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Fig Rig Rods announce continued support to the Arizona BASS Federation Nation in 2007
Fig Rig Rods are proud to continue as the Official Rod Sponsor for the Arizona Federation Nation for 2007, and want to thank all of you for your continued support. We would also like to thank Fig Rig for supporting the AZ Federation Nation, by supplying rods to the 2007 state team.
You can also find Fig Rig Rods at these Arizona Retailers. Fisherman's Choice 13615 N 35th Ave Phoenix; Props Plus 8625 E Mcdowell Rd, Scottsdale; Hwy 188 Tackle 117 Quail Trail, Tonto Basin; Lew's Tackle 1735 W Apache Trail Ste#9 Apache Jct

The Secretary’ Scoop Well we are mid way through another season, however we still need your help in updating the information in the system. If we could have every club send an updated roster to Don Seabastian as soon as possible. Don Sebastian

The President’s Cast
I guess there is only one way to start this letter off and that is by giving my congratulations to our 2007 Arizona State Team and their captain, Jeff Guerrette. In case you haven’t heard, our team traveled to Lake Powell May 9-11 and finished 2nd amongst the Western Divisions eleven states. Their 2nd place effort brought a check of $12,000 back to the Federation Nation. I am sure I speak on behalf of all of you when I say that we are proud of that effort.

And the other big news occurred on the individual side of the competition as our own Jeff Guerrette reeled in 1st place with a 3-day sack of 38.09lbs, which included the $1000 Purolator Big Bass which weighed 6.14lbs. This was an awesome feat as well. Jeff will now represent Arizona at the Federation Nation Nationals later this year where he will be competing against the other ten Western Division State Champions for the right to compete at the 2008 Bassmasters Classic. Good luck Jeff!

I want to take the time to thank all of my fellow board members, as well as the other volunteers, who worked their tails off allowing us to adequately support this team financially and exceed our initial goal in this area. Everyone participating in the Qualifiers has been helping as well, but there was a lot of extra work done that allowed us to go from $0-a comfortable level in less than a year’s time. The State Team members have been very grateful for the support and have relayed to me that most of the other states did not receive nearly the amount they did. Well in return, they have jump started us for 2008 by bringing home the big check

On another note, B.A.S.S. recently called me to inform us that we finished 3rd as a state in the Drive the Nation contest. This was based on a rise in membership percentage. First place was a boat, second place earned a visit from Ray Scott and though nothing was originally noted for third, I was informed that our efforts have caught the attention of B.A.S.S.

Don’t forget the next meeting, July 3rd at Iron Works, one block north of Bell on 45th Ave., beginning at 7pm. I would like to see someone from each club at these meetings if at all possible. Until then keep your lines wet and your boots dry.
Kip Pollay AZBFN State President

Youth Director’s Digest
As Kip mentioned in his column, This time of year is slow, due to the extreme temperatures we see during the day. But let’s not let the heat drive us from taking out the kids for a day at the water. With the temperature rising take the kids and head up north to the high country and do a little bank fishing. The temperatures are lower and you will be able to fish longer. So don't let the summer heat be an excuse for not getting out and taking a kid into the outdoors.

The Youth of Today Need Guidance
Not the normal guidance like the difference between right and wrong but guidance in how they spend their free time. We as outdoorsmen rely on technology to provide us vital information for our outings. We use the internet for everything, from looking up area weather reports for where we are going to reading fishing reports and reviews on various sites. The down side to this technology is that we are competing against it for our child's time. They have the internet, video games, and many other gizmos and gadgets, which they feel they cannot live without. It is up to us as parents and outdoor enthusiasts to curb this trend, get our kids into the outdoors, and show them that fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking among other outdoors activities can be fun. It does not have to be a little green person running around on a computer screen to be enjoyable. In recent studies, it is estimated that 92% of our children play some sort of video or computer games. Numerous agencies and organizations have programs that can assist parents in this daunting task. From state Game and Fish departments to clubs/organizations such as the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, the National Shooting Sports Foundation's Scholastic Clay Target Program just to name a few, have programs set up to get children involved in the outdoors. All one needs to do is contact their local or state agency or a local club to get more information on their programs. There are also numerous events held throughout the year for kids by organizations that are not normally associated with the outdoors, such as the Glendale Arizona Police Department's annual youth fishing tournament. Events such as these are held throughout the country, just look in your local paper or outdoor outlets for information. Organizations can use celebrities or pro athletes to show that the outdoor activities are cool. Much like the Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation did in 2006 by approaching the NFL's Arizona Cardinals to host the state Casting Kids finals. By utilizing a packed NFL stadium as a public stage it showed the youth of today that even athletes think fishing and the outdoors is cool.


Another motive to get our kids into the outdoors is for health reasons. Today's youth are becoming more and more obese. Recent studies conclude that approximately 9 million children over the age of six are over weight. That is almost one out of every five kids. They sit around watching TV or playing video games, eating snacks and drinking soda. This constant routine of being inactive could lead to very serious health issues such as diabetes. So parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, go out, find information on outdoor activities, and get your child involved. For more information on youth activities contact me via email.

Conservation Corner
Sure-Life one of our sponsors has provided us with some important on SEVERAL changes in their livewell formulas they want to share with us. See the press release here.


Arizona BASS Federation Nation welcomes Sun Devil Auto as new sponsor.
We are proud to announce Sun Devil Auto as the Newest Sponsor of the Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation. Sun Devil Auto is happy to team up with all Nation members and is pleased to help each and every one of us with our Automotive needs. Click here for coupons and more information.

2007 AZBFN State Team Profiles

Jeff Guerrette

Age- 32
B.A.S.S. Club- Surprise Bass
Federation Member- 4 years
Big Bass- 11.8 lb. largemouth
Favorite Lake- Bartlett
Favorite Lure- Jig
Favorite Technique- Flipping
Boat- Triton TR-21
Motor- Yamaha
Electronics- Lowrance
Sponsor- Trademark Tile Inc.
Accomplishments- 2006 AZBFN Angler of the Year, 2007 AZBFN State Team Captain, 2007 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Western Division Champion,
2007 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation National Qualifier



Doug Noble

Age- 44
B.A.S.S. Club- Prescott Bass
Federation Member- 5 years
Big Bass- 8.3 lb. largemouth
Favorite Lake- Roosevelt
Favorite Lure- Spinnerbait
Favorite Technique- Spinnerbait
Boat- Triton
Motor- Mercury
Electronics- Lowrance
Sponsor- Wife, Noble Heritage
Accomplishments- 2007 Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation State Team

Tournament Trail
The second Arizona BASS Federation Nation Qualifier of the 2007 season was held at Alamo Lake Apr. 21st. The team of Ray Noble & Larry Larabee won with a weight of 14.41 lbs. The complete results can be seen here.