The Oklahoma Bass Federation held their first two of their 6 tournaments to be held in the 2018 tournament schedule to qualify anglers to participate in the TBF District 6 National Semi-Finals to be held on Grand Lake, June 16 and 17, 2018.  With water temperatures ranging from 48 degrees to about 53 degrees, a dropping lake and waters from murky to murkier, the fishing both practice days and both tournament days proved to be the most difficult fishing action that many of us have experienced in the past 45 to 50 years of fishing on Grand Lake.

Saturday Tournament Results:

The anglers started the tournament with temperatures in the low 40’s and very mild wind conditions.  Trailering was allowed so all parts of the lake were challenged by our anglers.  Even though the fishing conditions were very tough, there were a few teams that found the correct waters to fish and the best lures to present to the fish.  Johnny Babb and Cain Brinlee (Ada) brought 4 fish to the scales weighing 12.01# to take first place.  Their stringer was anchored by the big bass for the day, a 5.75# lunker.  Three teams boated 5 fish limits to take the next three places.  Jody Linder and Jake Beam (Ponca City) boated a limit that weighed 10.23# to sweep second place.  Gene Vogt and Donnie Combrink (PC Hookers) had a limit that trailed second by only one pound with 9.26# for third.  Fourth went to Jeff Linder and Brett Krieger (Ponca City) with their limit weighing 8.74#.  Bobby Walker and Cameron Adams (Ponca City) captured fifth with 3 fish tipping the scales at 7.68#.  John Garcia and Brett Taylor (Bedlam) had 2 fish, one weighing 4.0#, for a 6.33# total to take sixth place.  Seventh went to Dean Matts and Scott Callaway (Central) with two fish tipping the scales at 5.58#.  One fish, a 4.53# lunker, helped Ron Fuller and Denton Long (NEO) into eight place.  Mike Morgan and Brandon Beck (Ada) took ninth with 2 fish weighing 3.57# while the Ada team of Stewart Ryan and Alex Lane had two fish trailing ninth by only .06# to take tenth with 3.51#.  The only other team to catch 2 fish, Marc and Julie Downs (Bedlam), to take eleventh with 3.40#.  Three other teams contributed one fish each.  Ben Burk and Paul Davis (Bedlam) finished twelfth at 1.66#,  Jackie Husmann and Sandy Hooker (PC Hookers) 1.04# at thirteenth followed in fourteenth place by Shawn Lewis and Curtiss Plunkett (Ponca City) with 0.97#.

Sunday Tournament Results:

The fishermen were greeted with 10 to 15 mph winds out of the North with temperatures in the low 40’s, in fact the temperatures reached only 45 or 46 degrees during the day along with never ending winds.  Due to conditions, the angers were limited to the areas of the lake they could fish.  As bad as Saturday was for fishing, Sunday was worse.  However, with the good quality of anglers fishing in our tournaments, a few always seem to meet the challenge.  Our two anglers, Gene Vogt and Donnie Combrink, who qualified for the 2018 TBF Nationals from 2017 National Semi-Finals, took first place in the tournament with an unbelievable limit weighing 18.99#.  Their limit included the big bass for the day and the tournament at 6.17#.  Matching Gene and Donnie with limits both days was Jody Linder and Jake Beam.  Jody and Jake dropped about a pound from day one to 9.20# taking second for the second day.  Moving up from fourth Saturday to third was Jeff Linder and Brett Krieger with three fish tipping the scales at 7.69#.  Their creel included a 6.07# lunker.   Jeremy Vantuyl and Cody Hunt (PC Hookers) took fourth  place with 6.64# with two fish, one weighing 4.87#.  Fifth, sixth and seventh places were three teams boating two fish each.  Fifth was garnered by Ron Fuller and Denton Long anchored by a 4.76 lunker to bring their two  fish total to 6.33#.  Dean Matts and Scott Callaway had a weight of 5.76# to take sixth while John Garcia and Brett Taylor followed with 4.43#.  Jack Garrett and Brad Hopkins (Ada and NEO) got on the board with a fish weighing 3.41# and just behind with a 3.22# fish was Ben Burk and Paul Davis.  Rounding out the top ten was Bobby Walker and Cameron Adams at 1.90#.  The only other boat the came to the weigh-in trailer with a fish was Mike Morgan and Brandon Beck with a 1.86# fish to take eleventh place.

Summary

The total amount of fish caught for the two days was much lower than any other total registered in an OBF tournament for the last 30 to 40 years.  Saturday there was 36 fish brought to the scales and all were returned to the lake. On Sunday the number of fish dropped to 25 with all returned to the lake.  The average weight per fish for the two days was 2.18# on Saturday and 2.78# on Sunday.  The pay back for our tournaments is 20% of the field.  The total pay-back for each event will be $1150.  First each day is a prize of $425, second $300, third $200, and fourth $150.  There was also a bonus of $100 for the top Ranger Cup angler each day.  Following is total payback for the two days:

Gene Vogt and Donnie Combrink     $725.00 (includes $100 for Ranger Cup on Sunday)

Jody Linder and Jake Beam                $600.00

Johnny Babb and Cain Brinlee      $525.00 (includes $100 for Ranger Cup on Saturday)

Jeff Linder and Brett Krieger         $350.00

Jeremy Vantuyl and Cody Hunt         $150.00

Fifth is a blind draw for all those present that did not place in the top 4.  Saturday’s winner was Bobby Walker and Cameron Adams while Marc and Julie Downs took the $75 prize for Sunday.

The next two tournaments will be held on Lake Texoma Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22 followed by the final events on Eufaula May 5 and 6.  After the six events, the top 10%, based on the points of each team total from their top four tournaments.  Participation of our OBF members in sanctioned events will also be used to determine how many boaters and co-anglers will advance to the TBF District 6 National Semi-Finals to be held on Grand Lake June 16 and 17.   For the NSF, the lake will be off limits on June 11 and 12 with practice being allowed the 13, 14, and 15.  The top 10% boaters and co-anglers from Arkansas and Oklahoma will compete with the boaters vs boaters and co-anglers vs co-anglers in a blind draw format.  Entry for the NSF is $200 for boaters and $100 for co-anglers.  The tournament will pay back 75% of the entry fee to 20% of the field.  The top boater and top co-angler from each State will qualify for the 2019 TBF National Championship which will give them a chance to garner a non-entry fee shot at attending the BFL All-American or, if winning Nationals, a direct entry to the FLW Cup and a “Living the Dream” package.

Minn Kota launches the only shallow-water anchor that gives anglers control from anywhere in the boat, plus unlocks more water for precise, anchored fishing with a new 15-foot version.

Racine, Wisconsin (8/4/2017) – Using a Minn Kota® Talon® for precise boat control has never been easier. In fact, there are now five ways for anglers to activate the Talon from anywhere in the boat. The newest way utilizes Bluetooth® communication to pair the Talon with Humminbird® units on the boat for total boat control on one console (including the ability to pair Humminbird units with select Minn Kota trolling motors). Anglers can also engage the anchor using a foot switch, with a wireless remote (every Talon comes standard with two), via the new Talon smartphone app, and with the Talon’s built-in control panel.

According to Minn Kota Brand Manager Brad Henry, “When it’s time to Talon down we give anglers options so they can lock on a spot no matter where they are in the boat or their style of fishing.”

Another major advancement is the introduction of Minn Kota’s new 15-foot Talon, the deepest shallow-water anchor ever made. It allows anglers to lock down on more spots to effectively unlock more water.

Hall of Fame angler Al Lindner explains how Talon’s depth delivers results for his multi-species pursuits. “I use it for catfish in rivers, for crappies in the spring, naturally for bass, and in more cases than I ever thought – for walleyes. Yeah, you heard me right, walleyes.”

Also new for 2017 is a clever work light built into the Talon top cap. When fishing in dark conditions, the work light illuminates the entire back deck of the boat to help anglers when rigging and landing fish at night. It has three brightness settings and white or blue LED light options for ideal illumination.

Talon allows anglers to anchor in any condition with three user-selectable anchoring modes – another exclusive feature. The AUTO-DRIVE MODE powers the spike into the bottom with three increasingly aggressive hits. A SOFT BOTTOM MODE is ideal for less aggressive anchoring and easier retraction in muddy or silted bottom. When the wind is blowing, the ROUGH WATER MODE performs three consecutive auto-drive sequences at 10-second intervals for a secure hold when the boat rises and falls in waves.

Talon’s electro-mechanical design keeps the motor above the waterline for silent stealth below the surface. Talon also deploys vertically and out of the way, helping eliminate unwanted tangles when fighting boat-side fish. Also, anglers can add the tilt bracket accessory for easy tilt function for passing under low-hanging obstacles.

In addition to the new 15-footer, Talons are also available in 8-, 10- and 12-foot models. They all feature Bluetooth technology with a variety of color combinations including red/black, blue/black, silver/black, silver/white, all black and all white. The new Talons will be available in October 2017 and will retail for $1,899.99 (8-foot), $1,999.99 (10-foot), 2,099.99 (12-foot) and $2,499.99 (15-foot).

For more information visit MinnKotaMotors.com/NewTalon.

About Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors and consists of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird® is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fishfinders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers and premium cartography products. Minn Kota® is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of Talon® shallow-water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon® is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

About Johnson Outdoors
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products.  The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear.  Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include, among others: Old Town^® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak^™ and Necky^® kayaks; Carlisle^®paddles; Extrasport^® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota^® fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon^® downriggers; Humminbird^® marine electronics and digital charts; SCUBAPRO^® dive equipment; Silva^® compasses; Jetboil^® outdoor cooking systems; and Eureka!^®camping and hiking equipment.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

###

Minn Kota launches the only shallow-water anchor that gives anglers control from anywhere in the boat, plus unlocks more water for precise, anchored fishing with a new 15-foot version.

Racine, Wisconsin (8/4/2017) – Using a Minn Kota® Talon® for precise boat control has never been easier. In fact, there are now five ways for anglers to activate the Talon from anywhere in the boat. The newest way utilizes Bluetooth® communication to pair the Talon with Humminbird® units on the boat for total boat control on one console (including the ability to pair Humminbird units with select Minn Kota trolling motors). Anglers can also engage the anchor using a foot switch, with a wireless remote (every Talon comes standard with two), via the new Talon smartphone app, and with the Talon’s built-in control panel.

According to Minn Kota Brand Manager Brad Henry, “When it’s time to Talon down we give anglers options so they can lock on a spot no matter where they are in the boat or their style of fishing.”

Another major advancement is the introduction of Minn Kota’s new 15-foot Talon, the deepest shallow-water anchor ever made. It allows anglers to lock down on more spots to effectively unlock more water.

Hall of Fame angler Al Lindner explains how Talon’s depth delivers results for his multi-species pursuits. “I use it for catfish in rivers, for crappies in the spring, naturally for bass, and in more cases than I ever thought – for walleyes. Yeah, you heard me right, walleyes.”

Also new for 2017 is a clever work light built into the Talon top cap. When fishing in dark conditions, the work light illuminates the entire back deck of the boat to help anglers when rigging and landing fish at night. It has three brightness settings and white or blue LED light options for ideal illumination.

Talon allows anglers to anchor in any condition with three user-selectable anchoring modes – another exclusive feature. The AUTO-DRIVE MODE powers the spike into the bottom with three increasingly aggressive hits. A SOFT BOTTOM MODE is ideal for less aggressive anchoring and easier retraction in muddy or silted bottom. When the wind is blowing, the ROUGH WATER MODE performs three consecutive auto-drive sequences at 10-second intervals for a secure hold when the boat rises and falls in waves.

Talon’s electro-mechanical design keeps the motor above the waterline for silent stealth below the surface. Talon also deploys vertically and out of the way, helping eliminate unwanted tangles when fighting boat-side fish. Also, anglers can add the tilt bracket accessory for easy tilt function for passing under low-hanging obstacles.

In addition to the new 15-footer, Talons are also available in 8-, 10- and 12-foot models. They all feature Bluetooth technology with a variety of color combinations including red/black, blue/black, silver/black, silver/white, all black and all white. The new Talons will be available in October 2017 and will retail for $1,899.99 (8-foot), $1,999.99 (10-foot), 2,099.99 (12-foot) and $2,499.99 (15-foot).

For more information visit MinnKotaMotors.com/NewTalon.

About Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors and consists of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird® is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fishfinders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers and premium cartography products. Minn Kota® is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of Talon® shallow-water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon® is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

About Johnson Outdoors
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products.  The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear.  Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include, among others: Old Town^® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak^™ and Necky^® kayaks; Carlisle^®paddles; Extrasport^® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota^® fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon^® downriggers; Humminbird^® marine electronics and digital charts; SCUBAPRO^® dive equipment; Silva^® compasses; Jetboil^® outdoor cooking systems; and Eureka!^®camping and hiking equipment.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

###

The Oklahoma Bass Federation held the 2017 Junior State Championship on Lake Ponca, Saturday, June 17.  The 600 acre lake, located in Ponca City, OK, provided the young anglers the opportunity to enjoy a day on the water fishing out of boats furnished by the contestants parents and/or members of the Ponca City Bassmasters.  The anglers were competing for a trip to the TBF 2017 Junior World Championship to be held in Columbia, SC August 10 thru 12on Lake Wateree.  The Junior program is open to young men and women ages 11 to 15 with the age limit effective August 31 of each year.

Caleb Edens, Ponca City, was the only angler to bring a limit to the scales.  The five fish tipped the scales at 6 pounds and 8 oz.  With this limit, Caleb was crowned the 2017 Oklahoma Junior State Champion.  The State Runner-Up was another Ponca angler, Anna Newell.  Anna brought in a creel of 3 fish weighing 4 pounds 9 oz.  Eli Long, Holdenville, garnered the third place trophy with a 3 pound and 11oz. stringer.  Fouth went to Hayden Newland, Ponca City, with 2 pounds and 15 oz. followed by Dakota Page, Catoosa, only 9 oz. behind Hayden with  3 fish weighing 2 pounds 6 oz.  Rounding out the Top 6 was Ty Downs, Newkirk, with a 2 pounder, one of the largest of the fish brought to the scales.

The State Champions from all 46 States and Canada, associated with the Bass Federation (TBF), will be competing for title of the 2017 Junior World Champion.  Anglers will fish one elimination day with the 7 regional finalist fishing on the final day for $5000 in College Scholarships.  The TBF has programs for young anglers 11-15 years of age in our Junior program, High School team tournaments, and events for the College anglers.  For information concerning our youth and adult programs go to bassfederation.com.