...To improve skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of bass catching techniques and to preserve the future of Bass Fishing through conservation, youth and public awareness.
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 Mark Scocco |
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Great Start to the 2007 Season!
We bass fisherman can really be creatures of habit. We get locked in to doing certain things a certain way and become reluctant to change or downright get rebellious about trying something new. Last year when a scheduling conflict arose with the first tournament, the idea of a mid-week event was proposed and, mainly because of too short of notice, was decided against. However, the seeds were planted for a new concept to grow in 2007 with the potential to become a regfular practice.
With this season's opening tournament at Candlewood Lake held on Wednesday, May 2nd, the club basically had the lake to itself other than a few locals and the fish were quite cooperative. With the 30 members bringing in 13 limits and over 200 pounds of fish, most of which were smallmouth, this was one of our most successful first tournaments. Of course, my opinion does have a slight bias as I had one of my best days in recent years and scored my personal best individual fish and weight in a Bergen tournament. Regardless, the numbers are easy to see and I'm hoping we can do this again next year.
Nick Albano and his tournament committee did an excellent job with coordinating the numerous pre-tournament partner changes right on through to the blast-off precisely at 7am and the wrap up at the weigh-in. While everyone has some idea the effort involved in organizing and running a smooth and successful tournament, not many actually get to see the behind the scene work that goes on. E-mails, phone calls to arrange partners, who's boat is down and who cannot fish are just a few of the topics that must be handled. Oh, and yes, these guys need to get prepared themselves to compete as well. My message to Nick and the tournament committee is a simple "thank you" from myself and each club member. You commitment and dedication is appreciated by all of us and if the the first tournament is any indication, we're going to have an absolutely fantastic season. Keep up the great work!
On a different note, the club sends it's best wishes to Billy Vella who has some personal matters to focus on. You've done so much for us and you will certainly be missed this year, except by Stinky who thinks he might have a chance at Angler of the Year now that you're not fishing. He just might if it weren't for the return of 2-time Angler of the Year, John Ernest. John, who took a leave early this year for a work assignment in Florida, is returning to full time membership status and will be joining us in time for Lillinonah. He is not only a great fisherman but a quality individual and an assett to this club. We certainly welcome John back!
So, I'll wrap by saying that it's great to get the tournament season under way and we're off to an awesome start. Lillinonah and Sacandaga should also be great tournaments. Don't forget to reserve your rooms at the Valley View and good luck to the guys fishing the NJ State Team Tournament down on Kerr Reservoir.
Respectfully submitted,Mark Scocco
President - Bergen Bassmasters