A&M University – William Edmonds/Kenny Stewart

Texas A&M University – Justin Rackley/Andrew Shafer

Texas A&M University-Kingsville – Jerod Hawkes/

Texas Tech – Ryan Dupriest/Laramie Coggan

Texas Tech – Wesley Medford/Russell Felt

Texas Tech – Chad Pabody/John Guest

University of North Texas – Brandon Dickenson/Kevin Lain

University of North Texas – Steven Hollowell/Chaz Pair

University of Texas-Austin – Mason Welch/John Reina

University of Texas-Austin – William Waldschmidt/Micah Scheler

University of Texas-Austin – Ty Brockhoeft/Bobby Frey

University of Texas-Arlington – Stephen Pineau/Drew Bryan

University of Texas-Arlington – Brady Beal/Bryan Lewis

University of Texas-Arlington – Tiffany Spencer/Taryn Bishop

VIRGINIA

Virginia Tech – Scott Wiley/Charlie Machek

Virginia Tech – Brett Thompson/

WISCONSIN

University of Wisconsin-Madison – Derek Frederixon/Drew Frederixon

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point – Joseph Marty/Curtis Meshak

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point – Kristopher Korn/Casey Kmiecik

TBF Mid-Atlantic Divisional set for Lake Erie

PRESQUE ISLE BAY, Pa. — The Bass Federation 2008 Mid-Atlantic Divisional Championship will be held on Lake Erie in Presque Isle Bay, Pa., Sept. 24-26. As many as 84 competitors representing seven Mid-Atlantic Division areas – Delaware, Maryland, Nation’s Capitol, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia – are expected to compete in the tournament.

The public is invited to the Marina Launch at Presque State Park in Erie, Pa., to watch the takeoffs and weigh-ins at 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively. Admission is free.

Anglers will compete both individually and as state teams in an effort to qualify for the prestigious 2009 TBF National Championship presented by the National Guard. The top three state teams will be awarded trophies and cash prizes. The angler with the heaviest three-day weight will also earn a $500 Walmart gift card as the Castrol Maximum Performer.

Each state team is made up of 12 anglers, and the top-finishing angler from each team will advance to the 2009 TBF National Championship presented by the National Guard as a boater. The No. 2 competitor from each state team will advance to the National Championship as a co-angler.

TBF National Championship anglers will compete for a share of more than $200,000 in cash and merchandise, including a $100,000 “Living the Dream” prize package with use of a wrapped Chevy truck and Ranger boat powered by Evinrude or Yamaha, sponsor merchandise and paid entry fees into the Walmart FLW Tour or Walmart FLW Series. The top boater and co-angler from each of the TBF’s six divisions at the National Championship will receive a berth into the $1 million BFL All-American presented by Chevy, where boaters compete for a top award of $140,000 and co-anglers cast for a top award of $70,000. The winning boater and co-angler at the TBF National Championship will also advance to the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by BP/Castrol, where pros compete for a top award of $1 million and co-anglers fish for a top award of $50,000.

In TBF Divisional Championship competition, anglers are randomly paired each day and share control of the boat throughout the day.

Official practice for the TBF Mid-Atlantic Divisional Championship begins at daylight Sept. 21 and continues through 2 p.m. Sept. 23.

Coverage of the TBF National Championship will be broadcast to 81 million FSN (Fox Sports Net) subscribers in the United States as part of the “FLW Outdoors” television series. “FLW Outdoors” is also broadcast in Canada on WFN (World Fishing Network) and to more than 429 million households in the United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East through a distribution agreement with Matchroom Sport, making it the most widely distributed fishing program in the world. The program airs Sunday mornings at 11 Eastern time in most markets. Check local listings for times in your area.

The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF) is owned by those it serves and is dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year and have provided the foundation for the entire bass-fishing industry for more than 30 years. For more information about The Bass Federation, visit bassfederation.com or call (580) 765-9031.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. In 2008 alone the organization is offering more than 90,000 anglers the chance to win over $40 million through 230 tournaments in 10 circuits targeting bass, walleye, redfish, kingfish and striped bass. FLW Outdoors is also taking fishing mainstream with the largest cash awards in the history of fantasy sports, $7.3 million.