The first IBF Invitational Tournament took place yesterday at Patoka Lake. The weather was overcast, warm and windy. 274 fishermen were paired up and sent on their way to a great day of fishing starting at 6:15 A.M. It was truly an exciting start to a tremendous season of fishing for Sandy and I. We have been spending virtually all our free time promoting and preparing for this season since learning last fall that we would I would be the Tournament Director beginning in 2001.
First, I want to thank the fishermen for their patience during the weigh in. As I announced at the weigh in, we were required by the DNR to measure each fish brought to the scales. We had 158 fishermen bring *** fish to the scales. Please keep in mind as the hotter weather approaches that, if there is a long line of fishermen, it is better for the fish and for your own comfort level to keep the fish in the boat instead of a long line. It is better to have the line at the release boat waiting for a sack than in the weigh in line. Thanks again for your patience.
The tournament was won by Brad Schneck with 5 fish weighing 16.24 pounds. He received the first place plaque and a check in the amount of $3,119.00. Second place went to Brandon Lopossa with 5 fish weighing15.03 pounds. He received the second place plaque and a check in the amount of $1,772.00. David Aly finished third with 5 fish weighing 14.44 pounds an received a check in the amount of $978.00 and the third place plaque. Finishing fourth with 5 fish weighing 13.88 pounds was Fred Felix. He received the fourth place plaque and a check for $679.00. The fifth spot went to George Davis with 5 fish weighing 13.25 pounds. He received a check in the amount of $426.00 and the fifth place plaque.
The plaques for this tournament, as well as all the plaques for the rest of the season, were provided by the Outdoorsman Sports Shop in Greenwood, Indiana. This is a major sponsorship to our events and we all need to thank them for their support at every opportunity.
This is the first time that we have had two big bass pots. There is the Regular Big Bass Pot and it operates the same way big bass pots always operate. The person who catches the biggest bass (by weight) wins the regular big bass pot. The second is the Progressive Big Bass Pot. The winner of this pot must catch a big bass that meets or exceeds the pre-established target weight. If no one catches a big bass that big, the Progressive Big Bas Pot carries over to the next tournament.
The big bass pot was one by Mike Petterson with a big bass of 5.60 pounds. He received a big bass check in the amount of $1,096.00. Since no one caught a big bass of at least 7.00 pounds, the Progressive Big Bass Pot carries over to the Rocky Point Tournament. It currently has $1,096.00 in it and will be increased at Rocky Point based on the number of entries in the tournament. This can get to be real fun. Keep an eye on it!
The second biggest bass was caught by Denny Johnson with a big bass of 5.56 pounds. He received a new rod from Jack's Tackle Center in Kokomo.
Eric Pate's name was placed in the drawing for the Solar Bat Eye Protection sponsorship for the 2002 season. The highest finishing fisherman wearing and mentioning Solar Bat Sunglasses while weighing in will be entered in a season end drawing. The fisherman drawn will have his entry fees for all six (6) 2002 IBF Invitational Trail Tournaments paid by Solar Bat. Solar Bat will furnish the winner with solar bat boat decals and embroider solar bat on up to four (4) tournament shirts. DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BE SPONSORED BY SOLAR BAT IN 2002.
Also, in conjunction with Outdoorsman Sports Shop and Jack's Tackle Center, we will be displaying and selling Solar Bat Sunglasses for your convenience.
American Trans Air is an additional sponsor this season. They are supplying a one (1) round-trop air fare for two (2) on any ATA scheduled service flight destination within the continental U.S. To qualify for this special drawing you must have fished the tournament and attended the check presentation for that tournament. For each check presentation you attend (provided you fished that tournament), you get one (1) entry towards the special drawing at the Classic. This is for the six (6) regular tournaments and will not include the Classic. Example: If you fish all six (6) tournaments and stay for all six (6) awards presentations, you will have six (6) chances towards the prize.
Too Cool Live Well Water Cooler (another new sponsor) will install one Too Cool Live Well Water Cooler for the IBF Season Champion.
As you can see, there are many reasons to come out and fish the IBF trail. We welcome everyone (boaters and non-boaters) to come out and join us.
There are some places where our schedule has been published that do not show the location of the Classic Tournament on October 6th and 7th. The classic will be held one day each on Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman in Monticello, Indiana. Sandy and I have negotiated arrangements for the event and you can all expect to enjoy your two-day event if you make the Classic. The top 40 from the regular season point standings and the top five finishers at the Wildcard tournament on September 16, 2001 will qualify for the Classic. The location of the Wildcard tournament will not be announced until the final regular season event on September 9, 2001 at Lake Monroe.
The results for the Ted's Aqua Marine Invitational at Patoka Lake are enclosed. We will do the same thing next month with a year-to-date standings report added to the mailing.
If you have never fished the IBF Invitational Tournament Trail you are eligible for the Rookie-Of-The-Year award. The Rookie-Of-The-Year winner will have his 2002 entries paid for by Ted's Aqua Marine. If you did not get registered at Patoka, please give us a call or e-mail us.
The next event is on May 13, 2001 at Rocky Point. Get you entry forms in early to avoid late fees and to help this old Tournament Director out. We were pleased with the participation and excitement of the fishermen. We had a great time and enjoyed all of you. Let's keep it up! THE FUN HAS JUST BEGUN!
Dan Simmons
Tournament Director
