Indiana Bass Federation Youth – Conservation – Fishing
The 2025 Larry P. Watson State Finals took place on Sunday, August 17, along the Ohio River at Patriot, Indiana. A total of 35 of the state’s best anglers and 35 top co-anglers, representing clubs from across Indiana, competed for the highly coveted State Champion title and a direct qualification to the 2026 TBF National Championships.
The pre-tournament meeting was graciously hosted by the Switzerland County Tourism Board, which provided a dinner for all competing fishermen. Tournament day began with a picturesque morning—slightly cloudy and calm—helping to temper the summer heat, though afternoon temperatures still soared above 90 degrees.
Ultimately, Dakota Ball, a 24-year-old angler from Connersville, Indiana, emerged victorious on the boater side, securing a five-fish limit weighing 8.33 lbs. Representing the Richmond Bass Club in Zone 3, this win stands among Dakota’s most significant fishing achievements. Dakota commonly partners with Jamie Cunnigan and Dustin Davis in team tournaments. For this event, he began his morning fishing the river above Tanner’s Creek, later moving into the creek as the day progressed.
The Non-Boater Champion title went to Bill Zimmerman of Shelburn, Indiana, who fishes the IBF Trail and is a member of the IBF Trail Club in Zone 4. Bill, a union electrician with IBEW 725 out of Terre Haute and a proud single father to a 20-year-old daughter, was thrilled to claim the championship by weighing in a five-fish limit of 6.79 lbs.
Tournament payouts were awarded to the top four finishers, with plaques presented to the champions:
Boater Side Results
- 1st Place: Dakota Ball – 8.33 lbs (five fish limit)
- 2nd Place: Josh Brown – 7.68 lbs
- 3rd Place: Paul Jones – 7.25 lbs (also won Big Bass side pot)
- 4th Place: John Ruffier – 7.18 lbs (with four fish)
Non-Boater Side Results
- 1st Place: Bill Zimmerman – 6.79 lbs (five fish limit)
- 2nd Place: Brian Laker – 5.09 lbs
- 3rd Place: John Gray – 4.20 lbs
- 4th Place: Dylan Grace – 4.07 lbs
Dakota Ball and Bill Zimmerman, 2025 IBF Champions
Money winners, 1st thru 4th and two places for Big Bass
