A few last minute bumps but the season is under way!

    Our first tournament of 2008 is in the books and we are on our way towards an exciting, and challenging season.  Jason Mordhorst and his tournament committee should be commended for the outstanding job they did just to get this first event off the ground despite the last minute changes.  Blast off and weigh-in were smooth and flowed quite well and most importantly, everyone had a great time.  But I did miss who got the whoopass prize????

     Congratulations goes out to John Ernest who claimed his third points tournament win on Candlewood and 4th overall as a member of Bergen, besting the field by over two pounds and taking lunker with a whopper 4 pound 9 ounce smallie!  Using an arsenal of baits, he once again rose to the top and is taking a run at being the first Bergen member to win a third Angler of the Year title.  Not yet ready to give up his crown easily was last year's top angler, Pat Van Wettering who was the runner up at Candlewood.  Ironically, the top angler 2 years ago, John Hart, placed third.  Is it me or does anyone see a  trend?  With Nick Albano, another two time Angler of the Year, also placing in the top five, these guys are out to a quick start.  It should be quite interesting, especially heading into Lake Zoar in a few weeks!

     I mentioned the last minute bumps earlier and that brings me to the topic of my monthly "rant."  I appeal to the membership to have some small measure of consideration for those trying to organize the tournament pairings.  There are circumstances where a last minute withdrawal from a tournament simply cannot be avoided, however, too many simply wait until the last minute to decide whether or not the feel like fishing.  This is totally self centered, inconsiderate to both your drawn partner and The Tourn. Director, and should not happen.  If you're not sure if you want to fish the tournament or not, don't put in the draw.  It easier to add you later than it is to cancel out other people if you opt to back out.  In cases of observers who are the first to be "bumped", these guys go out and buy licenses, change plans, etc. and then get canceled the day before the event....this is really not fair to them.  Understandably, sometimes it's unavoidable but most times I've seen, advanced notice could have, and should have been given.  I just ask each member to be more considerate as the season goes on.

     Along the same lines, you're probably aware through various emails that we had a member take a leave of Absence after the deadline and close of open enrollment which would have left the club short one person this year.  Fortunately, Wayne Wileken, a former observer, was looking to rejoin the club and jumped on the opportunity to fill the spot and I think each of you who responded to allow us to make this happen.  Wayne's ratification vote will take place at the May meeting.  Unfortunately, two days prior to Candlewood, the board was notified that Steve Rusert will also need to take a leave this year for various reasons.  I admit that I was very disappointed not only that Steve would not be with us this year, but also that he waited so long to tell us.  Now, we are once again stuck without the opportunity to fill that open position and will be short one member this season.  Hopefully, Steve will reconsider prior to the May meeting as not only is he an excellent fisherman but he could have done well at the Team Tournament had he been allowed to fish and in general, he brings a lot to the club.  Steve, I know you're not big on computers but if you read this, please, reconsider....

     That's about it for now.  Congrats again to the top finishers at Candlewood and to the new Tournament Director and committee.  Keep up the great work!  This is going to be a great season!

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