Director's Report
| Ray Boies 35 Karn Rd. Livermore Falls, Me. 04254 Home (207) 897-2772 Cell (207) 212-5444 |
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2008 Report
With this winters spring thaw we may find a few new ponds in the State, enough snow everyone? This has truly been a cabin fever winter for me and now I look forward to another year of service.
First I want to thank all my fellow Federation members for their support of various charities throughout the State, through their open tournaments and fundraisers, and don't forget the countless hours of volunteering which is "priceless".
Reflecting on the 2007 Fish Off, on the Kennebec River in Skowhegan, it was a huge success in part due to the well coordinated weigh-in hosted by members of the Vacationland Basscasters, a job well done!
Mr Bass honors for the year went to Ken Tuttle Sr. of Southern Maine Anglers who surprised everyone as he accomplished this as a non-boater and managed a limit each day for a 2 day total of 20.83 lbs. Ken also caught the lunker smallmouth, a beauty at 5.03 lbs., great job Ken! For his efforts, Ken will be the team captain of our 12-man team representing Maine at the 2008 Eastern Divisional on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire on September 14-19, 2008. The top angler from Maine from this event will move on to compete in the 2008 Nationals on Milford Lake in Junction City, Kansas, November 6-8, 2008. Should the top angler out of the 7 representing the Eastern Division be from Maine he will advance to the "Super Bowl of Bass Fishing", the Bassmaster Classic in February 2009 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.; this can be a life changing experience, literally.
Our Federation also has a very dedicated Youth Director. Eric Kuehne who heads up the Maine Casting Kids Championship event and is also very dedicated with our Junior Bassmaster program in Maine. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated member/coordinator as Eric.
If you know a youngster who would like to learn more about bass fishing as well as meet others with similar interest you can contact Eric at (207) 499-2692 or myself at bassinray@hotmail.com or (207) 897-2772.
On our Conservation end of the spectrum, I would like to remind all, that not all plants are necessarily bad in our lakes and ponds. There are many varieties of plants that do serve as nurseries for young fingerlings and protect them from predators, and removal of such plants only hurts our ecosystem in our lakes. There are many pamphlets and various meetings in our State that one can educate themselves in the identification of good aquatic plants. Our bass members are very conscientious about the importance of stopping the spread of invasive plants such as milfoil. they have taken the lead by inspecting their boats prior to entering the lake and prior to leaving the launch area. All Maine B.A.S.S. Federation Nation clubs take an active part in this at their club tournaments and open events.
Good news, starting in 2008 the open water fishing season is now open until Dec 31 on most waters. The Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has done a great job in the rules & regulations booklet for all species, it's easier to understand and less confusing. Maybe someone will land the largest fish ever on Christmas Day.
If you are interested in joining a club and becoming a member of the Maine B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, contact me at 897-2772 or bassinray@hotmail.com. You will be surprised how easy it is and how you can become a champion too. It’s not unachievable.
In closing I would challenge you to share your passion for bass fishing with a youngster, I guarantee they will always remember those times out fishing as well as enjoy the natural beauty this State has to offer.
Wishing you all a safe and pleasant season and the bass of your dreams on the end of your line.