Dec 15

GET READY FOR BATTLE WITH NEW HDS CARBON DISPLAYS

Best Screens Available & High-Performance Processor with Power to Spare

The fish are ready. Are you?
Rig your boat with HDS Carbon and you will be ready — Ready for Battle.
Today, Lowrance® launched HDS Carbon, a new high-performance addition to the HDS Series of fishfinder/chartplotters.

HDS Carbon — which features 12-, 9- and 7-inch models — includes a new high-performance, dual-core processor, multi-touch SolarMAX™ HD display, Dual Channel CHIRP and Network Dual Sounder sonar technology.

HDS Carbon takes processing power to new heights with a dual core processor that allows anglers to switch between applications and simultaneously view independent sonar feeds with ease — smoothly driving high-tech Lowrance technology like StructureScan® 3D with SideScan and DownScan Imaging™, StructureMap™, Broadband Radar™, SiriusXM® Weather Chart Overlay™ and more.

Lowrance SolarMAX™ HD display technology features high-definition views and clear visibility in all conditions with the widest available range of viewing angles. The new displays are engineered to withstand higher temperatures than conventional units, offering better reliability in warmer climates.

HDS Carbon bolsters award-winning Lowrance sonar technology lineup with the addition of Dual Channel CHIRP and Network Dual Sounder. Dual Channel CHIRP enables anglers to view dual range sonar coverage from the same transducer when a dual channel CHIRP sonar transducer is installed on their boat. Network Dual Sounder supplies sonar data from a network of CHIRP transducers, allowing anglers to cover more water in less time and mark fish targets more clearly.

Key Features:

  • NEW ultra-bright HDS SolarMAX™ HD displays with greater resolution and a wider range of viewing angles
  • NEW high-performance HDS processor for faster redraws and quicker response times
  • NEW HDS Dual-Channel CHIRP Sonar – dual sonar-range coverage from the same transducer*
  • NEW HDS Network Dual Sounder – cover more water and mark fish targets more clearly from a network of CHIRP sonar transducers
  • Multi-touch display interface
  • StructureScan® 3D ready
  • Built-in CHIRP and Broadband Sounder™
  • SmartSteer™ control for Xi5 Trolling Motor and Outboard Pilot
  • Radar and SonicHub®2 audio server connectivity
  • Wireless and Bluetooth® connectivity
  • NMEA 2000® engine support
  • Built-in C-MAP charts with a multitude of mapping options (C-MAP, Navionics® and more)

*requires dual-channel CHIRP sonar transducer

Introducing New Lowrance HDS Carbon Displays

Watch Video

Dec 14

THE BASS FEDERATION(TBF) AND FISHING LEAGUE WORLDWIDE (FLW) EXTEND PARTNERSHIP

FLW to Debut 24-event High School Fishing Open Series

MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 14, 2016) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) and The Bass Federation (TBF) today announced a multi-year extension to their strategic partnership, bolstering the relationship between the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization and the nation’s oldest broad-based grassroots fishing, youth and conservation organization. Terms of the agreement were not released.

As part of the extended partnership FLW will undertake the largest expansion of the co-managed High School Fishing program since launching the state-championship series of High School Fishing events in partnership with TBF in 2011. The expansion includes facilitating a new series of 24 High School Fishing Open tournaments to complement the existing State Championships and High School Fishing World Finals coordinated by TBF. TBF will also debut two High School Fishing Challenge events to meet growing demand from the more than 15,000 young anglers that participated in the program in 2016. All told, students will now have 76 FLW and TBF High School Fishing events in which to compete in 2017.

“High School Fishing is the foundation on which our sport will continue to grow,” said FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel. “With the continued erosion of traditional pathways into fishing, the industry is taking note of High School Fishing’s recruitment, retention and reactivation potential. All it takes is one visit to a High School Fishing tournament to see that FLW and TBF have tapped into something special that unites generations in a way our sport has never seen before.”

No changes will be made to the existing program for adult TBF anglers. Fourteen TBF anglers (seven boaters and seven co-anglers) will advance to the BFL All-American from the TBF National Championship. The TBF National Champion boater will also advance to the Forrest Wood Cup and continue to receive the life-changing “Living the Dream” package to fish the entire season as an FLW Tour pro using a TBF-wrapped Ranger boat and tow vehicle without paying a single entry fee. TBF members will also continue to receive priority entry into all FLW tournaments.

“TBF is proud to partner with FLW in providing the nation’s most extensive network of grass-roots fishing opportunities from our TBF junior program through high school and college to the TBF National Semi-Final Series for adult anglers and ultimately our ‘Living the Dream’ package on the FLW Tour,” said TBF President Robert Cartlidge. “No two organizations work more closely to provide more fishing opportunities for more anglers nationwide than FLW and TBF. We are proud of that tradition and what it means for future generations.”

Veteran Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournament director Dave Maxfield has been tapped to lead the new series of High School Fishing Opens as FLW High School Fishing tournament director. Working closely alongside Maxfield will be Scott Ellison, who has been promoted to FLW Youth Director and Promotion’s Manager.

Going forward, High School Fishing will operate on a school calendar with the National Championship being held in the summer in conjunction with the High School Fishing World Finals. The top 10 percent of teams in each State Championship, Challenge and Open will advance directly to the High School Fishing National Championship. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.

All participants must be Student Angler Federation (SAF) members to participate. SAF membership includes both TBF and FLW membership plus a digital subscription to FLW Bass Fishing magazine, online training courses and more.

SAF members never pay an entry fee to participate in FLW or TBF High School Fishing tournaments and all clubs are covered by SAF insurance, which means there is no added expense for schools with sanctioned High School Fishing clubs.

2017 High School Fishing Open & Challenge Schedule:

Jan. 15 – Lake Okeechobee Challenge,   Lake Okeechobee

Feb. 19 – Lake Hartwell Early Bird Challenge, Lake Hartwell

March 4 – South Carolina Open,  Lake Murray

March 11 – Mississippi Open, Columbus Pool

March 25 – Arkansas Open, Lake Hamilton

April 1 – Texas Open, Lake of the Pines

April 22 – Alabama Open, Logan Martin Lake

April 29 – North Carolina Open, High Rock Lake

May 6 – Wisconsin Open & Iowa State Championship, Mississippi River @ La Crosse

May 13 – Missouri Open, Truman Lake

May 14 – California Open & State Championship, California Delta

May 20 – Virginia Open & State Championship, Claytor Lake

June 3 – Minnesota Open, Mississippi River

June 10 – Michigan Open & State Championship, Detroit River

Sept. 9 – Louisiana Open, Ouachita River

Sept. 16 – Maryland Open, Potomac River

Sept. 23 – Pennsylvania Open, Raystown Lake

Sept. 30 – Indiana Open, Lake Monroe

Oct. 7 – Illinois Open, Lake Springfield

Oct.14 – New York Open, Oneida Lake

Oct. 21- Oklahoma Open, Grand Lake

Oct. 28 – Ohio Open, Caesar Creek

Nov. 4 – Kentucky Open, Lake Cumberland

Nov. 18 – Tennessee Open, Norris Lake

Dec. 2 – Georgia Open, Lake Lanier

Dec. 9 – Florida Open, St. Johns River

2017 High School Fishing State Championship Schedule:

Jan. 29 – Texas State Championship, Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Feb. 11 – Georgia State Championship, West Point Lake

Feb. 26 – Florida State Championship, St. Johns River

March 25 – Louisiana State Championship,Cross Lake

April 1- Kentucky State Championship, Lake Cumberland

April 1- Mississippi State Championship, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway

April 2 – Illinois State Championship, Clinton Lake

April 9 – North Carolina State Championship, Kerr Lake

April 9 – Missouri State Championship, Table Rock Lake

April 29 – South Carolina State Championship, Lake Murray

May 6 – Ohio State Championship, Alum Creek Reservoir

May 7 – Arkansas State Championship, Lake Dardanelle

May 7 – Idaho State Championship, C.J. Strike Reservoir

May 7 – Tennessee State Championship, Norris Lake

May 20 – Arizona State Championship, Lake Pleasant

May 21 – Alabama State Championship, Lake Neely Henry

June 3 – Indiana State Championship, Brookville Lake

June 3 – Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Connecticut Tri State Championship, Mashapaug Pond

June 11 – Colorado & New Mexico Dual State Championship, Lake Pueblo

July 8 – Wisconsin State Championship, Lake Winnebago

July 9 – Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland & New Jersey Quad State Championship,Chesapeake Bay

July 15 – New York State Championship, Mohawk River

July 15 – South Dakota State Championship, Lake Cochran

July 16 – Minnesota State Championship, Mille Lacs Lake

July 16 – Ontario Province Championship, Georgian Bay

July 22 – Nebraska State Championship, Lake Merritt

Aug. 13 – Washington State Championship, Potholes Reservoir

High School Fishing World Finals and National Championships:

June 3, 2017 – National Championship, Wheeler Lake
(2016 qualifiers)

June 27-July 1, 2017   2017 World Finals/National Championship, Pickwick Lake. (qualifiers from events held Jan. 1 – June 10, 2017)

June 26-30, 2018        2018 World Finals/National Championship, TBA. (qualifiers from events held June 11, 2017 to June 9, 2018)

Complete rules can be found online at FLWFishing.com and Highschoolfishing.org.

For State Championships, each team must compete in the state in which their school is located. Teams from all states can participate in Open tournaments and Challenge events. Entries for State Championships and Challenge events should be made at Highschoolfishing.org or by calling TBF at (580)-765-9031. Entries for Opens should be made at FLWfishing.com or by calling FLW at (270)-252-1000. Entries for all events will be accepted beginning January 3. There is no limit to the number of teams accepted into a tournament from each school or club.

Full schedules, including additional state championships, and latest announcements will be available on Highschoolfishing.org and FLWFishing.com.

About FLW

FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2017 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW conducts more than 235 bass-fishing tournaments annually across the United States and sanctions tournaments in Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show, broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat: @FLWFishing.

 About The Bass Federation

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. TBF is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. The Federation is the largest and oldest, organized grassroots fishing, youth and conservation organization there is. TBF, our affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 events each year and have provided a foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 45 years. TBF founded the Student Angler Federation and the National High School Fishing program in 2008 to promote clean family fun and education through fishing. Visit bassfederation.com or highschoolfishing.org and “LIKE US” on Facebook.

 

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Nov 15

2017 Schedule

2017 Upcoming Events

Date App. Deadline Location Type
5/18 – 5/19 N/A Susquehanna Flats – Anchor Marine      Team
5/21 5/12 Susquehanna Flats – Anchor Marine      Points
6/17 – 6/18 6/9 Candlewood Lake – Squantz Cove Boat Launch Points
7/30 7/21 Lake Hopcatcong – Lee’s Park Marina Points

Aug 26

CAMPITELLO WINS!!

Submitted by Nick Angiulo

The New Jersey Bass Federation (NJBF) significantly changed its tournament format in 2016. In that regard, it instituted large guaranteed first prize payouts to the winners in both the Boater and Co-Angler Divisions, and ended its season with its first-ever two-day finale, offering the biggest first prizes ever awarded in a NJBF event. The finale was also worth 1.5 times in tournament points and helped determine which Boaters and Co-Anglers would be eligible to fish in this year’s District 15 TBF National Semi-Final event in October. Under that backdrop, a longtime Federation member, but only occasional tournament participant, went out and smoked the Boater Division at the August 20 and 21 event held at Lake Hopatcong to win the Boater first prize of $2,500. In the Co- Angler Division, one angler rode a huge Day 2 weight along with a big fish bite to leap to the head of the Co-Angler Division.

Boater Division
Wire to wire wins in bass fishing are rare. However, in this event, one angler put two impressive days together to easily outdistance the Boater Division field. That angler, Ralph Campitello, from Kinnelon, New Jersey and a member of the North Jersey Bass Anglers, had a two-day total weight of 26.87 pounds, winning the Boater Division by over 5.50 pounds. Campitello consistently brought two big bags to the scales, starting off on Day 1 with the biggest limit of the event, totaling 14.30 pounds. Sleeping on an over one-pound lead could not have been easy, especially when considering the prize money at stake. Nevertheless, Campitello duplicated his limit on Day 2 and came in with 12.57 pounds on the day. As noted above, the $2,500 Boater Division first prize check awarded to Campitello is the largest ever awarded in a NJBF event.

Second place in the Boater Division was captured by Cody Barry. Barry, one of the Federation’s up-and-coming anglers at only 21 years old, posted two consistent limits of fish to take the runner up spot. Barry, who resides in Tabernacle, New Jersey and is a member of the South Jersey Hawg Hunters was in fourth place after Day 1 with a solid 10.45 pound limit. Barry bettered that weight on Day 2 by bringing 10.89 pounds to the scales, giving him 21.34 pounds overall and a 0.74 pound margin over third place. For his second place Boater Division finish, Barry collected $1,050.

Third place finisher Derick Olson made up quite a bit of ground between Days 1 and 2. Olson, from Honey Brook, Pennsylvania and a member of the Quickfire Bassmasters, had a small 8.42 pound limit on Day 1, placing him is tenth place. However, Olson backed that weight up with 12.18 pounds on Day 2, giving him a total of 20.60 pounds, and the $800 third place check. Fourth place Boater Division finisher was John McAloney. McAloney, from Sussex, New Jersey and a member of the Essex County Bassmasters, had a two-day weight of 19.51 pounds, worth $580.

Other prizes were awarded to the fifth, sixth and seventh place Boater Division anglers. In that regard, Nick Angiulo received a 2017 free entry certificate for his fifth place finish; Mike Hart received a 2017 free entry certificate for his sixth place finish; and Keith Kurpicki received a $150 gift certificate that was graciously donated by NJBF sponsor, North Jersey Marine, for his seventh place finish. The Boater Division lunker prize was taken by Rich Schneidereit, from Medford, New Jersey and a member of the Clearwater Bassmasters with a 4.84 pound largemouth, caught on Day 1. Schneidereit’s lunker was worth $150.

Co-Angler Division
C.J. Tuite broke a long NJBF victory drought by winning last month’s Delaware River event. And, after his Day 1 weight of 3.92 pounds consisting of one fish, he was likely none too confident that he could make it two in a row as he sat mired in eighth place. However, he indeed did so, with a huge Day 2 output of four fish totaling 10.50 pounds, including the 4.39 pound Co-Angler Division lunker. Tuite, from Succasunna, New Jersey and a member of the Warren County Bassmasters rode his Day 2 success to easily win the event by nearly three and one- half pounds, and collected $1,750, the largest check ever awarded to a Co-Angler in a NJBF event. Tuite collected an additional $125 for his lunker.

Mike Lee had a narrow lead in this event after Day 1 when he managed four fish for 9.29 pounds. However, as is often the fate of a co-angler, he struggled on Day 2 to bring in two fish weighing 2.66 pounds, giving him a total of 11.95 pounds. Nevertheless, Lee, from Oakland, New Jersey and a member of the Essex County Bassmasters, held on to finish in second and collected the Co-Angler Division second place prize of $600.

Third place Co-Angler went to Dave Lindabury with 11.68 pounds. Lindabury, from Mt. Laurel, New Jersey and a member of the Big D Valley Bassmasters had only two small fish on Day 1 weighing 3.30 pounds. However, on Day 2 he put together the only five-fish limit by a Co-Angler totaling 8.38 pounds, which catapulted him up to the third position. Lindabury received $310.

Other prizes were awarded to the fourth, fifth and sixth Co-Angler Division anglers. In that regard, Greg Farace received a 2017 free entry certificate for his fourth place finish; Casey Noble received a 2017 free entry certificate for his fifth place finish; and Bill Spindler received a Ranger life vest that was graciously donated by NJBF sponsor, North Jersey Marine, for his sixth place finish.

Yearlong Tournament Awards

Angler of the Year
Boater Division Angler of the Year was wide open going into this last event with the top 10 anglers separated by only 20 overall points. However, Derick Olson expanded his narrow lead with his solid finish in this event to easily capture the title.
The Co-Angler Division Angler of the Year was also an incredibly close race going into the event, with the top six Co-Anglers within 14 points of one another. However, similar to the Boater Division, C.J. Tuite, by winning this event, ensured that he would be the Co-Angler of the Year.

Rookie of the Year
In the Boater Division, the Rookie of the Year was Ryan McGinty of the Big D Valley Bassmasters. McGinty finished the season in sixth place overall in the Boater Division.
In the Co-Angler Division, and making it a Big D Valley sweep, was Dave Lindabury, who, by virtue of his seventh place finish in the standings is the Co-Angler Rookie of the Year.

Miscellaneous Notes
1. The fishing at Lake Hopatcong proved tough, but better than expected. In that regard, 270 fish weighing 505.62 pounds were brought to the scales. All but two of the fish (99.26%) were released alive.
2. By virtue of being the highest placing eligible Ranger Boat owner in the event, Derick Olson will receive $250 in Ranger Cup bonus money.
3. The NJBF anglers and Tournament Staff are to be commended on their care of the fish brought to the weigh-ins during all of the 2016 events. Of the 1,256 fish weighed, only six were brought to the scales dead and an amazing 99.52% were released alive.
4. Kudos go out to first-year Tournament Director, Dan Goykhman, who did a tremendous job with the new format and ran this season’s events in a fair and efficient manner under often trying circumstances.