The New Jersey Bass Federation’s (NJBF) May 15 & 16, 2020 event scheduled for Candlewood Lake is cancelled.  In this regard, the State of Connecticut will not issue any tournament permits due to the coronavirus pandemic until after May 20, at the earliest.

While it is disappointing that the event is cancelled, we commend Connecticut’s decision as it is the prudent course of action.  It is currently just too risky to allow any organized group events until there is more certainty as to the abatement of the virus.

Regardless, the NJBF still plans on hosting a full 2020 tournament schedule.  As permitted, we intend on having our June 18 & 19 Team Tournament on Lake Champlain, as well as our two points events to be held on July 19 on the Northern Chesapeake Bay and August 9 to be held on Lake Hopatcong.  To make up for the cancelled Candlewood Lake event, our tentative plan is to hold a one-day event on August 23 (location to be determined).

Anyone who has already signed up for the Candlewood event can have their entry applied to the next event.  Just sign up normally online for the next event(s) and submit the registration without remitting payment.  Anyone requesting a refund should send an e-mail to nickangiulo@verizon.net and request same.

We hope that you all continue to support the NJBF during this difficult time and, most importantly, stay safe and healthy.

NEXT MANDATORY MEETING

The next meeting is Thursday, January 30, 2020.  At that time, we will be awarding the 2019 tournament season awards to the recipients.  If you are receiving an award, please try to be at the meeting or send another representative.  The following is a list of award recipients:

     Angler of the Year – Boater Division – Scott Weiland 

    Angler of the Year – Co-Angler Division – Joe Sodora

     Lunker of the Year – Boater Division – Dan McGarry – Lake    

           Hopatcong – July 28, 2019 – 5.18 pounds

     Lunker of the Year – Co-Angler Division – Casey Noble – Saratoga

             Lake – June 22 & 23, 2019 – 4.86 pounds

     Rookie of the Year – Boater Division – Vern Gatson

     Rookie of the Year – Co-Angler Division – NONE

    2019 TEAM TOURNAMENT – Potomac River

    WINNING TEAM – Big D Valley Bassmasters

        Nick Angiulo

        Lou Basciani

        BP Hurding

        Dexter Marshall

        Ryan McGinty

        Joe Venuto

Further, we will be collecting payment for the 2020 Team Tournament ($100 for each member fishing the event or $100 in no one fishing) and Chapter dues ($50 per club) at that time.  We will also accept preliminary Team Tournament rosters at that time.

Also, all clubs are reminded to go into the TBF database and register and remit payment for your 2020 club members.  The sooner this is completed the better.  If you need assistance, contact Secretary Nick Angiulo at nickangiulo@verizon.net.