Approaching the Halfway Mark
Greetings, Bergenites! The NJBF Club Team Tournament on Lake Champlain was awesome. Along with excellent fishing and good company, we had an excellent base at the Green Acres Motel. The NJBF results have been posted and Bergen’s total weight (125.20 pounds) was closer to the top than the bottom. Individually, with a few larger fish, John Ernest or I could have made the Top Six. For me, this was old school fishing. I caught most of my keepers on Pop R’s and Black Power Worms. I just hope that Jason Mordhorst and the Tournament Committee returns Bergen to Lake Champlain in 09. This lake is just so big, it is impossible to over fish it. About the only negative issue we faced was the constant threat of thunderstorms. Except for Wednesday, we were rocked by storms every day. Fortunately, when they hit, they didn’t last long. Special kudos go out to Robert Curtis. The Bergen rookie had limits each day totaling over 20 pounds. Metro, with one man short, still managed to weigh in nearly 100 pounds of bass. On day two, I was boat Number One and was drawn with Mike Avery. Like my partner on day one (Bill Sewalsky, Sr), we were all culling by 8AM. The free Wednesday night chicken dinner, courtesy of the NJBF, was nicely done. I also thank Doug Giachino. With little notice and pre-fishing, alternate Metro Team member Doug had two good days and weighed in over 20 pounds of bass. All eleven Bergen and Metro members worked together and gave it their best shot. For 2009, rumor has it that the Team Event will be at Kerr Reservoir. Unlike last time, I just hope that the water level is high into the willows (and I hope that I make the Bergen Team!).
For your information, the USO-NJBF Inaugural Open Benefit Bass Tournament, originally scheduled for October 13, 2008, has been postponed to Sunday May 3, 2009 (a tentative date). The spring venue on Candlewood will certainly draw more applicants and we can expect outstanding results. Confirmed sponsors and supporters will be with us in 2009. The extra time also allows me to sign on additional sponsors. If you have any of the 2008 USO flyers, you can throw them out; revised flyers will follow later this year. As Mike Iaconelli, Pete Gluszek and Terry Baksay donated “Days on the Water” to be raffled off, we can expect to make much more money for the USO. The tickets will be sold from November to April. The Raritan and Suffern shows alone, should generate big revenue. All proceeds will be directed to the USO of Metropolitan New York.
It is time to dust off your big jitterbugs and black spinnerbaits. Although Bergen is not running an all night point’s event this year, the annual Bergen Open All Nighter is scheduled for Saturday night, July 26th. For a better boat number, please turn in your applications and checks to John Giordano during the next meeting (at Burke’s) on July 17th. Also, we need to confirm a tournament and registration committee on July 17th. Please let me know if you can help out. For the last few years we fielded over 30 boats and expect at least that amount this year.
Another reminder – PUSH THOSE BERGEN BASSMASTER RAFFLE TICKETS. There are less than two months left and July 17th may be your last opportunity to pick up more raffle tickets. First Place are two coveted field level Champ box seats at Yankee Stadium (September 12) with two passes to the private Sony Stadium Club. Second Place is dinner for two at St. Bart’s Café on Park Avenue, NYC.
Hudson River July 19th – Look out for floating debris and watch out for large wakes and sand bars. Riders should assist with look out duties.
Tide tables for July 19, 2008:
Catskill: Low 10:57AM High 4:36PM
Kingston: Low 9:33AM High 3:15PM
Nick Albano
