The second 2003 IBF Invitational Tournament sponsored by Moore Boats, Ligonier, Indiana took place on May 18, 2003 at Lake Wawasee. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Todd Moore and his staff for opening their facility for us to use as our Registration and Meeting site. They served homemade cookies, popcorn and drinks to the fishermen as well. We really do appreciate their hospitality!!
A special thanks to Barb Hale and Gary Mitchell for helping with the afternoon shuttle and traffic control. We asked for their help and they didn't hesitate for a moment even though they had a 4 hour drive back to Sullivan, Indiana. We also want to thank Richard Crawford and Don Jenkins for shuttling, Paul Hollabaugh and Doug Bradley for helping with traffic and Cory Thompson for running the release boat in the afternoon.
Additionally, I want to thank all of the fishermen for their cooperation in going thru boat check and getting your boats in the water in a timely fashion. The process runs smoothly ONLY if the fishermen help. Wawasee can be rather difficult considering the facilities. You did a great job and I commend each and every one of you for your patience and cooperation. We will continue to ask you to show your white numbered card as you come thru boat check - you may want to keep that in mind. Thanks again!!
Please review page 4 of this newsletter regarding "Entry Deadline". Sandy has prepared this for you since she has gotten quite a few calls regarding this matter. Please review it even if you think it may not apply to you.
We had 264 fishermen start out on a partly cloudy and windy day of fishing with 149 fishermen bringing 298 fish to the scales weighing a total of 481.16 pounds. Specifically, 87 Anglers weighed in 186 fish weighing 309.16 pounds and 62 Co-Anglers weighed in 112 fish weighing 171.40 pounds. If you keep your Newsletters it is interesting to compare this section with the previous month. You can also find this information in the Newsletter section on the website www.indianabass.com under Invitational Trail.
On the Angler side, the tournament was won by Curt Hughes with 4 fish weighing 10.60 pounds. He received the first place plaque and a check in the amount of $3,511. Second place went to Brian Hensley with 5 fish weighing 9.24 pounds. He received the second place plaque and a check in the amount of $1,731. Andy Jenkins finished third with 5 fish weighing 8.92 pounds and received a check in the amount of $989 and the third place plaque. Finishing fourth with 5 fish weighing 8.60 pounds was Wayne Leazier. He received the fourth place plaque and a check for $692. The fifth spot went to Randy Ramsey with 5 fish weighing 8.32 pounds. He received a check in the amount of $494 and the fifth place plaque. We paid out 21 places on the Angler side. The Hildebrandt Co. First Out Of The Money prize went to Charlie Land on the Angler side.
On the Co-Angler side, the tournament was won by Randy Shank with 5 fish weighing 7.14 pounds. He received the first place plaque and a check in the amount of $1,561. Second place went to James Alley with 5 fish weighing 7.08 pounds. He received the second place plaque and a check in the amount of $791. Jim Dailey finished third with 5 fish weighing 7.06 pounds and received a check in the amount of $443 and the third place plaque. Finishing fourth with 5 fish weighing 6.68 pounds was Heath Hawkins. He received the fourth place plaque and a check for $316. The fifth spot went to Steve Lehman with 3 fish weighing 5.88 pounds. He received a check in the amount of $208 and the fifth place plaque. We paid out 19 places on the Co-Angler side. The Hildebrandt Co. First Out Of The Money prize went to Marty Boyle on the Co-Angler side.
We now have two big bass pots for Anglers and two for Co-Anglers. There is the Regular Big Bass Pot and it operates the same way big bass pots always operate. The Angler and Co-Angler who catch the biggest bass (by weight) win the regular big bass pots. 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. There is a Progressive Big Bass Pot for Anglers and one for Co-Anglers.
The Angler Regular Big Bass Pot was won by Curt Hughes with a big bass of 4.32 pounds. He received a big bass check in the amount of $556. The Co-Angler Regular Big Bass Pot was won by Mark Lyons with a big bass of 3.86 pounds. He received a big bass check in the amount of $250. Since no Anglers or Co-Anglers caught a big bass of at least 5.00 pounds, the Progressive Big Bass Pots carry over to the Wawasee Tournament. The Angler Progressive Pot is $556 and the Co-Angler Progressive Pot is $482. These amounts will be increased at Monroe based on the number of entries in the tournament.
The highest finishing Angler and Co-Angler mentioning Solar Bat Sunglasses and wearing or having them hang around their neck while weighing in received a bonus of $50.00 for the Angler and $25.00 for the Co-Angler. Brian Hensley received $50.00 and Randy Shank received $25.00 from Solar Bat Eye Protection Systems.
Eddie Gilstrap Motors in Salem are providing a one-year lease of a 2003 Ford F-150 Supercab Pickup Truck to a very lucky fisherman at the end of the regular season. Every time you fish a tournament you will be eligible for the drawing at the last regular season tournament. Both Anglers and Co-Anglers will be eligible for this drawing. WOW!! WHAT A FINISH THAT WILL BE!!
As you can see, there are many reasons to come out and fish the IBF trail. We welcome everyone (Anglers and Co-Anglers) to come out and join the fun. Please take the time to look at our sponsors for 2003 and give them your business if you are in need of their services. Also please remember to thank them when you see a representative. The IBF trail could not exist without the backing of our sponsors - we need to let them know that they are appreciated.
YOU DON'T NEED A "GUARANTEED" PARTNER TO ENTER THE TOURNAMENT. Remember that you can send your entry forms in together or separately if you are entering as "guaranteed," but you do need to indicate the person on the entry form. If you have entered and later find a "guaranteed" partner, just let us know and we will make the appropriate changes. WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE "GUARANTEED."
CO-ANGLERS!!!! You don't need to be matched with an Angler in order to enter the tournament. If you want to be guaranteed with an Angler, please let me know by putting a note at the bottom of your entry, email or call me. Don't think that you cannot enter the tournament unless you have an Angler matched with you - this is not true.
ANGLERS!!!! Get out there and find a Co-Angler to be matched up with you!!! If you have looked and can't find a Co-Angler let me know by putting a note at the bottom of your entry, email or call me. We will put you at the bottom of the list and you will work your way to the top for Co-Angler matching.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU FILL OUT THE ENTRY FORM COMPLETELY. We cannot finalize your entry unless it is complete.
As you know, this will be my final season as your Tournament Director. The Tournament Crew and I have enjoyed the Tournament Trail and the new friends and fellowship that comes with this job. When Sandy and I made the decision to take over the Tournament Trail we committed to each other that we would run it for three years. I notified the Board of Directors before the 2002 season ended that 2003 would be our last season to run it. Besides, I am a fisherman and I really want to fish this trail too!! If you think you would be interested or know of someone who would like to take over as Tournament Director, please let me or Paul Hollabaugh know.
The results for Moore Boats Invitational at Lake Wawasee are enclosed, along with the Year-To-Date Standings.
The next event sponsored by Hawg - Sticker ® is on June 1, 2003 at Lake Monroe. Registration and pre-tournament meeting will be Saturday, May 31, 2003 at Lake Monroe, Cutright Ramp, Bloomington, Indiana, with registration from 3:00 to 5:00 and the meeting starting at 5:00 p.m.
We were pleased with the participation and excitement of the fishermen. The Tournament Crew and I had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of you and hoped that you had a great time fishing with us. We really appreciate your support. Please feel free to call Sandy or me if you have any questions. Let's keep it up!
THE FUN HAS BEGUN!
Dan Simmons
Tournament Director
Entry Deadline
Entry Deadline applies to the following:
- Entry Forms for a specified tournament. If you enter after the Entry Deadline date you will be assessed a $25 late fee.
- Guaranteed Partners must be entered and matched up by this date for the specified tournament. In other words, you can't be matched up for a tournament after the Entry Deadline for that specific tournament and both partners must have their Entry Forms entered by the Entry Deadline in order to remain "Guaranteed".
- Special Memberships must be paid by Entry Deadline for the tournament you wish to use it. You can't pay for a Special Membership for a tournament after the Entry Deadline for that specific tournament. It is a 1-time only payment, you can use it for any remaining tournaments during the season, but it must be paid by the Entry Deadline if you want to use it for a specific tournament.
Entry Deadline Means: "Entry deadline shall be seven (7) days prior to the tournament date." This means that if you are mailing, it needs to be Postmarked (you need to get it to the post office) by Sunday before the tournament and if you are hand delivering it - you need to get it to our house on Sunday.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL ME. PLEASE DON'T WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE DEADLINE DATE TO CALL REGARDING A SPECIFIC QUESTION FOR A SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT.
