Archive for February, 2023

February 21, 2023: B.A.S.S. Nation Series – Changes Announcement

Posted on February 22, 2023

   

 

February 21, 2023

New B.A.S.S. Nation format creates more opportunities for grass-roots anglers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Officials have unveiled a new format for the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series beginning with the 2024 season. Under the new format, individual, grass-roots anglers — even those who are not affiliated with a local club — will have more opportunities toqualify for the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and a shot at a berth in the iconic Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.

Beginning in 2024, both individual B.A.S.S. Nation anglers and club members from each state will be able to enter national qualifier events, with the Top 20 finishers advancing to the

B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Additionally, club anglers will be able to qualify directly from their state tournaments to the championship. The Top 3 finishers at the championship earn a berth into the Bassmaster Classic.

“Our goal is to give the everyday angler more chances to make it to the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, whether they get in via a state-run event or a national qualifier,” said GL Compton, tournament director for the B.A.S.S. Nation. “We know that for many anglers — especially when you’re working or in college — joining a local club isn’t practical, so opening

our regional qualifying events to unaffiliated individuals is a way to accommodate those competitors. But, if you’re a club angler, now you’ll have two paths to qualify for the Nation Championship. It really is an all-around win for grass-roots anglers.”

Currently, to qualify for the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, an angler must first qualify for a 20-member state team via state-leveltournaments before competing in a B.A.S.S. Nation regional championship, where only the top boater and nonboater from each state move on to thechampionship.

The B.A.S.S. Nation Championship tournament will feature qualifiers from the states and the four national qualifier tournaments, as well asinternational anglers. Not only will the Top 3 anglers from the overall standings realize a dream of competing in the Bassmaster Classic, but theNation Champion will earn the title of “Nation’s Best,” which includes the use of a fully-rigged tournament boat for a year, an invitation to join theBassmaster Elite Series and a cash prize. The second- and third-place finishers and nonboater champion will each earn paid entry fees for alldivisions of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens with the opportunity to qualify for the Elites.

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing andkeeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it.

Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines(Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years,

B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. CroixBassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike KingBassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha RightwatersBassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.

February 15, 2023: Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation Announcement: Youth Director

Posted on February 15, 2023

 

Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation wishes to welcome Anthony Dube as its new Youth Director

Please help us welcome Anthony Dube as the new OBN Youth Director! Welcome aboard Anthony!
Here is a little info/bio of what Anthony brings to the Ontario B.A.S.S Nation!
Education Certifications
Theology, Digital Marketing
Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Sports Marketing, Aquaculture and Immigration Law
Achievements:
AOY – 2016 – (Toronto Bassmasters)
AOY – 2017 – (York Bassmasters)
2018 – Member of the year award (York Bassmasters)
Team Ontario – 2018 & 2021
Background:
Sport and Gym Coach – 3 years (Zimbabwe)
Business owner – 21 years (Zimbabwe and Canada)
Youth and Lead Pastor – 14 years (Zimbabwe and Canada)
Immigration Consultant – RCIC Designation – 2 years (Canada)
Host of the Fishing Sponsorship Summit – 1 year
Vice President – York Bassmasters – 3 years
Assistant Youth Director – York Bassmasters – 4 years
Special Mention/Goals/Me
Huge thank you to @Curtis Cronkwright for his sacrifice to the OBN Youth during the hardest time in global history (Covid). He kept the flame alive and made my transition easier. I now get to help build from a place of promise and positivity! As a father of 4 kids, I have a vested interest in the future of our sport. That is what I bring to the table. My Raison Dêtre!
I am yet to meet many of you, but here’s a story to keep you going until then. I’m a bass head through and through. I was at boarding school for 6 years in Zimbabwe and my Dad didn’t like the idea of me fishing at school…I wonder why he would think that? It’s not like I would be distracted or anything like that. My school had a private pond stocked with Bass and I previously had my feelings hurt by a 5lber using a makeshift survivor style fishing rod…it was basically a handline with a Texas rig. I was determined to get even.
Anyway, the morning before catching the bus back to school my Dad was going to give me a ride to the bus station with my school trunk….Problem..How was I going to smuggle my rod out of the house and into the car without my Dad seeing it?…..My two piece Shimano rod just wouldn’t fit diagonally inside….I had to think fast….Brainwave….So I decided to break up the rod, tape the two pieces together and slip the rod down the side of the leg of my school pants and into my shoe.
Eureka it worked. Part two, walk normally and sit in the car. That was easier said than done. Unable to bend my knee, I walked like I had a leg brace on. Anyway, blinded by my need to get even with that 5lber I carried on. I got into the car and avoided eye contact with my Dad. He never did say anything to me. However, to this day I am convinced my Dad knew exactly what I was up to As for that 5lber, I never did get even. I’m still hurt. But hey, that’s fishing sometimes.
For any Youth related enquires, Anthony can be reached at:
Cell: 647-949-5507
E-Mail: youth@ontariobass.com

 

February 09, 2023: Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation Announcement: Conservation Director

Posted on February 9, 2023

Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation wishes to welcome Zachary White as its new Conservation Director

Here is a little info of what Zac brings to the Ontario B.A.S.S Nation:

Education:
Ecosystem Management Technician Diploma – Fleming College
Ecosystem Management Technologist Diploma – Fleming College
Environmental Technician Diploma – Fleming College
Bsc. in Environmental Resource Management – Trent University
Background:
MNRF – 6 years working in, Research and development, Species at risk and the Peterborough stewardship council
OFAH – 2 years of work in the community stream stewardship program
Water Treatment Operator – 6 years
Hastings Bassmaters Club President
Sitting on the FMU 17 council representing fishermen and anglers.
Teach and volunteer with various youth groups ie, scouting, about fishing, aquatic ecology and habitat restoration.
Goals:

The main goal for me is to develop better fish management and care procedures for the OBN. Including an evidence-based approach to better support our clubs and members for fish care. Not to say we don’t have good care but to have a better standard for it and support for education to maintain it. Especially at our biggest and most publicly viewed event, the Hank Gibson Provincial Qualifier. Hopefully, developing an Organization-wide standard operating procedure document for all levels.

Contact Information:
Zachary White
705.931.7611
zacharywhite@hotmail.com